HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A GST/QST NUMBER AFTER REGISTERING?

Whether you are launching a new business, starting to freelance, opening an online store, or expanding operations, one of the first administrative steps is registering for GST and QST. But how long does it actually take for Revenue Québec to issue your tax numbers? The answer depends on how you register, whether Revenue Québec requires verification, and whether your information is complete. This guide explains typical wait times, factors that delay registration, and what you can do to speed up the process.

Knowing the timeline helps you plan your first invoices, avoid charging tax illegally, and start claiming input tax credits/refunds (ITCs/ITRs) promptly.

LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

GST registration is governed by the Excise Tax Act, while QST registration follows the Quebec Taxation Act.
Under these laws:

• You cannot legally charge GST/QST until you receive your tax numbers
• You must register once you exceed the $30,000 threshold
• Voluntary registration is permitted anytime
• Revenue Québec administers both GST and QST in Quebec

Once registered, the business must comply fully with filing and remittance requirements.

KEY COURT DECISIONS

Courts have ruled that:

• businesses must wait for registration before collecting tax
• retroactive charging of GST/QST cannot occur without customer consent
• failure to register promptly may lead to retroactive assessments
• delays caused by incomplete applications are the business’s responsibility
• the burden of proof of registration lies with the taxpayer

These decisions reinforce why timely and accurate registration is essential.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET GST/QST NUMBERS?

Here are the typical processing times:

1. REGISTERING ONLINE (FASTEST METHOD)

Using Revenue Québec’s online registration portal:

Processing time: Immediate to 48 hours

Most businesses receive:

• GST number
• QST number
• filing frequency confirmation
• effective registration date

within minutes or up to 2 business days.

2. REGISTERING BY PHONE

Calling Revenue Québec’s business services line:

Processing time: 1 to 3 business days

Phone registration is efficient, but the agent may request documents by email or fax, extending the timeline.

3. REGISTERING BY MAIL OR PAPER FORM

Submitting forms FP-518-V (QST) and RC1 (GST) by mail:

Processing time: 2 to 6 weeks

Delays occur because:

• documents must be scanned manually
• incomplete forms trigger follow-up requests
• busy periods slow down processing

Paper registration is the slowest and least recommended method.

4. REGISTERING THROUGH A CPA

A CPA can register your business directly through Revenue Québec:

Processing time: same day to 48 hours

CPAs ensure:

• forms are complete
• business activity is properly described
• threshold issues are addressed
• delays are minimized

This is often the best option for new entrepreneurs.

WHAT CAN DELAY YOUR GST/QST REGISTRATION?

Certain issues may slow down processing:

• incomplete application forms
• missing business activity descriptions
• contradictory information
• identity verification requirements
• incorrect contact information
• registering using an unverified business number
• new businesses flagged for review
• out-of-province or international owners

Revenue Québec may request additional documentation before issuing numbers.

HOW TO SPEED UP REGISTRATION

To avoid delays:

• use the online portal
• provide clear business activity descriptions
• have your NEQ or federal BN ready
• ensure address and contact info match registration documents
• avoid paper forms
• respond promptly to any Revenue Québec inquiries
• work with a CPA to complete the process

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR NUMBERS?

You will receive:

• GST number (Rxxxxxxx)
• QST number (TQxxxxxxx)
• filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annual)
• effective start date

Be sure to:

• update invoicing templates
• configure your accounting system
• add tax numbers to all client invoices
• begin collecting GST/QST on taxable sales
• track ITCs/ITRs from your first day of registration

WHAT IF YOU NEED TO START CHARGING TAX IMMEDIATELY?

You cannot charge GST/QST before your numbers are issued.
However:

• you may issue an invoice without tax, then reissue once numbers arrive
• or delay invoicing until registration is complete
• or ask a CPA to expedite registration

Charging tax without registration is a compliance violation.

MACKISEN STRATEGY

Mackisen CPA handles GST/QST registration for new and growing businesses. We ensure:

• fast online registration
• complete and accurate information
• correct classification of activities
• immediate setup of tax codes in your accounting software
• proper invoicing for your first taxable sale

We also assist businesses that exceed the threshold unexpectedly and need retroactive registration.

REAL CLIENT EXPERIENCE

A freelancer attempted to register by mail and waited 5 weeks. Mackisen re-registered online and received numbers the same day.

A startup with foreign ownership experienced delays. Mackisen prepared supplemental documents and accelerated approval.

A retail business needed tax numbers urgently before opening day. Mackisen completed registration within 24 hours.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I charge tax before registration?
No. You must wait for GST/QST numbers.

Can registration be retroactive?
Yes — if you exceeded the threshold earlier.

Is registration always automatic online?
Usually, but some businesses require manual review.

Can I use CRA My Business Account to get a QST number?
No. All QST registration is through Revenue Québec.

WHY MACKISEN

With more than 35 years of combined CPA experience, Mackisen CPA Montreal helps entrepreneurs register for GST/QST quickly, correctly, and without delays. Our guidance ensures your business launches smoothly and remains compliant from day one.