{"id":538,"date":"2025-11-23T21:22:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T21:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canada.truenorthtaxes.ca\/?p=538"},"modified":"2025-11-23T21:22:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T21:22:07","slug":"gst-hst-self-employed-freelancers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/gst-hst-self-employed-freelancers\/","title":{"rendered":"GST\/HST for Self-Employed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n:root {\n    --primary-color: #4F46E5;\n    --secondary-color: #10B981;\n    --text-dark: #1F2937;\n    --text-light: #6B7280;\n    --bg-light: #F9FAFB;\n    --border-color: #E5E7EB;\n    --success-color: #059669;\n    --warning-color: #F59E0B;\n}\n\n.vftc-wrapper {\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;\n    max-width: 1200px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 20px;\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n}\n\n.vftc-hero {\n    text-align: center;\n    padding: 40px 20px;\n    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box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .vftc-hero h1 {\n        font-size: 1.8em;\n    }\n    \n    .vftc-content {\n        padding: 24px;\n    }\n    \n    .vftc-features-grid {\n        grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n    }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"vftc-wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"vftc-hero\">\n        <h1>GST\/HST for Self-Employed Canadians 2026<\/h1>\n        <p>Navigate the sales tax maze like a pro and keep more of your hard-earned loonies<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"vftc-content\">\n    <p>Let&#8217;s cut through the CRA jargon, eh? If you&#8217;re self-employed, figuring out GST\/HST can feel like trying to understand Don Cherry on a Saturday night\u2014overwhelming at first, but it makes sense once you know the rules. Whether you&#8217;re a freelance designer in Toronto or a carpenter in Calgary, this guide will help you understand exactly when to register, how much to charge, and how to keep the taxman happy.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-highlight-box\">\n        <h3>Quick Answer<\/h3>\n        <p><strong>You must register for GST\/HST when your taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 in four consecutive quarters or a single quarter.<\/strong> Once registered, you charge 5% GST in Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and the territories; 13% HST in Ontario; and 14% HST in Nova Scotia (reduced from 15% in 2025). You can claim input tax credits (ITCs) to recover GST\/HST paid on business expenses.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 12l2 2 4-4m6 2a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        The $30,000 Question: Are You Still a Small Supplier?\n    <\/h2>\n    \n    <p>Here&#8217;s where most self-employed folks get tripped up. The CRA gives you a sweet deal called the <strong>small supplier exemption<\/strong>\u2014but it comes with a catch. If your worldwide taxable revenue stays under $30,000 across four consecutive quarters, you don&#8217;t have to register or charge GST\/HST. Sounds simple, right? Not so fast.<\/p>\n\n    <p>That $30,000 threshold isn&#8217;t based on your calendar year\u2014it&#8217;s a rolling four-quarter calculation. So if you earned $8,000 in Q1, $9,000 in Q2, $8,000 in Q3, and then BAM\u2014land a $10,000 contract in Q4, you&#8217;ve just crossed the line. The CRA expects you to register within 29 days of that fateful day. Miss that deadline? You could be on the hook for GST\/HST you should&#8217;ve collected but didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n    <p>And here&#8217;s the kicker: <strong>once you hit that threshold, there&#8217;s no going back.<\/strong> Even if your income drops below $30,000 next year, you&#8217;re registered for life (or at least until you close your business). That&#8217;s why many savvy freelancers voluntarily register early\u2014to claim those sweet input tax credits from day one.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-cta-box\">\n        <h3>Not Sure If You&#8217;ve Hit the Threshold?<\/h3>\n        <p>Use our calculator to track your revenue across quarters and get alerts before you cross the line<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/sales-tax-calculator\/\" class=\"vftc-cta-button\">Calculate Your Threshold Status<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Getting Your GST\/HST Number &#8211; The Registration Reality\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Ready to make it official? Getting your GST\/HST number is easier than ordering a double-double at Timmies. Here&#8217;s the drill:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li>Apply for a 9-digit Business Number (BN) through the CRA&#8217;s Business Registration Online (BRO)<\/li>\n        <li>During the same session, register for your GST\/HST account\u2014it&#8217;s free, eh!<\/li>\n        <li>Wait a few weeks for your confirmation letter with your registration number<\/li>\n        <li>Start charging GST\/HST on the effective date (usually your registration date)<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>You&#8217;ll need to display your GST\/HST number on every invoice, along with the rate you&#8217;re charging. Pro tip: set this up in your invoicing software from day one\u2014trying to add it retroactively to 50 invoices is about as fun as a January morning in Winnipeg without a toque.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M13 10V3L4 14h7v7l9-11h-7z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Charging Your Clients &#8211; It&#8217;s All About Location, Location, Location\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>This is where the <strong>place of supply rules<\/strong> come in\u2014and they&#8217;re the backbone of getting GST\/HST right. For goods, you charge the rate based on where your customer receives them. For services, it&#8217;s typically where your client&#8217;s business is located.