GST/HST for self-employed contractors (Canada)
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Applies to: Self-employed Canadian independent contractors working for a Canadian client.
Summary: If you're a Canadian self-employed contractor working for a Canadian client and you're registered for GST/HST, the platform automatically adds the applicable sales tax on top of your earnings — the rate depends on the province where you work. You receive that tax along with your pay, and you're responsible for remitting it to the CRA (and Revenu Québec for QST). If you're not registered, no GST/HST is added.
What GST/HST is
GST (Goods and Services Tax) and HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) are Canada's sales taxes on goods and services — and the services you provide as a self-employed contractor can be subject to them. Some provinces charge GST on its own; others combine the federal and provincial portions into a single HST. Quebec additionally charges its own QST alongside GST.
When it's added to your pay
The platform adds GST/HST to your earnings only when both are true:
You're a Canadian self-employed contractor working for a Canadian client (the work is performed in Canada), and
your profile is marked as registered for GST/HST.
The rate depends on your province
The rate is based on the province or territory where the work is performed:
Province / Territory | Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon | GST | 5% |
Ontario | HST | 13% |
New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island | HST | 15% |
Quebec | GST + QST | 5% + 9.975% |
The tax is applied to your work earnings — regular pay, overtime, double-time, retro pay, and premiums.
How it shows up
The GST/HST (and QST in Quebec) appears as a separate line on top of your earnings, calculated as your earnings × the applicable rate. You receive that amount together with your pay. Because it's tax you've collected, you're responsible for remitting it to the CRA (and to Revenu Québec for the QST portion) as part of your own filings.
Do I need to register?
Registration is between you and the CRA. In general, once your self-employment revenue passes the CRA's small-supplier threshold (generally CAD $30,000 over four consecutive quarters), you're required to register for GST/HST; below that you usually can register voluntarily but aren't required to. Check the CRA (and Revenu Québec, if you're in Quebec) for the rules that apply to you.
Once you are registered, make sure your profile reflects it so the tax is applied correctly — if your registration status changes, email support@ascen.com so it can be updated. Tax setup is handled by Ascen, not by your staffing partner.
This isn't tax advice. GST/HST rules depend on your situation and province. Confirm your obligations with a tax professional or the Canada Revenue Agency (and Revenu Québec in Quebec).