Contractor invoice template for Canada
Contractor and trades invoices need to show labour, materials and any deposit clearly, because clients often compare them with the quote. 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 contractor invoice in CAD
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour: bathroom tiling (hours) | 16 | CA$45.00 | CA$720.00 |
| Materials: tiles and adhesive | 1 | CA$380.00 | CA$380.00 |
| Skip hire | 1 | CA$120.00 | CA$120.00 |
| Subtotal | CA$1,220.00 | ||
| GST 5% | CA$61.00 | ||
| Total | CA$1,281.00 | ||
In this sample the subtotal is CA$1,220.00, GST at 5 percent adds CA$61.00, and the total is CA$1,281.00. 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 contractor invoice should show
- Job address and a short description of the work completed
- Labour as hours and hourly rate, or a fixed price per task
- Materials listed separately, with receipts kept on file
- Any variation to the original quote, with the reason
- Deposit or stage payments already received
- Your licence or registration number where required locally, and payment terms
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
- One lump sum with no breakdown, which invites disputes.
- Not recording changes the client asked for during the job.
- Charging GST when you are a small supplier and not registered.
- Using 5 percent GST in a province where HST applies.
Practical tips
On bigger jobs, use stage invoices: deposit, progress payment, final payment. Refer to the quote number on each invoice so the client can follow the history.
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
Should I invoice materials separately?
Yes, in most cases. It is transparent for the client and easier for your bookkeeping. Add a markup only if it was agreed in the quote.
How do I invoice a job in stages?
Create one invoice per stage, reference the quote number, and show payments already received on each new invoice.
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.
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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.