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-features-grid\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M3.055 11H5a2 2 0 012 2v1a2 2 0 002 2 2 2 0 012 2v2.945M8 3.935V5.5A2.5 2.5 0 0010.5 8h.5a2 2 0 012 2 2 2 0 104 0 2 2 0 012-2h1.064M15 20.488V18a2 2 0 012-2h3.064\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>5% GST Zones<\/h4>\n            <p>Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, NWT, Nunavut, Yukon<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 7h6m0 10v-3m-3 3h.01M9 17h.01M9 14h.01M12 14h.01M15 11h.01M12 11h.01M9 11h.01M7 21h10a2 2 0 002-2V5a2 2 0 00-2-2H7a2 2 0 00-2 2v14a2 2 0 002 2z\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>13% HST<\/h4>\n            <p>Ontario\u2014Canada&#8217;s most populous province with unique rules<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 6.253v13m0-13C10.832 5.477 9.246 5 7.5 5S4.168 5.477 3 6.253v13C4.168 18.477 5.754 18 7.5 18s3.332.477 4.5 1.253m0-13C13.168 5.477 14.754 5 16.5 5c1.747 0 3.332.477 4.5 1.253v13C19.832 18.477 18.247 18 16.5 18c-1.746 0-3.332.477-4.5 1.253\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>14-15% HST<\/h4>\n            <p>Nova Scotia (14% since April 2025), NB, NL, PEI<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <p>Wait\u2014Nova Scotia dropped to 14%? You bet! As of April 1, 2025, the provincial portion decreased from 10% to 9%, making the combined HST rate 14%. If you&#8217;re shipping goods or providing services to Nova Scotia clients in 2026, that&#8217;s the rate you&#8217;ll charge. Staying on top of these changes is crucial because the CRA doesn&#8217;t care if you &#8220;didn&#8217;t know&#8221;\u2014they&#8217;ll still expect you to remit the correct amount.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 7h6m0 10v-3m-3 3h.01M9 17h.01M9 14h.01M12 14h.01M15 11h.01M12 11h.01M9 11h.01M7 21h10a2 2 0 002-2V5a2 2 0 00-2-2H7a2 2 0 00-2 2v14a2 2 0 002 2z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Input Tax Credits &#8211; Your New Best Friend\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Here&#8217;s where being registered actually pays off. <strong>Input Tax Credits (ITCs)<\/strong> let you recover the GST\/HST you pay on business expenses. Think of it as the CRA&#8217;s way of saying &#8220;we&#8217;ll give you back what you spent to make money.&#8221; That&#8217;s right\u2014every dollar of GST\/HST on your office supplies, software subscriptions, professional fees, and even that business trip to Vancouver can come back to you.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Crunching the numbers: If you collected $5,000 in GST from clients but paid $2,500 in HST on business expenses, you only remit $2,500 to the CRA. Sometimes, if your expenses are high, you might even get a refund. That&#8217;s better than finding a loonie in your winter coat pocket!<\/p>\n\n    <p>The catch? You need proper documentation\u2014receipts and invoices showing the GST\/HST paid\u2014and you must claim ITCs within four years. Keep those records organized, because the CRA loves to ask for them.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 12h6m-6 4h6m2 5H7a2 2 0 01-2-2V5a2 2 0 012-2h5.586a1 1 0 01.707.293l5.414 5.414a1 1 0 01.293.707V19a2 2 0 01-2 2z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Filing Returns &#8211; Don&#8217;t Let This Sneak Up On You\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Once you&#8217;re registered, the CRA wants to hear from you regularly. Your filing frequency depends on your revenue:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li><strong>Annual filing:<\/strong> If your revenue is under $1.5 million (most self-employed folks)<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Quarterly filing:<\/strong> If you prefer more frequent check-ins<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Monthly filing:<\/strong> Required if revenue exceeds $6 million<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>Annual filers typically have until June 15th to file (if you&#8217;re a sole proprietor), but any amount owing is due April 30th. That&#8217;s right\u2014file later but pay earlier. It&#8217;s one of those CRA quirks that catches new entrepreneurs off guard.<\/p>\n\n    <p>And here&#8217;s a heads up: since 2024, <strong>electronic filing is mandatory<\/strong> for all GST\/HST registrants (except charities). File a paper return and you&#8217;ll face penalties. The CRA&#8217;s My Business Account makes it painless\u2014file your GST\/HST return and remit payment in just a few clicks.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 9v2m0 4h.01m-6.938 4h13.856c1.54 0 2.502-1.667 1.732-2.5L13.732 4c-.77-.833-1.964-.833-2.732 0L3.732 16.5c-.77.833.192 2.5 1.732 2.5z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Special Cases &#038; Gotchas to Watch For\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Not every self-employed gig follows the standard rules. If you&#8217;re a taxi driver, Uber driver, or Lyft driver, you <strong>must register for GST\/HST from dollar one<\/strong>\u2014no $30,000 threshold for you. The CRA treats rideshare and taxi services differently because they&#8217;re considered &#8220;specified supplies.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n    <p>Performers and artists? Same deal. If you&#8217;re holding a concert in Canada, you need to register regardless of income. The CRA wants its cut of ticket sales, even if you&#8217;re just starting out.<\/p>\n\n    <p>And don&#8217;t forget about the <strong>Quick Method<\/strong>. If you&#8217;re under $400,000 in revenue, this simplified calculation lets you remit a flat rate (often 8.8% in Ontario) without claiming individual ITCs. For some businesses, it&#8217;s a time-saver that actually puts more money in your pocket. Worth running the numbers to see if it works for your situation.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-cta-box\">\n        <h3>Planning Your Business Structure?