How to apply for HST/GST account and business number for Uber or Lyft?
Complete Guide and Step by step instruction for Uber or Lyft Driver’s GST/HST Account Registration With CRA
Being as an Uber or Lyft driver you are working as an independent contractor. Moreover since July 2017 Uber have started charging HST from rider on every ride. It is mandatory for Uber and Lyft drivers to have HST/GST account no; so you can collect, report and remit HST to CRA. Therefore we have complete guide for Uber or Lyft Driver’s GST/HST Account Registration With CRA .
In fact as a ride-share driver in Canada; you are counted self-employed or sole proprietorship. Therefore to become Uber driver in Canada or become Lyft driver in Canada; you must have HST/GST no. In fact you can’t drive with Uber or Lyft if you don’t have HST no. However you might be able to drive first 30 days; but ultimately you have to register for HST with CRA. Learn more at Uber and Lyft CRA Tax requirement.
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How HST works for Uber & Lyft Drivers
When you provide HST number to Uber or Lyft; Uber or Lyft collect HST from rider and add to total fare. Hence you are going to collect HST on fare and bonuses throughout the whole year and it is your responsibility to report your total collected HST to CRA. Learn more at Hst for Uber or Lyft Drivers etc
Step by step instruction for Uber and Lyft drivers to apply and register for HST/GST account:
Information required for registering HST/GST account online at CRA:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN NO)
- Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Postal Code / Zip Code
Let’s start and apply for business number and HST/GST No:
Below is direct link to CRA (Canada revenue agency) from where you can start the application process. Therefore open the link and click or tap on Register Now button.
You will start with validating you identity by providing you social insurance number (SIN no). Type your SIN no and click on Next.
Once you click on CRA will ask you additional question to validate your identity. You have to type your last name, date of birth and postal code. Make sure that you provide the same information that CRA have on your file.
Accept the term and conditions by checking the box; and click on next.
Next CRA will ask you to agree with online business registration disclaimer; read the disclaimer, privacy policy and privacy notice statement; in order to continue click on I agree.
Confirm user identity at welcome to Business Registration Online (BRO) Screen. Additionally you have to provide phone information; so select location, device type, area code and phone number. Area code could be first 3 digit of your cell phone number when you select cellular device type.
Click on Next to proceed.
Determine registration requirement:
You have to select one option; mostly probably you need a business number if you are applying first time. You may choose I already have a business number; if you already got one. Let’s assume it is first time your applying; therefore Click on I need a business number.
In order to move forward click on Next.
Determine business number needs:
Next you will get 6 options; if you are just an Uber or Lyft driver select the first option Business Sole Proprietorship.
However you may have other options to select; such as Partnership, Corporation, Domestic workers, Trust and other.
Register Client- Add Owner:
In this section you are going to provide business owner information. Hence you have to fill in your first and last name and phone no information.
Click on next to move forward.
Register Client- General Information:
In this screen your legal name will show up in the top. You can also use different operating name if you wish so. Select Language preference either English or French.
Moreover you need to provide mailing address; so select country and type your postal code. Click on next to move forward.
Register Client- Select Mailing Address:
Once you provide postal code; CRA website will popup street names related to your postal code.
Therefore select your street and click on next.
Register Client- Complete Mailing Address Details:
Provide your complete address; street number etc. Rest of address will auto filled.
Click on next.
Register Client- Confirm Mailing Address:
At this stage please confirm physical location of business; and you are required to confirm that business physical location is same as mailing address.
If not provide new address.
Register Client – Add business activity
Now you need to provide your business activity; so in major activity of this business you are going to type “Ride-Sharing Services”.
Next to continue.
Confirm Details – Register Client
Finally at this point all of your provided business information will show up; such as general information, owner, location and mailing address. Make sure everything is correct and there is no mistake. Moreover you can go to previous page if you need to correct something. Otherwise confirm the accuracy of provided information.
Summary – Register Client
Once you confirm and acknowledge that all information is true and correct; CRA will process the business registration and issue the business number.
You will see message “Your registration has been processed. Your new business number is 00000 000.”
You may print, save pdf or write down your new business number.
Click on “Register CRA accounts for this business” so you can have HST no.
Register accounts with CRA – add (SIN) Social Insurance Number
So you have now business number; next step is to obtain HST number. Therefore in this section you have to provide SIN again to continue with registration of HST account.
You first and Last name will be auto filled; type your SIN no and click on next.
Then confirm that all information is accurate and correct.
Click on Continue registration.
Register accounts with CRA
There are multiple programs that CRA offers to register online. Hence you will see three account options; Payroll Deduction Account (RP), GST/HST Account (RT) and Import/Export Account (RM).
We need GST/HST Account (RT) therefore Click on Register an RT account.
Profile Information – Register GST/HST account
You will select items that related to your business;
In our case it will be: “Operate a taxi, limousine or commercial ride-sharing services”.
2nd Profile Information – Register GST/HST account
You may have to provide additional details:
Select No for commercial rental income. You may put zero as a taxable sales and finally select the effective date; which could be current date.
Filling Information – Register GST/HST account
In this step you are going to select the reporting period:
Select Annually or Annually Extended
General Information – Register GST/HST account
Next you have to provide information about HST program account.
You have to provide Account Name; it could be your name and select the preferred language English or French.
Note: Account name should be different from your legal name; so you can put rideshare after you name. For example if your legal name is John Alex; then you can write John Alex Ride-share.
Mailing Address – Register GST/HST account
Here you need to select your mailing address or you may provide new mailing address.
Confirm Mailing Address – Register GST/HST account
You have to confirm you mailing address by answering the question Yes.
Add Email Address – Register GST/HST account
If you like to add an email address to your HST account; then you might answer YES; in order to put you email address. So you will get emails related to your hst account.
Select Yes and Click on Next.
In next screen you will have an option to add 3 different email addresses. However in order to proceed only one email is required.
Hence type your email; check the terms of use and click on Next.
Confirm Details – Register GST/HST account
Finally you are all set to submit your information for HST account. Please review and check that all provided information are correct and there is no mistake.
If you need to fix something; you may click on Previous button.
Click on Confirm to submit.
Summary – Register GST/HST account
CRA will process the provided information and will issue you GST/HST account no. You will see the message that “Your request has been processed. GST/HST account is —– —- RT0001.”
Right it down or you may also print it.
Click on next to continue.
Finally you have to click on “Finished registering accounts with CRA for this business.”
Final CRA registration summary for this business
Finally you have completed the registration of GST/HST account with CRA. The final list of transaction is completed in this section.
You will see your business number and HST account number. You may print out or write down the business and HST number.
To finish click on:
“I’m finished all registrations”.
Secure Session Ended
Click Exit and you are done!
Disclaimer: All information on our website provides no representations, warranties or guarantees. The information displayed is accurate to best of our knowledge and for information purpose only. Do not consider as professional advice. Always consult professional tax accountant.
