Consultant invoice template for Canada

Consultants usually bill larger amounts to companies that run approvals, purchase orders and payment cycles. This template is set up for Canada: CAD currency and the right tax label. Canada invoices usually include GST (standard rate 5 percent), which this template adds for you.

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Example consultant invoice in CAD

Description	Qty	Rate	Amount
Process audit workshop (days)	2	CA$1,200.00	CA$2,400.00
Written recommendations report	1	CA$900.00	CA$900.00
Follow-up call (hours)	1	CA$200.00	CA$200.00
Subtotal			CA$3,500.00
GST 5%			CA$175.00
Total			CA$3,675.00

In this sample the subtotal is CA$3,500.00, GST at 5 percent adds CA$175.00, and the total is CA$3,675.00. Sample figures only.

What a Canada invoice must include

Your business name, address and GST/HST registration number
The customer's name and billing address
Invoice number and invoice date
A description of the goods or services and the amount before tax
The GST or HST amount, and any provincial tax, shown separately
The total and your payment terms

What a consultant invoice should show

The client's PO number or contract reference
The engagement period and what was delivered
Day rate or fixed fee and the number of days or milestones
Expenses listed separately, with receipts available
Payment terms such as net 30, and any late-payment terms
Your tax or company registration number when required

Getting paid in Canada

Common ways to pay are Interac e-Transfer, electronic funds transfer, cheque or card. Typical payment terms: net 30 is common. Interest on late payments should be agreed in your contract and written on the invoice.

Mistakes to avoid

Missing the PO number, which makes finance teams send the invoice back.
Billing against a vague engagement instead of the agreed scope.
Charging GST when you are a small supplier and not registered.
Using 5 percent GST in a province where HST applies.

Practical tips

Ask at the start who receives invoices and whether there is a vendor portal or a required format; large clients often have one. For retainers, invoice at the start of the period and label it with the month.

The federal GST rate is 5 percent. Some provinces combine federal and provincial tax into HST at a higher rate, while others charge provincial sales tax separately, so the rate depends on where the supply is made. Small suppliers whose taxable revenue stays under the government threshold do not have to register for GST/HST, but they can choose to.

Frequently asked questions

What payment terms should a consultant use?

Net 14 or net 30 are common. For new clients or large projects, ask for a deposit or milestone payments.

Why do clients ask for a PO number?

Many companies match invoices to purchase orders before paying. Without it, payment can be delayed.

What is the difference between GST and HST?

GST is the federal tax. HST combines the federal and provincial parts in some provinces. Others charge GST plus a separate provincial tax.

Do I need to charge GST as a freelancer in Canada?

Only once you are registered, which is required after you pass the small supplier threshold. Check with the CRA.

Related templates

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules and rates change, so check the Canada Revenue Agency before relying on it.