<\/h3>\n        <p>Understanding how GST\/HST fits into your overall tax picture is crucial for long-term success<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/tax-brackets-canada\/\" class=\"vftc-cta-button\">View Tax Brackets &#038; Planning Guide<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4m0 4h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Common Pitfalls That&#8217;ll Cost You\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Let&#8217;s be real\u2014the CRA doesn&#8217;t mess around. Here are the mistakes that&#8217;ll land you in hot water:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li><strong>Missing the 29-day registration window<\/strong> after crossing $30,000<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Charging the wrong rate<\/strong> because you ignored place of supply rules<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Forgetting to file nil returns<\/strong> when you had no business activity<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Not keeping receipts<\/strong> for ITC claims (the CRA will ask eventually)<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Mixing personal and business expenses<\/strong>\u2014a surefire audit trigger<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>The good news? These are all avoidable with a bit of organization and the right tools. <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/gst-hst-registration-small-businesses\/\" style=\"color: var(--primary-color); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600;\">Check out our detailed registration guide<\/a> to avoid the common traps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"vftc-faq-section\">\n    <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Do I need to register for GST\/HST if all my clients are outside Canada?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Yes, if your worldwide taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 CAD, you must register even if all sales are exports (zero-rated). While you won&#8217;t charge GST\/HST to foreign clients, you can still claim ITCs on business expenses. This often results in refunds, making registration financially smart.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            What happens if I cross the $30,000 threshold mid-contract?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            You must register within 29 days of crossing the threshold. For the contract that put you over, you only charge GST\/HST on the portion after your effective registration date. Notify your client immediately about the change, and adjust your invoices. The CRA expects proactive compliance, not retroactive tax collection.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can I claim ITCs for expenses from before my registration date?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Yes, within limits. You can claim ITCs for goods you still have on hand at registration, and for services purchased up to 30 days before registration if they&#8217;re for your commercial activities. For capital assets like computers or vehicles, special rules apply. Keep detailed records to support these claims.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            How do I handle GST\/HST for digital products sold to Canadians?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            The same place of supply rules apply. Charge GST\/HST based on the customer&#8217;s location (their home address or billing address). This means you need systems to track where your customers are and apply the correct rate. Platforms like Shopify can automate this, but you&#8217;re ultimately responsible for remitting correctly.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            What&#8217;s the difference between the Quick Method and Detailed Method?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            The Detailed Method tracks actual GST\/HST collected and actual ITCs on each expense. The Quick Method uses a flat remittance rate (e.g., 8.8% in Ontario) and gives you a 1% discount on the first $30,000 of revenue. You can&#8217;t claim individual ITCs under the Quick Method (except on capital purchases). For many service-based businesses, the Quick Method simplifies bookkeeping and often results in lower remittances.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Do I need a separate GST\/HST account for each province I sell in?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            No, one CRA GST\/HST account covers all provinces. You report all collections and ITCs on a single return. However, you must track sales by province to report them correctly. If you operate in Quebec, you also need a separate QST account with Revenu Qu\u00e9bec. Saskatchewan, BC, and Manitoba require separate PST registrations if you exceed their provincial thresholds.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            What if I forget to file a GST\/HST return?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            The CRA charges penalties\u2014starting at $250 for the first offense\u2014and interest on any amount owing. Even if you have no activity, you must file a nil return. Set calendar reminders or use accounting software with automatic notifications. The CRA&#8217;s My Business Account can send email alerts for upcoming deadlines.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can I register for GST\/HST before I start my business?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Absolutely! Voluntary registration is allowed and often recommended. You can start claiming ITCs on startup costs immediately. This is especially smart if you have significant equipment purchases or if you want to appear more established to potential clients. Just remember, once registered, you must file returns even during periods with no revenue.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n    const faqItems = document.querySelectorAll('.vftc-faq-item');\n    \n    faqItems.forEach(item => {\n        item.addEventListener('click', function() {\n            const isActive = this.classList.contains('active');\n            \n            \/\/ Close all items\n            faqItems.forEach(i => i.classList.remove('active'));\n            \n            \/\/ Open clicked item if it wasn't active\n            if (!isActive) {\n                this.classList.add('active');\n            }\n        });\n    });\n});\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GST\/HST for Self-Employed Canadians 2026 Navigate the sales tax maze like a pro and keep more of your hard-earned loonies Let&#8217;s cut through the CRA jargon, eh? If you&#8217;re self-employed, figuring out GST\/HST can feel like trying to understand Don Cherry on a Saturday night\u2014overwhelming at first, but it makes sense once you know the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gst-hst-guide-canada"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=538"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/538\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}