When does an athlete need to register for GST/HST?
Athletes who earn more than $30,000 CAD of endorsement income in Canada (i.e., from sponsors, such as: Upper Deck, Warrior, Bauer), in any 12-month period, are likely required to register for the GST/HST. This includes income earned as an individual, or through a corporation.
When does an athlete need to charge GST/HST?
Once registered for the GST/HST, athletes are required to charge GST/HST on their endorsement income from Canadian sponsors. Athletes, in most cases, are not required to charge GST/HST on their endorsement income from non-Canadian Sponsors.
What rate of GST/HST is charged?
Generally, GST/HST is charged at the rate applicable in the province of the sponsor. Below are some of the most common GST/HST rates:
![GST HST Rates](https://www.crowe.com/ca/crowesoberman/-/media/crowe/firms/americas/ca/crowe-soberman/images/insights/gst-hst-rates.png?la=en-us&h=231&w=785&rev=e589a2dca1d643f19dc247535b248415&hash=4A84AA7CD5DD99A84A2A41AE9EAF896B)
Do athletes invoice sponsors? What should be on the invoice?
Athletes registered for the GST/HST must issue invoices to their sponsors, and they must contain certain information. Generally, the following information should be included on invoices: name of sponsor, name of athlete, athlete’s GST/HST number, date of invoice, endorsement income amount, GST/HST charged, and currency of invoice.
Can an athlete claim a credit for GST/HST paid on expenses?
Athletes who are registered for GST/HST can claim a credit for the GST/HST paid on expenses related to earning the endorsement income. GST/HST paid is claimed as a credit against the GST/HST charged and collected from the sponsors.
When are GST/HST returns due?
Many athletes file GST/HST returns on a calendar year, resulting in the annual GST/HST return being due by March 31st of the following year (e.g. an annual 2023 GST/HST return is due by March 31, 2024).
Is GST/HST paid in instalments?
Athletes who file GST/HST returns annually and have more than $3,000 CAD of GST/HST owing on their GST/HST return in a year, must pay quarterly GST/HST installments the following year.