GST/HST returns and WCB-Alberta annual returns use different accounts, records and reporting periods. A Calgary business may deal with one, both or neither depending on its registrations, activities and workforce. Keeping the two processes separate helps the owner see which totals belong to each return. Alberta generally has 5% GST on taxable supplies, while HST may apply to supplies made in participating provinces under CRA place-of-supply rules.
This guide describes a practical records workflow for registered businesses and WCB-Alberta account holders. It is general information only. Confirm the current reporting requirements and dates shown in the applicable CRA or myWCB account.
Confirm the accounts and reporting periods
Start with the business name and account numbers shown on government correspondence. For GST/HST, confirm the reporting frequency and the opening and closing dates of the period. For WCB-Alberta, confirm the employer account and the annual-return period shown in myWCB.
- Business number and GST/HST program account, if registered
- GST/HST reporting frequency and period dates
- WCB-Alberta employer account, if applicable
- Access to CRA and myWCB online accounts
- Prior returns, assessments, statements and correspondence
- Calendar reminders for filing and payment dates
GST/HST records for sales
A GST/HST sales report should connect invoices and receipts to the revenue recorded in the bookkeeping file. Review whether transactions were recorded as taxable, zero-rated or exempt based on the facts. Keep documentation for credits, refunds and adjustments that changed the original invoice.
- Sales invoices and point-of-sale summaries
- Revenue reports from online platforms
- GST/HST collected by rate or tax code
- Credit notes, refunds and adjustments
- Deposits and accounts receivable records
GST/HST records for purchases
The CRA states that a registrant claiming an input tax credit needs supporting purchase invoices or receipts. The required invoice information depends on the transaction amount and circumstances. A bank or credit-card statement by itself may not contain the supplier and tax details needed for the record.
- Supplier invoices and receipts
- The GST/HST amount or indication that tax is included
- Supplier registration information where required
- Purchase date, description and business purpose
- Adjustments for personal or non-commercial use, where relevant
- Capital-purchase records kept separately from routine expenses
See the CRA’s current pages on GST/HST records and records to keep for a GST/HST return.
Reconcile each GST/HST period
Compare the sales-tax report with the general ledger and the transactions recorded for the reporting period. Review unusual balances, tax codes and manual journal entries. Keep a working copy of the return calculation and the electronic submission confirmation with the period records.
The CRA says a registrant files a return for every reporting period, including a nil return when there is nothing to report. Due dates depend on the reporting period and taxpayer type. Check the dates shown in the CRA account and the current GST/HST reporting and deadline guidance.
What a WCB-Alberta annual return reports
WCB-Alberta explains that an employer annual return reports assessable earnings paid to workers for the completed year and an estimate for the upcoming year. The totals used for WCB reporting are not automatically the same as gross payroll in the accounting system. The employer should review the current WCB guidance for assessable earnings, worker categories and any applicable limits.
- Payroll register for the completed calendar year
- Worker and officer classifications relevant to the account
- Contract-worker information requested for the return
- Adjustments identified under current WCB-Alberta guidance
- Estimate of earnings for the upcoming year
- Prior annual return, statement and account correspondence
Use the current WCB-Alberta annual return page for the filing window, instructions and reporting resources. Dates and annual earnings limits can change, so do not carry the prior year’s figures forward without review.
Connect payroll records without combining the returns
Payroll records provide information used in several processes, including payroll remittances, year-end slips and WCB reporting. Keep a reconciliation that shows how the payroll-register total was adjusted to the amount reported to WCB-Alberta. Retain the calculation with the annual-return confirmation.
KL Accounting offers separate payroll support and GST filing support for Calgary businesses.
Period-end review checklist
- Account numbers and reporting dates are confirmed.
- Sales and purchase records cover the full GST/HST period.
- Tax reports agree with the bookkeeping file or differences are documented.
- Supporting supplier invoices and receipts are retained.
- The GST/HST working copy and submission confirmation are saved.
- WCB assessable-earnings calculations are reconciled to payroll records.
- The upcoming WCB earnings estimate is based on current business information.
- Copies of filed returns, correspondence and payment records are retained.
GST and WCB records support in Calgary
KL Accounting & Tax Associates helps Calgary businesses organize the bookkeeping, sales-tax and payroll information used to prepare returns based on the records provided. We can identify missing documents, reconcile reporting totals and explain the next information needed for the file.
Book an appointment to discuss the GST/HST or WCB reporting records for your business.
