Changing the Length of Fiscal Periods (Accounting Periods)
You can elect to use fiscal periods that do not correspond to calendar quarters or months for a GST/HST and QST fiscal year.
You can also apply for approval to extend or shorten fiscal months, otherwise than as provided for by law.
In both situations, you must file form FP-671-V, Notification of Fiscal Periods and Application for Approval to Extend or Shorten Fiscal Months.
To elect to use a fiscal year that does not correspond to your taxation year, complete form FP-670-V, Election or Revocation of an Election Respecting a GST/HST and QST Fiscal Year.
Limitations concerning fiscal periods
As a rule, there cannot be more than four fiscal quarters in a fiscal year. The first fiscal quarter in a fiscal year begins on the first day of the fiscal year; the last fiscal quarter ends on the last day of the fiscal year.
A fiscal quarter cannot be longer than 119 days and, except for the first and last quarters of the fiscal year, cannot be shorter than 84 days.
The first month in a fiscal quarter begins on the first day of the fiscal quarter; the last month ends on the last day of the last fiscal quarter. Fiscal months must be between 28 and 35 days long. Only the first and last fiscal months can be shorter than 28 days.