HST and GST invoice template for Canadian contractors

Short answer

A Canadian contractor invoice must show your business name and GST/HST registration number, the invoice date, a description of the work, the amount charged before tax, the GST/HST (and PST where applicable) shown separately with the rate, and the total. On construction progress billings the statutory holdback is shown as a separate deduction, since it is retained rather than discounted.

The invoice that gets paid fastest is the one the client's bookkeeper does not have to phone about. Registration number, correct provincial tax, holdback shown separately.

Registration number included

Clients cannot claim input tax credits without it, which is the most common reason an invoice comes back.

Provincial tax breakdown

HST as a single line, or GST and PST shown separately, depending on where the work was performed.

Holdback as a deduction

Shown separately from the amount payable so both sides know what is retained and when it is due.

Progress billing format

Contract value, previously billed, this billing, holdback and net payable, all on one page.

Frequently asked questions

Which tax applies — where I am based or where the work is?

Generally the place of supply governs the rate, which for construction is where the property is located. Confirm with your accountant for cross-provincial work.

Do I show holdback as a discount?

No. It is a retained amount, not a price reduction, and should be shown as a separate deduction from the amount payable.

Do I need to be registered for GST/HST?

Registration is required once revenue exceeds the CRA small supplier threshold; below it, registration is optional and you must not charge the tax if unregistered.

Can WinkScope generate these?

Yes — invoices and progress billings with the correct provincial tax, holdback and payment tracking.

Summary

A Canadian contractor invoice must show your business name and GST/HST registration number, the invoice date, a description of the work, the amount charged before tax, the GST/HST (and PST where applicable) shown separately with the rate, and the total. On construction progress billings the statutory holdback is shown as a separate deduction, since it is retained rather than discounted. WinkScope subscriptions are charged in USD worldwide. Local currency here is how you price your own jobs inside WinkScope — quotes, invoices, price book and reports all render in it.