Is HST the same as GST + PST in Ontario?

Functionally yes — Ontario harmonized its provincial sales tax with the federal GST in 2010, so instead of charging two separate taxes, you charge one combined 13% HST. You still only need one GST/HST number, issued by the CRA.

Do I charge Ontario HST to an out-of-province client?

Generally, Canadian sales tax is based on where your customer is located, not where your business is based — if your client is in a different province, that province's rate applies instead. Confirm with the CRA for cross-border or unusual situations.

What happens if I don't register once I cross $30,000?

You're required to register for a GST/HST number and start charging tax once your revenue crosses the threshold — the CRA can assess back taxes and penalties if you don't. Register as soon as you're close to crossing it, not after.

How to Invoice in Ontario

Sales tax rate, registration threshold, and CRA rules for invoicing in Ontario — plus a worked example.

By InvoiceFlow Canada Team · Updated July 19, 2026

Quick answer

Ontario charges HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) at a flat 13% — 5% federal GST plus an 8% provincial portion, combined into one line. Register for a GST/HST number once your revenue crosses $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters; below that, you're a CRA "small supplier" and don't charge HST.

What's the sales tax rate in Ontario?

Ontario charges HST 13%on most goods and services — the exact rate InvoiceFlowCA applies automatically once you set your customer's province in the invoice generator below. Register once your self-employed revenue crosses $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters; below that threshold, no tax applies at all.

HST 13%

HST applies as one combined rate to almost all goods and services in Ontario — there's no separate GST/PST split to track.

How much tax would I charge on a $1,000.00 invoice in Ontario?

On a $1,000.00 invoice in Ontario, you'd charge HST 13% — $130.00 in tax — for a total of $1,130.00 due. This is exactly how InvoiceFlowCA calculates it automatically on your own invoices, using the current rate for Ontario, not a hardcoded number that can go stale.

A $1,000.00 invoice to a customer in Ontario:

Subtotal: $1,000.00
HST 13%
Tax total: $130.00
Total due: $1,130.00

When do I need to register for GST/HST in Ontario?

You must register for a GST/HST number once your total self-employed revenue crosses $30,000over four consecutive calendar quarters — below that, you're a CRA "small supplier" and aren't required to charge tax at all. This threshold is federal and applies the same way in every province.

Try it on your next invoice

Free, no signup — set the customer's province to Ontario and let tax calculate automatically.

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Frequently asked questions

Free Invoice GeneratorCreate a tax-ready invoice with the correct rate applied automatically.GST/HST CalculatorInstant tax calculation for any province, plus reverse calculation.Freelancer Invoicing in CanadaThe full legal requirements and province-by-province tax rates in one place.Sales Tax Rates by ProvinceSee every province and territory's current rate in one always-current table.How to Invoice in British Columbia5% (typically) sales tax and registration rules for British Columbia.How to Invoice in Alberta5% sales tax and registration rules for Alberta.