GST/HST for Amazon.ca Sellers: A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-Residents

Are you a non-resident seller on Amazon.ca confused about Canada’s tax rules? Wondering if you need a GST number to sell on Amazon.ca? Wondering does Amazon.ca collect the sales taxes?  You’re not alone.  We get this question often and have a number of clients who we help navigate these complexities.

As Canadian CPAs, we specialize in helping non-Canadian, and non-English-speaking ecommerce businesses navigate Canadian sales tax regulations. We do it in a way that makes translation, compliance, and CRA communication easier and stress-free.

What Is GST/HST in Canada?

In Canada, GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a federal sales tax of 5%. Some provinces combine it with their own tax into what’s called HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).

Here’s a quick breakdown of GST/HST rates:

If you’re selling to Canadian customers, GST or HST must be charged depending on the province that the item is shipped too. If you are not registered then Amazon will collect and remit.  Once you have registered and configured your seller central account correctly, Amazon will collect from customers and then include it in your disbursements.

Is My Importer Number the Same as GST Registration?

Amazon sellers confuse importer numbers with GST/HST accounts.  They can be the same number at the first part, but they are each different programs and technically different numbers.

Let’s clarify each:

• Importer Number (RM account): This is needed to import goods into Canada. It lets you act as the “importer of record” at the border and ends in the RM usually followed by 0001.

• GST/HST Number (RT account): This is what allows you to charge GST/HST, file returns, and reclaim taxes you’ve paid on expenses (like import GST) and ends in RT usually followed by 0001.

You need both if you’re importing and selling through Amazon.ca. They are separate registrations under your Canadian Business Number which is the same number.

Why Register for GST/HST as a Non-Resident Seller?

I did a Youtube video about this as well I will put below.

Even if you’re not based in Canada, if you’re selling to Canadians and using Amazon.ca, registering for GST/HST has real benefits not just cash flow but also your margins:

Recover Import GST

You’re likely paying 5% GST on your imported goods into Canada. That can be refunded through your GST/HST return—but only if you’re registered. If not, that’s just an extra cost of business and losing 5%.

Claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) Which is GST/HST You Pay on Business Expenses

Get GST/HST back on:

• Canadian freight or warehousing

• Amazon Fees

• Canadian Amazon prep centers

• Certain software billed by Canadian providers

Stay CRA Compliant

If you are selling to other customers/market places inside Canada you will be expected to charge GST/HST on those, depending on where it is shipped too.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties and reassessments—especially since Amazon shares your seller data with CRA, which could lead to trouble at the boarder.

The Process: How to Register and Stay Compliant Which We Walk You Through it

This is the streamlined process we use for our international ecommerce clients:

1. Register for a Canadian Business Number (BN)

2. Open a GST/HST account by application (RT)

3. Open an importer account (RM), if applicable or you might have already done this.

4. Update Amazon Seller Central with your GST number and skus and make sure they are configured correctly.  Too many sellers make this mistake and it can be costly.  Our PDF instructions walk you through it and then double check things.

5. Claim input tax credits on eligible expenses

6. File GST/HST returns (usually annually)

How Often Do You File GST/HST?

Most non-resident Amazon sellers choose to file annually to reduce admin work. CRA allows monthly, quarterly, or annual filing depending on sales volume—but you can select what works best.

We’ll help you choose the right filing frequency—and handle all the paperwork for you.  After the first year depending on your sales level, the frequency can increase.

How We Help Non-English Speaking Amazon Sellers

We work with Amazon sellers across the world, including clients whose first language isn’t English. CRA communications can be complex, legal, and intimidating—but we make it simple.

Here’s how we help:

We communicate with CRA on your behalf

You don’t need to talk to CRA agents on the phone or read technical notices. We act as your authorized CRA representative and handle everything.

We send clear email updates

We write in plain, professional English so it’s easier to translate with tools or share with your team. No legal jargon, no confusion.

We set up your CRA My Business Account

Non-residents can’t access CRA’s online portals—but we can. We manage your CRA account, receive important notices, and take action as needed.

FAQs for Non-Resident Amazon Sellers

Is GST registration the same as importer registration?
No. GST registration is for collecting tax and filing returns. Importer registration is for bringing goods into Canada. You often need both.

What if I’m not comfortable speaking English?
No problem. We work with clients worldwide. We communicate with CRA for you and keep you informed via clear, translatable emails.

Can I claim GST paid at customs?
Yes—if you’re registered for GST/HST, you can recover the 5% import GST via your returns, but that also depends on the type of shipments.

See our blog article here for more: Can We Claim GST input on Transportation Charges From Freight Forwarding Companies for Amazon?

What’s the easiest way to get registered?
Work with a CPA like us. We handle registration, CRA setup, tax filings, and refund claims from start to finish.

Do I need to collect HST for each province?
Amazon calculates the right rate by province for HST, but your GST number and CRA filings cover it all.

Contact us today to get started with your GST/HST registration.