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Tax for Import and Export

Tax for Import and Export Businesses

GST and HST on what you bring in and ship out, foreign exchange gains and losses, and a corporate return that reflects cross border reality. Your tax is prepared and filed by a CPA who knows how trade works.

Book a free consultation Call (613) 410-8202

★★★★★ 5.0 from 80+ Google reviews

CPA preparing a corporate tax return for a Canadian import and export business

Where trade meets the tax rules

Imports and exports are taxed differently, and it matters

The single biggest tax question in cross border trade is how GST and HST apply to what you bring in versus what you send out. When you import goods, GST is generally charged at the border, and as a registrant you can usually recover it through input tax credits. Exports work the other way. Exports of goods and services are generally zero rated, which means you charge GST and HST at a rate of zero on qualifying sales to customers outside Canada while still recovering the tax on your related costs. Get either side wrong and you either overpay or expose yourself on a review. Our tax services are built to get the treatment right and keep it right.

$10M+

accounts managed

1,000+

months of books completed

offices across the Ottawa region

5.0

average Google rating

What we handle

Tax services for importers and exporters

HST and GST filing

Returns that correctly separate zero rated exports from the GST you recover on imports.

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Corporate tax (T2)

Your federal corporate return, prepared and filed by a CPA within six months of year end.

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Foreign exchange gains and losses

FX gains and losses on foreign currency balances reported correctly on your return.

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Import and export tax planning

Guidance on how your trade activity is taxed so there are no surprises at filing time.

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Get your import and export tax handled right

Book a free 30 minute consultation. We will walk through how your imports, exports, and foreign exchange should be treated and how your corporate return comes together.

Book your free consultation

Why importers and exporters choose us

Cross border tax, prepared by a CPA

Prepared and filed by a CPA

Your corporate return and sales tax filings are prepared and filed by a Chartered Professional Accountant, not seasonal software or a part time preparer.

Exports and imports treated correctly

We apply zero rating to qualifying exports and recover the GST you pay on imports, so your HST and GST filing reflects the rules rather than a best guess.

Foreign exchange handled with care

Gains and losses on foreign currency accounts and settlements are calculated and reported properly, so your income is neither overstated nor understated.

A full standalone accounting service

Tax with us is a complete service in its own right. Your corporate tax (T2) is prepared, reviewed, and filed on time, whoever keeps your books.

Client reviews

Rated 5.0 by our clients on Google

    
 
 
         
   Robby Brown 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. E-commerce can get complicated fast with fees and multiple payment platforms. Better Books Canada broke it down in a way that actually made sense. Reports arrive on time and highlight what needs attention. It’s been easier to focus on growth instead of trying to reconcile transactions late at night.
  
 
        
   Emily Tomlinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Books are current and organized. Makes day to day operations easier. Happy with the support!
  
 
        
   Ezekiel Luanda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This firm is amazingly detail focused and client centric. I have been using them since the conception of my business and without their expertise and dedication to the numbers of it all I would not be able to flourish the way I am. Furthermore, Bashar is personable, patient, incredibly knowledgeable, timely, trustworthy, genuine and all around a total win to have on any team for financial services.
  
 
        
   Tatiana 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a consultant working with federal clients in Ottawa, I needed someone who understood proper documentation and clean records. The team organized everything and set up consistent reporting so nothing slips through the cracks. It has saved hours every month. Things just feel under control now.
  
 
        
   wesley bailey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Appreciate the consistency. Reports come in on time and make sense. That’s really all that was needed.
  
 
        
   Pierre Frederick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Bashar is incredibly competent, knowledgeable and honest. He is not a bookkeeper that likes to meddle in grey areas. He has worked for the CRA and does everything he can to protect and inform his clients. He provides an incredible amount of value compared to the amount that he charges, and it’s truly been a pleasure working with him. I highly recommend Bashar if anyone is looking for bookkeeping services in Ottawa.
  
 
        
   Rehoboth Mubedi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and well-run business. Bashar was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable, and the office was clean and easy to access. Everything was handled smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend.
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Help center

Import and export tax FAQs

Exports of goods and services are generally zero rated for GST and HST. That means qualifying sales to customers outside Canada are taxed at a rate of zero, while you can still recover the GST and HST you paid on related costs. The exact treatment depends on the supply, so we confirm each case against the rules. See the Canada Revenue Agency guidance on taxable, zero rated, and exempt supplies.

Generally yes. GST is usually charged when goods are imported into Canada, and as a registrant you can typically claim it back as input tax credits on your return. We make sure that border GST is claimed correctly. For the source, see the Canada Revenue Agency guidance on input tax credits.

When you hold balances or settle transactions in a foreign currency, the movement in exchange rates creates gains or losses that need to be reported. We calculate them and report them correctly on your corporate return so your taxable income reflects reality.

Your corporate return (T2) is prepared and filed by a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). It is filed within six months of your fiscal year end, with your import, export, and foreign exchange activity reflected accurately.

No. We are fully virtual and work from secure digital records, so there is nothing to drop off or pick up. You share your documents digitally and we work from there, anywhere in Canada.

No. We have four offices across the Ottawa region, and we work with importers and exporters throughout Canada using secure, cloud based tools. See the industries we serve and our bookkeeping for import and export service.

Locations

Find us across the Ottawa region

Downtown Ottawa

116 Albert St, Suites 200 & 300
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3

(613) 410-8202

Kanata

1000 Innovation Dr, Suite 500
Ottawa, ON K2K 3E7

(613) 509-1309

Orléans

114 Chancery Crescent
Orléans, ON K4A 4N3

(613) 454-1399

Embrun

867 Notre-Dame St
Embrun, ON K0A 1W0

(613) 510-0230

Open Monday to Friday, 8AM to 8PM at every location.

Tax for Import and Export Businesses

Imports and exports are taxed differently, and it matters

Tax services for importers and exporters

HST and GST filing

Corporate tax (T2)

Foreign exchange gains and losses

Import and export tax planning

Get your import and export tax handled right

Cross border tax, prepared by a CPA

Prepared and filed by a CPA

Exports and imports treated correctly

Foreign exchange handled with care

A full standalone accounting service

Rated 5.0 by our clients on Google

Import and export tax FAQs

Find us across the Ottawa region

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