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HST and Taxes

Understanding taxes on ShopBroker purchases

Written by Austin Headley

Taxes on ShopBroker

Here's what you need to know about taxes when buying and selling on ShopBroker. For an overview of all platform fees, see Understanding ShopBroker Fees.

How HST Works on ShopBroker

ShopBroker operates as a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. There are two distinct tax flows on every transaction:

HST on the ShopBroker service fee. ShopBroker charges and remits HST on the platform's own service fee, the same way any Canadian business does on the services it provides. See Service Fee Breakdown for how the service fee itself is calculated.

HST on the underlying sale. Whether HST applies to the item itself depends on the individual seller's tax status. Sellers handle their own HST registration, charging, and remittance for their sales.

The amount you see at checkout reflects whatever tax the seller has configured for that listing, plus any taxes on the delivery fee. ShopBroker presents the total clearly so there are no surprises at payment.

> The two-tax-flow rule, in one sentence: ShopBroker handles HST on its own service fee. Sellers handle HST on their own sales, if their tax status requires it.

For Buyers

Are Prices Listed With Tax?

Item prices on ShopBroker are set by individual sellers. Whether HST is included depends on the seller's tax status:

  • Casual sellers: Most individuals selling personal items occasionally don't charge HST

  • HST-registered sellers: Registered businesses or frequent sellers will include or add applicable taxes

Check with the seller if you need clarification on a specific listing.

Do I Pay HST on Purchases?

It depends on the seller. Casual sellers generally don't charge HST on the items themselves. Sellers who are HST-registered will, and you'll see the tax line in your checkout breakdown.

ShopBroker's service fee is paid by the seller out of their payout, so HST on that fee is handled between ShopBroker and the seller, not added to your buyer total.

Delivery Fees

Delivery fees are shown at checkout and include any applicable taxes. The amount shown is what you pay.

For Sellers

Are You HST-Registered?

ShopBroker asks about your HST registration status as part of seller setup. Your answer determines how tax is handled on your sales:

  • Not registered (most casual sellers): No HST is added to your listings. You receive the listing price minus the ShopBroker service fee.

  • Registered: the HST rate you configure is applied to your sales and shown to buyers at checkout. You remain responsible for remitting that HST to the CRA.

You can update your HST status from your seller settings if your situation changes.

Do I Need to Register for HST?

It depends on your situation. The CRA generally requires registration once your taxable sales exceed a small-supplier threshold over four consecutive quarters. Specific thresholds change over time, so check the CRA's current guidance or talk to a tax professional.

  • Casual sellers (most users): If you're selling personal items occasionally, you usually don't need to register

  • Frequent sellers approaching the threshold: Track your sales and consult a tax professional about timing your registration

  • Already-registered businesses: Set your status in your seller profile so HST is handled correctly on every sale

> Important: ShopBroker doesn't track your sales toward CRA registration thresholds. That's your responsibility. If you're approaching the small-supplier threshold, talk to a tax professional about timing your registration.

Your Service Fee

ShopBroker's service fee, including any HST on that fee, is deducted from your payouts. Your transaction records show the breakdown for your accounting.

Record Keeping

For Buyers

Keep your:

  • Order confirmation emails

  • Payment receipts

  • Any invoices from business sellers

These help if you need to claim purchases as business expenses.

For Sellers

Keep records of:

  • All transactions

  • Service fees paid

  • Payout amounts

  • PayPal or Stripe statements (depending on your provider)

These help with tax reporting if needed.

Tax Documents

PayPal

If you meet payment thresholds, PayPal may provide tax information through your PayPal dashboard. Visit paypal.com to access your tax forms and statements.

Stripe

If you meet payment thresholds, Stripe may provide tax information slips:

  • T5018 for Canadian sellers

  • Available in your Stripe dashboard

ShopBroker

We can provide transaction records on request. Contact support if you need documentation.

Seller Tax Responsibilities

ShopBroker doesn't provide tax advice, but here are general guidelines:

What to Report

As a seller, you may need to report your earnings to the CRA. This includes:

  • All sales revenue

  • Less any applicable deductions

Potential Deductions

If selling as a business, you might deduct:

  • ShopBroker service fees

  • Packaging costs

  • Delivery fees you absorb

  • Items purchased for resale

Consult a Professional

Tax situations vary. Speak with an accountant or tax professional about your specific circumstances.

Common Questions

Is ShopBroker a business?

ShopBroker is a platform that connects buyers and sellers. We charge service fees, and we charge and remit HST on those fees. We do not collect or remit HST on the underlying item sale; that's the seller's responsibility based on their own registration status.

Do I get a tax receipt?

Your transaction records serve as receipts. PayPal and Stripe each provide official statements for payment records through their dashboards.

What if I sell a lot?

High-volume sellers should:

  • Track all transactions carefully

  • Consider GST/HST registration if over thresholds

  • Update your HST status in seller settings when you register

  • Report income appropriately

  • Consult a tax professional

Are delivery fees taxable?

Delivery services are generally taxable. Any applicable tax is included in the fee shown at checkout.

Why does my buyer see different totals than my listing price?

If you're HST-registered, the buyer sees the listing price plus HST and any delivery fee. If you're not registered, the buyer sees just the listing price plus delivery. Your seller settings drive which version applies.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only. ShopBroker does not provide tax advice. Tax laws change, and individual situations vary. Please consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Questions?

For general questions about how fees appear in your account, contact our support team. For tax advice, please consult a professional.

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