If your small business reaches the GST/HST registration threshold but you don't register, you could face penalties, lose the ability to claim input tax credits, and face CRA enforcement action. In Canada, once your business revenue exceeds $30,000 in any four consecutive calendar quarters, you're legally required to register for GST/HST within 29 days. Operating without registration when required is a compliance violation, even if you don't do it intentionally. Many new small business owners think they can avoid the paperwork by staying under the radar, but the CRA actively audits small businesses and can impose significant penalties if they discover you were required to register but didn't. Let's explore what really happens when registration requirements are missed and how to get compliant in 2026. The $30,000 threshold isn't arbitrary. It's designed to capture businesses that have enough revenue to collect and remit taxes fairly. Once you cross that threshold, the CRA expects you to register and start charging GST/HST to your customers (with some exceptions for certain services). The critical part: the CRA can look back retroactively. If you didn't register when required, they can assess you for GST/HST you should have collected, plus interest and penalties.
You must register for GST/HST when your business revenue exceeds $30,000 in any four consecutive calendar quarters. Once you hit this threshold, you have 29 days to register with the CRA. This threshold applies to most Canadian small businesses, though some exceptions exist for certain service providers.
No. This CRA rule may apply to you: you can only claim input tax credits (ITCs) on GST/HST you paid on business expenses if your business was registered for GST/HST when you purchased those items. Expenses incurred while unregistered cannot generate ITCs, even if you register later.
Late registration penalties typically range from 5-10% of the GST/HST you should have collected, plus interest calculated from the date the tax was due. The CRA may also assess gross negligence penalties if they believe you intentionally avoided registration. The exact penalty depends on your province and circumstances.
Yes. The CRA discovers non-registered businesses through tax return audits, GST/HST compliance programs, payroll records, third-party reporting, and online business activity. The agency actively monitors business registrations and can look back retroactively several years to assess unpaid GST/HST.
Register immediately with the CRA and consider making a voluntary disclosure to explain the situation. While you'll still owe back GST/HST and interest, voluntary disclosure often reduces or eliminates penalties. Consulting a tax professional or bookkeeper can help ensure you comply fully and minimize your tax bill.