Ontario Invoice & 13% HST Guide for Contractors and Trades (2026)

Ontario uses a single 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that combines the federal GST (5%) and provincial portion. For most contractors — plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC, landscapers, general contractors — this simplifies things compared to provinces with separate GST + PST or QST.

But You Still Need to

• Register correctly once you hit the threshold.
• Charge 13% HST on taxable supplies (most trade work).
• Show your HST number on invoices.
• File and remit properly.

This page gives Ontario-specific guidance, sample invoice structures, and direct access to a free generator that handles 13% HST automatically.

HST 13% IN ONTARIO — KEY FACTS FOR CONTRACTORS:

• Rate: 13% on most goods and services supplied in Ontario.
• Registration threshold: $30,000 in taxable supplies over a calendar quarter or four consecutive quarters (same as federal GST/HST).
• You can (and often should) register voluntarily earlier to claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs) on your business purchases.
• Once registered: include your 9-digit HST number + "RT0001" (or your extension) on every invoice.
• File GST/HST returns with the CRA (frequency depends on revenue).

What Ontario Contractors Typically Charge HST on

• All labour / service calls / hourly work for residential and commercial clients.
• Materials and parts supplied and installed.
• Equipment (furnaces, water heaters, panels, etc.).
• Most permit and inspection fees you arrange as part of the job.
• Travel / truck charges if part of the taxable supply.

Nuances exist for new housing, substantial renovations, exports, and certain exempt supplies. When in doubt, check with your accountant or the CRA.

SAMPLE ONTARIO INVOICE (ELECTRICIAN — 13% HST):

Business

Voltage Electric Inc.

45 Commerce Court, Mississauga, ON L4W 1A1

905-555-3399 | voltageelectric.ca

HST #: 123456789RT0001

Bill To

Greenwood Homes Ltd. (or homeowner)

1284 Lakeshore Rd W

Oakville, ON L6L 1A2

Contact: 905-555-7721 | PO # GH-28441

Invoice #: EL-ON-772

Date: April 14, 2026

Terms: Net 15

Payment

E-transfer to invoices@voltageelectric.ca or 905-555-3399

Card payment link available (secure)

Reference invoice #EL-ON-772

Thank you. All work guaranteed 2 years labour.

HST on Progress / Deposit Invoices

Charge 13% HST on each progress invoice for the value of the stage. Show previous payments clearly. Your HST number must appear on deposit invoices too.

Free Ontario Invoice Generator

Use our tool, select Ontario or HST Canada, and it applies 13% automatically to every line or summary. Save your common Ontario clients and items. Add your HST number in business settings once. Generate professional PDFs with e-transfer request built in.

No account needed for testing. Premium ($8/mo) for unlimited + logo + card payments + email.

Other Ontario-specific Tips

• Many GCs and property managers in the GTA expect Net 15-30 and clear PO references.
• For residential work, e-transfer is still very common — make it obvious on the PDF.
• Keep good records for ITCs on tools, truck, materials, fuel, etc.
• WSIB, liability insurance, and trade licensing are separate from HST but important for credibility on invoices (some trades show license numbers in the header).

Related Ontario & Canada Resources

• Canadian Contractor Tax Guide 2026
• How to Get Paid Faster Canada Contractors
• Contractor Invoice Checklist
• Plumber, Electrician, Roofer, HVAC, General Contractor templates (all work in Ontario)
• HST Calculator Canada (by province)
• Comparisons and success stories