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Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Returns

Can I pay the RST at my financial institution?

You can file your RST return and payment at any Ontario financial institution where you normally bank. For your payment to be accepted at a financial institution, you must use the original RST return sent to you. There is no charge.

Note:

  • Your payment must be teller stamped on or before the due date.
  • Financial institutions will not accept returns without a payment. If you have a nil return, then you must send it directly to us.

What is the online government tax payment and filing service?

An online government tax payment and filing service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, using a financial institution's Internet site. It enables participating financial institutions' customers to electronically submit RST return cards and payments via the Internet. This service is currently offered by many financial institutions to customers who have an account with them. Access our Online Services section for further details and information. Contact your financial institution for assistance when accessing or navigating these electronic services.

Where do I send my return?

You may mail your return, along with your payment, in the envelope provided with the return to the Ministry of Revenue.

Alternatively, you may file your return with your payment at any Ontario financial institution where you have an account. All Ontario Ministry of Revenue Tax Offices also accept returns and payments.

What if I file my return late?

If you late-file or short-pay your return, you will be required to pay penalties as follows:

  • 10% of the Tax Collectable on Sales (Line 2 of the return) and,
  • 5% of the Tax Payable for Own Use (Line 3 of the return), with no maximum.

What should be included in Line 3 of the RST return?

Line 3 is used to report and remit any RST owed on taxable goods and services that were purchased exempt from RST, but which are used in your business or for your own use. This includes items taken from your exempt inventory, goods brought into Ontario, or items used in fulfilling a real property construction contract.

For additional information, please refer to the Instructions and Working Copies for Retail Sales Tax Returns.

I just realized I haven't been charging RST on some taxable sales. Am I liable for tax on past sales?

Yes. However, anyone who voluntarily discloses past taxes owed to the Ministry of Revenue will be allowed to settle any related debt by making full payment including interest. You will not be assessed penalties or prosecuted if the disclosure meets the conditions outlined in the Ministry of Revenue, Tax Information Bulletin "Voluntary Disclosure."

My terms are net 30 days. Do I have to send the RST to you even if I have not received the money from my customers?

Yes. RST is due at the time of sale of all taxable goods and services, except for insurance. RST on insurance premiums is due when you actually receive the payment from your customer.

Do I still have to file a return if no sales were made or if the sales made were not taxable?

Yes. RST returns must be filed even where no sales, either taxable or tax-exempt, were made during the filing period. If you did not make any sales, write "0" on Line 1 of the return. If you fail to file a return, you may be subject to a fine of $50 for each day the return is late-filed.

Financial institutions will not accept a return if there is no money paid. In this case, the return must be mailed, sent by courier, or hand-delivered to a Ontario Ministry of Revenue Tax Office, or submitted using the online government tax payment and filing service.

When is my return due?

Returns are due on or before the 23rd of the month following the end of your filing period, unless you have been authorized to use a special filing period. The due date is printed on the front of every return.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the return is due on the next normal business day.

How and when do I obtain the RST returns?

You will receive your returns by mail approximately three weeks before each due date. Vendors who are required to file RST returns monthly will receive a package of three return forms covering three filing periods. If you do not file monthly, we will mail your returns to you about three weeks before each return due date.

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