• $127

GST/HST (And QST) Made Simple (Course)

  • Course
  • 45 Lessons

A step-by-step course for Canadian self-employed and small business owners to understand, calculate, and file GST/HST accurately so you can stay compliant, save time, avoid overpaying, and feel confident managing your sales tax.

GST/HST (and QST) doesn't have to be complicated or stressful

Dealing with GST/HST can feel overwhelming for many self employed and small business owners.

Mistakes can lead to paying to much tax, penalties, and time spent trying to identify and fix errors.

Here are some of the most common challenges solopreneurs face:

Knowing When to Register:

Are you unsure if you need to register now, later, or even at all?

Many business owners delay registration, not realizing they might be breaking the rules or missing out on tax-saving opportunities.

Understanding How to Calculate:

Calculating the right amount of GST/HST on your sales and expenses can be tricky, especially if you sell to clients in multiple provinces with different tax rates.

Are you charging the correct rate to your customers? Are you overpaying by not claiming all the input tax credits you're entitled to?

Ensuring that the Filing is Correct:

Filing GST/HST returns can seem complicated especially if you’re unsure how to organize your records or interpret CRA requirements.

What happens if you make a mistake or miss a deadline?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many small business owners share these challenges.

The good news is that with the right guidance, GST/HST can be simple and stress free.

Simplify GST/HST (and QST) with This Comprehensive Course

The GST/HST (and QST) Made Simple course is designed to take the guesswork out of managing sales tax so you can focus on growing your business. This step-by-step course provides everything you need to understand, calculate, and file your GST/HST with confidence.

Here’s how this course will help you:

Clear, Practical Lessons:

  • The course breaks down GST/HST concepts into simple, actionable steps.

  • You’ll learn exactly when and how to register, how to calculate taxes on sales and expenses, and how to file accurately.

Expert Guidance:

  • Created by me, a CPA with years of experience helping solopreneurs/small business navigate their GST/HST obligations.

  • You’ll gain insights that only someone with experience can provide

Time-Saving Tools:

  • The course provides tools, including templates, lesson summaries, video tutorials and how to guides that make managing GST/HST faster and easier.

  • Whether it’s simplifying calculations or staying organized for filing, you’ll have what you need to save hours of work.

Confidence to File Accurately:

  • No more second-guessing your calculations or worrying about mistakes or penalties.

  • The course teaches you how to keep your records organized, claim input tax credits properly, and file on time to avoid errors or delays that can be very costly.

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Learn how to use the Quick Method to potentially lower your tax burden.

  • Ensure you’re not leaving money on the table by missing taxes paid on expenses or failing to maximize tax-saving opportunities.

Self-Paced and Flexible:

  • This course is fully online, allowing you to work through the lessons at your own pace.

  • Revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.

Ongoing Access:

Gain ongoing access to the course materials and a dedicated space to ask questions, ensuring you have the support you need as you navigate GST/HST for your business..

Separate Section for GST/HST and QST Registration and Filing in Quebec

Is This Course Right for You?

The GST/HST Made Simple course is perfect for small business owners, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and solopreneurs with straightforward GST/HST (and QST) requirements. If you’re looking to take control of your sales taxes and feel confident about managing them, this course is for you.

Whether you’re:

  • A new or existing business owner, consultant, service provider, or content creator looking for beginner-friendly advice to set up and manage GST/HST from the start.

  • Newly self-employed and transitioning from being an employee who wants to confidently manage GST/HST, understand registration requirements, and track taxes accurately from the start.

  • Running a business that recently crossed the $30,000 threshold or voluntarily registered for GST/HST (and QST).

  • A bookkeeper or accountant who wants to strengthen their GST/HST knowledge to better serve small business clients.

This course will give you the tools and knowledge to navigate GST/HST (and QST) with confidence. You’ll learn how to calculate, file, and stay compliant—all without needing to hire an accountant or stress over tax jargon.

Note: This course is designed for businesses with straightforward GST/HST (and QST) needs and does not cover complex requirements for industries like non-profits, construction, real estate, or financial services.

