Here’s What to Do Before the Deadline

It’s almost the end of the Quarter, and your GST/HST return for the filing period is still sitting on your to-do list. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Thousands of Canadian businesses are scrambling to meet the CRA’s deadline, and many are not sure where to begin. Whether you didn’t know your business had to file or you’ve just been too swamped to get it done, this guide will walk you through what to do right now to avoid penalties, interest, and stress.

So, take a breath. You still have time to file, and Novalora is here to help you get GST/HST ready fast.

Wait! What’s the GST/HST Deadline About?

If your business is registered for GST/HST, you’re required to file and pay your return for each reporting period

• • You must submit your return

• • You must pay any amount owing (or claim a refund)

Filing late, even by one day, can result in CRA penalties and interest charges, particularly if you owe money.

Signs You’re Not Ready Yet (And Why It Matters)

Here’s how you know you’re behind on filing:

• • You don’t have all your sales and expense records organized

• • You’re not sure what software or CRA portal to use

• • You don’t know how to calculate Input Tax Credits (ITCs)

• • You haven’t paid what you owe yet

• • You didn’t even know your business was supposed to file

Missing this deadline can result in:

• • Late filing penalties

• • Daily interest charges

• • Audit risk from the CRA

Here’s What to Do Today If You Haven’t Filed Yet

1. Gather Your Records (Sales, Expenses, and Receipts)

You’ll need to know:

• • Your total sales for the filing period e.g January 01 to March 31

• • The GST/HST you collected from customers

• • The GST/HST you paid on business expenses (called Input Tax Credits)

If you use accounting software like QuickBooks or Wave, run a “Sales Tax Report.” If not, gather your invoices and receipts manually or contact your bookkeeper.

2. Log Into the CRA’s My Business Account

Go to: CRA My Business Account

If you’ve never logged in before, you’ll need to register using your business number (BN) and follow the CRA’s setup steps.

Need help? Novalora helps business owners set up and manage CRA accounts regularly. Reach out to us here.

3. Calculate Your GST/HST Owing or Refund

Here’s the formula:

GST/HST Collected – Input Tax Credits (ITCs) = Amount to Pay or Refund to Receive

Don’t know how to calculate it? Click here and our team of tax filing specialists will help you calculate it accurately; fast and stress-free.

4. File and Pay Online

Once you calculate your numbers, file your return through:

• • CRA My Business Account

• • GST/HST NETFILE (Login here)

Payment Options:

• • Online banking (add CRA as a payee)

• • Pre-authorized debit

• • Credit card (through third-party payment processors)

5. Don’t Panic, Get Help Fast

If you’re completely lost or just don’t have time, we can file it for you. Novalora offers last-minute GST/HST filing support for Canadian businesses, allowing you to meet your deadline without errors or penalties.

Click here to request emergency filing support.

FAQs

Q. Do I still need to file if I had no sales?

1. 1. Yes. Even if you didn’t make a single sale, you must still file a nil return with the CRA.

Q. What if I file after the deadline?

1. 1. You’ll likely face:

• • A penalty of 1% of the balance owing, plus

• • Daily interest

• • Possible audit flag from the CRA

Filing even one day late counts as a missed deadline.

Final Words: You’ve Got This, But Don’t Wait

The good news? You still have time.
The bad news? Time is running out.

If you haven’t filed your GST/HST return, make it your priority before the due date. It doesn’t have to be stressful. Novalora can handle the entire process for you, even if your records are in disarray.

• • Book a one-on-one session with Novalora to get started.

• • Or contact us here for urgent support.

• • Sign up to our newsletter to get up to date information on how Novalora Inc. can help your business grow and stay compliant.