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Guide HST Quick Method Calculator 5 min read
How to Use the HST Quick Method Calculator
Calculate your HST/GST remittance under the CRA Quick Method, compare it to the regular method, and see your quarterly filing deadline.
Before You Start
- Confirm you are registered for the Quick Method with CRA (file election form GST74).
- Have your total revenue collected this period including HST/GST charged to customers.
- Know whether this is your first fiscal year on Quick Method — a 1% bonus credit applies to the first $30,000.
- Quebec businesses must also calculate QST separately using Revenu Québec's Quick Method rate (6.6% on total revenues incl. QST).
Step-by-Step
- Select your province and business type: Quick Method remittance rates vary by province (HST vs. GST provinces) and business type (service vs. goods-for-resale). Service businesses in Ontario remit 8.8% of total revenue including HST collected.
- Select filing period: Choose quarterly, monthly, or annual — this affects the deadline displayed.
- Enter total revenue collected: Enter the full amount customers paid you including the HST/GST component. Do not strip out the tax first.
- Enter purchases and capital items: Regular purchases do not generate ITCs under Quick Method. However, capital purchases over $10,000 each still qualify for a full ITC — enter them separately.
- Review remittance and comparison: Check the net remittance vs. what you collected, and compare against the regular method to confirm Quick Method still saves you money.
How to Read the Output
- "You keep" is the portion of HST collected that you retain as a benefit of using Quick Method.
- If the regular method comparison shows you would save more with regular method, review your ITC ratio — businesses with high input costs may outgrow Quick Method eligibility or benefit.
- The first-year 1% bonus credit on the first $30,000 only applies in your first fiscal year. After that, the base rate applies without the bonus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering net revenue (before tax) instead of gross revenue including HST. The Quick Method rate is applied to total revenue including the tax you collected.
- Claiming ITCs on regular purchases under Quick Method — you cannot do this. Only capital purchases over $10,000 qualify.
- Missing the election deadline — you must elect Quick Method at the start of a fiscal year.
Use the Tool Now
Run this guide with your real numbers and save your scenario outputs for follow-up planning.