What's Included in the Course

  • Video Overviews: Concise and clear video introductions for each section to guide your learning.

  • Quick Reference Summaries: Easy-to-read summaries for each section, so you can revisit key points anytime.

  • Step-by-Step Tutorials: How-to videos and related guides to simplify every step of the GST/HST process.

  • Practical Tools: Example spreadsheets with detailed instructions for Excel and Google Sheets to make tracking GST/HST effortless.

  • QuickBooks Online Guidance: Guidance on setting up and filing your GST/HST and QST in QuickBooks Online.

  • Quebec-Specific Content: A dedicated section with everything Quebec-based businesses need to comply with GST/HST and QST regulations.

  • And So Much More: Additional tools and insights to ensure you feel confident and in control of your sales taxes.

  • Interactive Support: Have questions? Use the comments section of each lesson to ask for clarification or share your thoughts—I’m here to help!

Pricing

Price: $127 + sales tax (Note that this is a deductible expense for your business)
Refund Guarantee: If you feel the course isn’t the right fit for you, simply email me within 14 days, and I’ll issue a full refund.

Contents

WELCOME (+ INSTRUCTIONS)

Hey there! Welcome to GST/HST Made Simple. I'm Ronika Khanna, a CPA and CFA, and the founder of MF. I'm thrilled you're here.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of guiding numerous small businesses, solopreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed individuals through the complexities of GST/HST and QST.

I understand that these tax matters can often feel overwhelming. Whether you're unsure about when to register, how to calculate what you owe, or how to file your returns, you're not alone. That's precisely why I created this course - to simplify the process and help you manage GST/HST with confidence.

By participating in this course, you'll gain several valuable benefits. You'll save time with clear, step-by-step instructions and avoid costly mistakes and penalties with accurate guidance. You'll also have access to practical tools like templates, checklists, and calculators that streamline GST/HST management. Moreover, you'll learn to handle these responsibilities yourself, saving money on outsourcing and claiming input tax credits.

Ultimately, you'll feel more confident navigating your GST/HST obligations as a small business owner. My goal is to empower you to take control of your GST/HST responsibilities to help reduce stress, keep you organized, and allow you to focus on what truly matters - growing your business.

To get started, I encourage you to review the course structure and familiarize yourself with lessons so that you can refer to them whenever necessary. When you're ready to start, simply start with the first: "What is GST/HST?" and go from there. 

If your business is located in Quebec, I recommend that you still review the lessons in each module as they all apply to GST. There are however differences with respect to registration and filing, which I have covered in a separate module

I'm looking forward to guiding you through this journey towards GST/HST proficiency!

Welcome To GST-HST Made Simple Course Video OVERVIEW
Course Checklist

WHAT IS GST/HST?

In this lesson, we’ll break down the essentials of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). You’ll learn what these taxes are, why they exist, and how they affect small businesses in Canada.

What is GST-HST Video OVERVIEW
Preview
Fast Facts: What is GST/HST

WHEN AND HOW TO REGISTER FOR GST/HST

In this lesson, we'll cover the essentials of GST/HST and QST registration. You'll learn about the $30,000 revenue threshold that requires registration, the benefits of voluntary registration, and the steps to register online through the CRA . We’ll also review the options for annual, quarterly, and monthly reporting, helping you choose the best approach for your business needs.

When and How to Register Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: When and How to Register
How To Register for GST/HST Video Tutorial
How To Register for GST/HST Step by Step Guide

WHAT RATE TO CHARGE?

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to determine the correct GST/HST rate to charge, distinguish between taxable, zero-rated, and exempt supplies, and calculate amounts accurately.

If your business is located in Quebec, please also refer to lesson GST/HST AND QST FOR QUEBEC BASED BUSINESSES

GST-HST Rates and How to Calculate Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: What Rate to Charge? GST/HST Rates by Province and International
Fast Facts: Zero Rated Vs Exempt Vs Taxable Supplies
Link to GST/HST Calculator from CRA

WHAT ARE INPUT TAX CREDITS

In this lesson, you’ll learn what input tax credits are, how to identify eligible expenses, and how to track and claim them accurately.

