How Do I Pay GST/QST to the Government?

Paying your GST/QST correctly and on time is just as important as filing the return itself. Even if your FPZ-500-V is submitted on time, a late payment triggers interest, freezes refunds, and may lead to warning letters or audit attention. The good news is that Revenu Québec has multiple payment methods but each one has its own rules, processing times, and risks if not handled properly.

This guide explains every way to pay GST/QST, what the government considers “on time,” and how to avoid costly mistakes.

When Is GST/QST Payment Due?

Your payment is due on the same date as your GST/QST filing deadline.
This depends on your filing frequency:

• Monthly filers: last day of the following month
• Quarterly filers: last day of the month after the quarter
• Annual filers: three months after year-end

Important: If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date becomes the next business day.

Payment Method: Online Banking (Fastest & Most Reliable)

Most Quebec businesses pay using online banking through their financial institution.

How it works:
• search “Revenu Québec – GST/QST remittance” or similar
• enter your 10-digit reference number
• submit payment before midnight on the due date

Processing time: same day
Recommended: yes this is the safest, fastest, and audit-proof method.

Payment Method: Pre-Authorized Debit (Through My Account)

You can schedule a payment directly inside Revenu Québec’s Mon Dossier portal.

Benefits:
• fully automated
• guaranteed to be on time
• ideal for recurring monthly/quarterly payments

You must set this up before the deadline same-day setup is not always guaranteed.

Payment Method: Payment at Your Bank Branch

Some businesses still prefer to pay in person.

Risk:
• bank processing delays
• teller cut-off times
• potential lineups on deadline day

If the payment is stamped late, you owe interest even if you were on time.

Payment Method: Cheque by Mail (Not Recommended)

You can mail a cheque to Revenu Québec, but this is the riskiest method.

Problems:
• postal delays
• lost mail
• no proof of on-time delivery
• slow processing

Revenu Québec considers payment received, not mailed, as the official date.

Payment Method: Payment Through a Third-Party Tax Service

Some accounting systems integrate with Revenu Québec’s payment tools.
These are safe if:
• you use a reputable provider
• payment is timestamped on the due date

Always verify the payment confirmation.

How to Know Your Payment Was Accepted

You should receive:
• a confirmation number
• a banking transaction record
• an entry in your Revenu Québec account showing a reduced balance

If the balance remains unchanged after several days, follow up.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay on Time?

Revenu Québec will apply:

1. Daily Interest Charges

Interest starts the day after the deadline and compounds daily.

2. Refund Holds

If you expect a refund, it will not be released until the outstanding balance is paid.

3. Collection Actions

For persistent non-payment:
• demand letters
• garnished refunds
• payment agreements required
• bank account seizures (serious cases)

4. Audit Risk

Late or missed payments increase the likelihood of a GST/QST audit.

Best Practices to Stay Compliant

• schedule payments 2–3 days early
• use online banking or pre-authorized debit
• reconcile GST/QST monthly
• verify your reference number before sending payment
• avoid mailing cheques
• track deadlines in your calendar
• set aside funds during each period to prepare for remittance

Mackisen Strategy

Mackisen CPA ensures businesses never miss a payment deadline by:
• calculating exact balances owing
• setting up secure payment methods
• reconciling tax collected vs. paid
• monitoring GST/QST due dates
• helping with payment arrangements if cash flow is tight

We keep your GST/QST account clean, compliant, and stress-free.

Real Client Experience

A startup filed on time but paid two days late. Their refund was frozen for weeks. Mackisen helped correct the issue and set up automated payments.

A contractor used mailed cheques and triggered multiple late-payment interest charges. Mackisen switched them to online banking and eliminated the problem.

An e-commerce seller mis-entered their reference number, causing misapplied payments. Mackisen dealt with Revenu Québec to fix the posting.

Common Questions

Can I pay before filing?
Yes, but you should still file your return. Payment alone does not count as filing.

What if I can’t pay the full amount?
Revenu Québec allows payment plans better to arrange one early than be charged interest and penalties.

Is a bounced GST/QST payment serious?
Yes NSF payments can trigger penalties and collection action.

Why Mackisen

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps businesses manage GST/QST filings and payments seamlessly. We prevent penalties, remove stress, and ensure full compliance every single period.