As a rule, you must remit the GST in four quarterly instalments if:

• you file your returns annually;
• the net amount of GST you expect to pay for the current year is $3,000 or more; and
• the net amount of GST you paid for the previous year is $3,000 or more.

The same rule applies to the QST.

You must make your payments within one month after the last day of each quarter of your fiscal year. The return you must file at the end of the year will help you compare the total of your instalment payments with the actual amounts of GST or QST remittable.

You are not required to make instalments if the net GST or QST that you expect to pay for the current year or paid for the previous year is less than $3,000. You can simply file the annual return and remit the net GST and QST payable, or claim your refund.

The $3,000 limit refers to the total net tax payable by the business. If the business has branches or divisions that file separate returns, the limit refers to the total net tax payable by the business as a whole, including the tax collected by its branches and divisions.

Calculating instalment payments

You can use one of the following forms to calculate the amount of your instalment payments:

• Calculation of Instalments – QST (VDZ-458.0.2-V)
• Calculation of Instalments – GST/HST and QST (FPZ-558.C-V)

Payment options

You can make your instalment payments in any of the following ways:

• electronically,
  • using the online payment service of a financial institution (if you file a separate return for the GST or the QST, you must use the payment code shown on your remittance slip),
  • at a financial institution or an ATM (check with your financial institution to see if it offers these payment options); or
• by mail (return the remittance slip from form FPZ-558-V, GST/HST and QST Instalments, in the envelope provided, along with a cheque or money order).

If the amount of GST or QST to be remitted is $10,000 or more, you are required to make your payment electronically, unless electronic payment is impossible due to special circumstances.  

Viewing payment information

Log in to My Account for businesses to view your payments and statement of account.

Penalties and interest

To avoid being charged late-filing penalties, penalties for failing to file or interest, see the QST and GST/HST remittance schedules.