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🇨🇦Canada·GST/HST 5%·CAD

Canada Freelance Invoice Template

Canadian freelancers registered for GST/HST must display their Business Number (BN) on all invoices and collect the applicable rate — 5% GST federally, or HST in participating provinces (13% in Ontario, 15% in Nova Scotia). Quebec residents apply QST at 9.975% separately. Freelance invoices cover a wide range of independent professional services — from writing and design to development and consulting. A well-structured freelance invoice establishes professionalism, ensures timely payment, and provides a clear record for both parties. Including your hourly or project rate, milestone descriptions, and payment terms protects you legally and helps clients process payments faster.

Prefill by industry

Accent Color

Your Business

Bill To (Client)

Invoice Details

%

Line Items

Item 1
$680.00
Item 2
$2,720.00
Item 3
$800.00
Item 4
$750.00

🇨🇦 Canada Requirements

Currency$ CAD
TaxGST/HST (5%)
Date formatDD/MM/YYYY
PaymentInterac e-Transfer and EFT are the most common payment methods.

Businesses registered for GST/HST should include their GST/HST account number on invoices their customer may use to support input tax credit (ITC) claims. The federal GST rate is 5%; HST applies in participating provinces (Ontario 13%, Nova Scotia 15%, etc.). Businesses in Quebec typically apply QST separately at 9.975%.

Payment Terms

Net 14

About Canada Freelance Invoicing

Canadian freelancers registered for GST/HST must display their Business Number (BN) on all invoices and collect the applicable rate — 5% GST federally, or HST in participating provinces (13% in Ontario, 15% in Nova Scotia). Quebec residents apply QST at 9.975% separately. Freelance invoices cover a wide range of independent professional services — from writing and design to development and consulting. A well-structured freelance invoice establishes professionalism, ensures timely payment, and provides a clear record for both parties. Including your hourly or project rate, milestone descriptions, and payment terms protects you legally and helps clients process payments faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information must a freelance invoice include?
A freelance invoice should include your name and contact details, the client's name and address, a unique invoice number, invoice date, a description of services rendered, your rate (hourly or project), subtotal, any applicable tax, total amount due, and payment instructions including bank details or preferred payment method.
How do I handle taxes on a freelance invoice?
Tax obligations depend on your location. In the US, freelancers typically do not charge sales tax on services (though some states require it). In the UK, if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold, you must register for VAT and add 20% to invoices. In Australia, freelancers earning over $75,000 AUD must register for GST and add 10%.
What payment terms are standard for freelancers?
Net 14 (payment due within 14 days) is common for smaller projects. Net 30 is standard for larger engagements. Many freelancers also require a 25–50% deposit upfront, especially for new clients or large projects.
Should I include a late payment clause?
Yes. Including a late payment fee (e.g., 1.5% per month on overdue balances) deters late payers and gives you recourse. In the UK, you're legally entitled to charge interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998.
How does GST/HST work on Canadian invoices?
Canada levies a 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). In participating provinces, GST is combined with a provincial component into the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) — for example, 13% in Ontario and 15% in Nova Scotia. In Quebec, GST and QST (9.975%) are charged separately. Businesses must register once they exceed $30,000 CAD in a single calendar quarter or over four consecutive calendar quarters.
Do I need a Business Number on my Canadian invoices?
If you are registered for GST/HST, include your 15-character Business Number (BN) on invoices your customer may use to support input tax credit (ITC) claims — this is your 9-digit BN followed by the program identifier (RT) and a 4-digit reference number (e.g., 123456789 RT0001). Without a valid BN, your clients may not be able to use the invoice to claim ITCs.
Are there different invoicing rules by Canadian province?
Yes. Provinces that use HST (Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, PEI) require a single combined tax line. Quebec requires separate lines for GST and QST, and QST-registered businesses must also show their QST number. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba charge GST plus their own Provincial Sales Tax (PST), which may have separate registration and invoicing requirements.

Related Guides

How to Invoice As a Freelancer
Read guide →
How to Write an Invoice
Read guide →
Invoice Payment Terms
Read guide →

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Same template, other countries:

🇺🇸 United States🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇦🇺 Australia