Annual GST/HST Filer

by Glen
(Canada)

Hi,

I am having difficulty understanding why, when I have a December Year End and sales are LT 1.5 million, I keep receiving a paper return which tells me to file by March 31st, 2011.

Originally when my business was set up years ago my Accountant gave me a January 31st year-end as that was acceptable. But then CRA changed all years ends to December 31st. We kept the January year end and paid an annual fee for keeping it.

When we reached the amount of zero owing stipulated we did two years financial statements and made the year end 31st December. Should this not mean that I am an annual filer who should pay my HST/GST by April 30 and file by June 15th.

Hope this is understandable and could do with some help here.

Glen

Hi Glen,

If you go to CRA's website and click on Important dates under Key Information on the right hand side, then click on GST/HST> filing your return on time, you will see that it does in fact say:

"If you have an annual reporting period, you usually have to file your GST/HST return and remit any amount owing no later than three months after the end of the fiscal year.

Exception - Your GST/HST payment is due by April 30 if:

• you are an individual with business income for income tax purposes;


• you file annual GST/HST returns; and


• you have a December 31 fiscal year-end.

Although your payment is due April 30, you have until June 15 to file your GST/HST return."


I would call CRA and discuss it with them. Chances are they can reset your date.