Frequently asked questions

1. What is the purpose of the GST/HST Registry?
2. What information do I need to enter?
3. Having trouble?
4. Where can I find the GST/HST number?
5. Why are only 9 digits required, when the GST/HST number has 15 characters?
6. What is meant by "business name"?
7. What is the transaction date?
8. Why did I receive the response "Insufficient information entered"?
9. Why did I receive the response "Not registered on the transaction date entered"?
10. Why is it necessary to print the "Search Details" screen for my records?
11. Is there a fee for using the registry?
12. Why did I see the message "The GST/HST Registry is currently unavailable"?
13. What if my supplier does not provide an invoice?
14. What if my supplier does not provide their GST/HST number?

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1. What is the purpose of the GST/HST Registry?
The GST/HST Registry is an online application that allows goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) registrants to validate the GST/HST number of their supplier, which helps to ensure that claims submitted for input tax credits only include GST/HST charged by suppliers who are registered for GST/HST purposes.

2. What information do I need to enter?
The GST/HST Registry will confirm whether the supplier was registered for GST/HST on the date of a transaction, after the following information is entered:

• GST/HST number
• Business name
• Transaction date

3. Having trouble?
If you are having trouble using the GST/HST Registry, you can reach us by calling the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Window general enquiries line at: 1-800-959-5525.

In Quebec, Revenu Québec administers the GST/HST. If your supplier operates their business in Quebec, contact Revenu Québec.

If you need technical information, see GST/HST Business Topics on the CRA Web site.

4. Where can I find the GST/HST number?
The GST/HST number (also referred to as a Business Number or registration number) must be displayed on receipts, invoices, and contracts totalling $30 or more.

5. Why are only 9 numbers required, when the GST/HST number has 15 characters?
For the GST/HST Registry, only the first 9 numbers need to be entered. Do not include letters.

6. What is meant by "business name"?
This is a supplier's legal, operating, or trading name, displayed on an invoice or posted on a sign at the place of business.

7. What is the transaction date?
The transaction date is the invoice date or the date on which GST/HST was paid or payable.

8. Why did I receive the response "Insufficient information entered"?
The information entered does not match information on file at the Canada Revenue Agency. Please verify that the business name, GST/HST number, and transaction date you entered match what your supplier provided. If you continue to receive this response, contact your supplier.

9. Why did I receive the response "Not registered on the transaction date entered"?
According to records at the Canada Revenue Agency, the GST/HST number entered was not registered for GST/HST on the transaction date entered. Verify the business name, GST/HST number, and transaction date, and try again. If you continue to receive this response, contact your supplier.

10. Why is it necessary to print the Search Details screen for my records?
Printing the Search Details screen will help to ensure your claim for input tax credits includes only GST/HST charged by suppliers who are registered for GST/HST purposes.

11. Is there a fee for using the registry?
There is no cost to use the GST/HST Registry.

12. Why did I get the message "The GST/HST Registry is currently unavailable"?
This message is displayed when the service is not available due to system maintenance or a service outage.

13. What if my supplier does not provide an invoice?
If your supplier is registered for GST/HST, the GST/HST paid or payable on purchases of taxable goods and services must be shown on a cash register receipt, invoice, contract, or other record. The supplier may post a sign at their place of business to show they are registered for GST/HST.

14. What if my supplier does not provide their GST/HST number?
The GST/HST number (also referred to as a Business Number or registration number) must be included on receipts, invoices, contracts, or other business papers used when taxable goods or services of $30 or more are supplied.