Keeping accurate records is a core skill for any business owner and is essential for meeting your tax obligations. Good records help you calculate the tax you collect from customers and the tax you pay on your business purchases. In Saskatchewan, there are two main types of sales tax you should understand: PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and GST (Goods and Services Tax).
PST: Provincial Sales Tax
In Saskatchewan, a 6% provincial sales tax applies to the purchase, import, or rental of certain goods and services. Businesses must charge this tax where applicable, collect it from customers, and remit it to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis, depending on sales volume.
To determine whether your product or service is taxable, review the Ministry of Finance’s Tax Bulletins.
All businesses operating in Saskatchewan must be licensed or registered for PST purposes. You can register for PST in one of two ways:
- During business registration: If you register your business name or incorporate with Information Services Corporation (ISC), your details will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance to start the PST licensing process.
- Vendor’s License application: Complete the form online or request a copy from SK Startup Institute at info@skstartup.ca.
A vendor’s license also exempts you from paying PST on inventory or services you intend to resell. If your business doesn’t make retail sales or provide taxable services in Saskatchewan, you may still need to register as a Consumer to pay PST on taxable equipment and supplies.
GST: Goods and Services Tax
Across Canada, GST is a 5% federal tax applied to most goods and services. Businesses selling taxable goods or services must register to charge and remit GST if their annual revenue exceeds $30,000. You can also voluntarily register below this threshold to take advantage of Input Tax Credits (ITCs), which allow you to recover GST paid on business expenses.
Some products and services are zero-rated (charged at 0% GST) or exempt (no GST charged, and no ITCs can be claimed). Opening a GST account means you are required to charge GST on taxable supplies and file regular GST returns, even if you make no sales during a period.
After You Register on ISC: What Happens Next?
Once you’ve completed your ISC registration, you’ll begin receiving follow-up details from the appropriate government agencies.
For PST: Within about two weeks, you’ll get a letter from the Ministry of Finance with instructions to set up a SETS (Saskatchewan eTax Services) account and link it to your business for PST remittance. Ministry of Finance Educators are available for one-on-one guidance if you need help understanding your PST obligations.
For GST and CRA Accounts: You’ll receive an email from ISC with your Business Number (BN) — be sure to check your junk folder. Once you have it, you can register for GST and other CRA accounts through the Business Registration Online (BRO) Portal. On page 4, it will ask if you have a business number — select “yes” and enter your BN.
To manage your business taxes, log in to your personal CRA account, click your name in the top right corner, select “Add Account”, then choose “Add a Business” and enter your BN. Business partners can follow the same steps in their own CRA accounts.
While CRA Liaison Officers don’t help with the registration process itself, you can book a free session with one if you have questions about tax obligations or GST.
