Canadian GST/HST registration providers for US companies

For a US company that needs Canadian GST/HST registration, start with the required registration type and the work you need done. Then compare providers against that scope.

RSM Canada and BDO Canada publish services that include Canadian indirect tax registration and compliance for nonresident businesses. Applying directly through the Canada Revenue Agency is another route when the facts are clear and your team can manage the filings.

This is a shortlist based on public service descriptions reviewed on September 24, 2026. It is not a ranking based on customer outcomes or undisclosed quotes.

Provider comparison

Sources: RSM's indirect tax services, BDO's compliance services, and CRA registration guidance.

Ask the firms which office and legal entity would serve your US company. A global brand does not tell you the contracting entity or the team's exact scope.

Decide what kind of registration you need

Canada has normal GST/HST registration and a simplified regime for qualifying digital-economy businesses. The choice is not determined by an arbitrary revenue cutoff between two service packages.

A US SaaS company should review whether it carries on business in Canada, who its customers are, how it sells, and whether a distribution platform handles covered sales. Use the CRA's registration test.

A provider should give you a written conclusion on the regime and effective date. If it quotes a registration fee before asking about those facts, ask what analysis the fee includes.

What to ask RSM or BDO

Use the same brief for each provider so you can compare like with like.

1. Which registration regime applies, and why?
2. Does the work include GST/HST only, or QST and relevant provincial sales taxes too?
3. Will you review the date the obligation began and any missed filings?
4. Do you assess any security requirement for normal nonresident registration?
5. Who submits the application and responds to government questions?
6. Who files returns after registration, and who approves and pays the tax?
7. What is included in the initial fee and recurring fee?
8. What happens if we change billing systems or end the engagement?

BDO's guide to nonresident security requirements is useful context for the security question. Do not assume every nonresident has the same obligation.

Prepare a registration brief

Give the provider your legal entity details, business address, product description, sales channels, and Canadian sales history. Separate direct sales from platform sales and collect the evidence available for customer location and GST/HST registration status.

Describe any Canadian staff, premises, inventory, or other local activity. These facts can affect the analysis; incorporation in the US does not answer every Canadian tax question.

List existing Canadian tax accounts and correspondence. A new application should not create a duplicate account or ignore a prior notice.

Can tax software register the business?

Some software vendors offer registration directly or through a partner. Check the exact country, tax, and service included in your plan. A product that calculates Canadian tax does not necessarily assess the registration regime or submit the application.

For a managed service, ask who owns the CRA account and how you will retain access to filings, notices, and records.

Which option should you choose?

Use direct registration when the obligation is clear and your team can manage the full process. Evaluate an adviser when the regime, start date, provincial scope, or past exposure needs judgment.

Choose based on a written scope and an actual quote. We have not published estimated fees or promised processing times because those would depend on the business and provider.

For the underlying rules, read Canadian sales tax for US SaaS companies.