Frequently Asked Questions About the Credit Note and Debit Note Information (GST/HST) Regulations

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below are meant to provide Canadians and businesses with basic information about the Canada Revenue Agency’s regulations. FAQ’s have only been added for some regulations - the Credit Note and Debit Note Information (GST/HST) Regulations (SOR/91-44) were selected based on the number of visits these regulations receive on the Justice Canada website.

What is the purpose of this regulation?

Under the Excise tax Act, where a supplier has adjusted, refunded or credited an excess amount of GST/HST to a recipient, the supplier must issue a credit note to the recipient unless the recipient issues a debit note. This regulation sets out the information that must be contained in these credit and debit notes.

What are the key elements of this regulation?

These regulations prescribe the information that is to be contained in a credit note or a debit note, as the case may be, relating to one or more supplies.

How does this regulation affect Canadian businesses?

These regulations describe the information that businesses need to include on credit or debit notes in order to comply with the requirements of the Excise Tax Act.

What is the timeline for implementation?

These regulations were registered in December 1990 and are occasionally amended on the recommendation of the Minister of National Revenue.

Where can I get more information?

• Basic information on the GST/HST
• Explanatory Notes Relating to the Excise Tax Act (January 2014)

For more information

• Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Management
• Red Tape Reduction Action Plan
• Canada–United States Regulatory Cooperation Council

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.

Date modified:

2014-12-19