What Are Input Tax Credits Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: Input Tax Credits
Eligible Expenses Video Overview.mp4
Fast Facts: Eligible Expenses

HOW TO TRACK (DO THE ACOUNTING FOR) YOUR GST/HST USING A SPREADSHEET

You can use a spreadsheet or accounting software to track your GST/HST collected on sales and paid on expenses.

In this lesson, you will find a spreadsheet to help you track your sales and expenses and related GST/HST + an instructional video.

I have also included a Google sheets version, but I recommend the excel version.

Spreadsheet to Track Your GST/HST: Excel Version: RECOMMENDED
Spreadsheet to Track Your GST/HST: Google Sheets Version
GST-HST Template Video Tutorial

HOW TO TRACK (DO THE ACOUNTING FOR) YOUR GST/HST USING QUICKBOOKS ONLINE

In this lesson, you will find some instructional videos and text based summaries on how to set up and track your GST/HST in QuickBooks Online.

How To Set Up Sales Tax (GST/HST and QST) in QBO and Invoice Example Video Tutorial
How to File Your GST/HST Return in QBO Video Tutorial
Zero Rated Vs Exempt Vs Out of Scope in QBO Video Tutorial
Setting Up Sales Tax Tutorials and Related Articles (Directly From QuickBooks Online)

HOW TO FILE THE GST/HST RETURN

In this lesson, you’ll learn the steps to file your GST/HST return, how to use CRA’s My Business Account, and key tips to ensure accuracy.

How to File GST-HST Return Video OVERVIEW.mp4
Fast Facts: How To File the GST/HST Return
How to File the GST/HST Return and Make Payment Using CRA My Business Account Video Tutorial
How to File GST/HST Using CRA My Business Account Step by Step Guide
GST-HST Filing Checklist.pdf

GST/HST FILING DEADLINES, INSTALMENTS AND SAVING FOR TAXES

In this lesson, you’ll learn important GST/HST filing deadlines, how to save for taxes, manage instalments, and avoid penalties for late filing.

GST-HST Filing Deadlines and Saving for Taxes Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: GST/HST Filing Deadlines And Saving For Taxes
GST/HST Instalments: What You Need to Know
GST-HST Instalments Calculator
Fast Facts: Penalties and Interest for Late Filing

GST-QST COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

In this lesson, we'll go over some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

GST-HST Common Mistakes Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: GST/HST Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

GST/HST AND QST FOR QUEBEC BASED BUSINESSES

If your business is located in Quebec, you are required to register for GST/HST and QST with Revenue Quebec instead of Revenue Canada. You are also required to submit the GST/HST and QST return to Revenue Quebec.

In this lesson I will highlight the differences relating to Quebec registration and show you how to complete your registration and filings.

What is QST and How Is It Different from GST-HST Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: What Is QST and How Is It Different from GST-HST
How To Register for GST/HST and QST Guide
Spreadsheet to Track Your GST/HST and QST: Excel Version: RECOMMENDED
Spreadsheet to Track Your GST/HST and QST: Google Sheets Version
How to File GST/HST and QST Return ONLINE via Revenue Quebec Video Tutorial
How to File GST-HST-QST Return Step by Step Guide.pdf
How to Pay GST-QST Instalments Via Online Business Banking Video Tutorial

BONUS LESSON: WHAT IS THE QUICK METHOD (AND HOW IT CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY)

What is The Quick Method Video OVERVIEW
Fast Facts: Quick Method of Filing GST/HST

About me

Hi, I’m Ronika Khanna, a CPA, CA, and CFA with over 15 years of experience helping Canadian small business owners, solopreneurs, and freelancers simplify accounting, taxes, and finance. Through my company, Montreal Financial, I’ve helped numerous business owners navigate their finances and feel more confident.

I’m passionate about breaking down complex financial topics and making them accessible for everyone—even if numbers aren’t your thing. My approach is practical and action-oriented, designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions and save time and money.

Whether it’s through my books, courses, or consultations, my goal is to help you stress less about finances and focus more on growing your business.

Testimonials from Business Owners I’ve Helped