ATB Invoicing lets you charge GST/HST and PST/QST on quotes and invoices, either on the whole document or line by line. This article answers the most common questions about how sales tax works in ATB Invoicing.
Note. ATB Invoicing applies the tax rates you enter. It does not know whether your business is registered or which rate applies to a sale. If you are unsure, ask your accountant or check with the Canada Revenue Agency or Revenu Québec.
Is tax added to new invoices automatically?
Yes, GST/HST is. A new invoice or quote starts with Tax (GST/HST) turned on at 5%. PST is off until you add it.
If you do not charge GST/HST on a sale, open the Tax (GST/HST) row in the totals panel, select Edit GST/HST, and select Delete to remove it.
How do I change the GST/HST rate or add PST?
In the totals panel of the quote or invoice:
- Select Edit GST/HST to change the GST/HST rate, or Add PST to add provincial tax.
- Enter the rate in Rate (%). Enter the number only, for example 5 for 5%.
- Select Save (or Update when you are editing).
When you add PST for the first time, the rate starts at 7%. Change it to match the rate you charge.
Tip. Use the rate for your customer's billing location, not your business location.
How do I charge QST?
Enter QST in the PST field. On the totals panel it appears as Tax (PST). When you set tax on a single line item, the field is labelled PST/QST (%).
Can I charge tax on some line items but not others?
Yes. You can set tax per line item instead of for the whole document.
- Open a line item to edit it.
- Select Add tax.
- Enter GST/HST (%) and, if needed, PST/QST (%). To copy the document's current rates, select Apply default summary rates to this item.
Leave Add tax cleared on items that are exempt or zero-rated.
Note. Once any line item has its own tax, the document-wide GST/HST and PST rows are turned off. The totals panel then shows the combined tax from all line items.
Do my prices include tax or exclude it?
That depends on the Tax Setting on the quote or invoice:
- Exclusive — Tax is added on top of your line prices. This is the default.
- Inclusive — Your line prices already include tax, and ATB Invoicing works out the tax portion.
You can set a default for your organization under Manage Organization in Business Details (Tax Calculation), and override it for a specific customer. See Tax inclusive vs. tax exclusive.
Where does my GST/HST number appear?
Add your GST/HST Number under Manage Organization in Business Details. When it is set, it prints on your invoices, quotes, and receipts.
Can I change the tax after I send an invoice?
No. Tax rates and the Tax Setting lock when you send the invoice or quote. To correct the tax, duplicate the document, fix the rates, send the new one, and void the original. See Why can't I edit my invoice or quote?.
Where do I see the GST/HST I have collected?
Your dashboard shows the GST/HST you have collected. See Tracking GST/HST collected.
