Markets

Start an online business in Canada

The steps the government of Canada sets for a new business that sells online, each linked to the official page that runs it, then the steps to open your store. Read from the official sources on October 14, 2026.

Start free See the steps

Set up your business in Canada

The steps in the order most new sellers take them. Each is read from the official page linked under it.

1. Choose a legal form
Canada.ca names the sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation.
Open the official page
2. Register the business
Sole proprietorships and partnerships register with their province or territory, and corporations can incorporate federally through Corporations Canada.
Open the official page
3. Get your tax number
The 9-digit business number (BN) is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Open the official page
4. Check when you must register for GST/HST
The CRA states you are a small supplier, not required to register, if worldwide taxable supplies are $30,000 or less in a single calendar quarter and over the last four consecutive quarters.
Open the official page
5. Follow the rules for selling online
The Office of Consumer Affairs online shopping page and the Internet Sales Contract Harmonization Template cover online sale disclosure and cancellation rules.
Open the official page

Open your store in Canada

What Tanqory sets up for a store based in Canada. You change any of it in Settings.

Tax: Your store starts with a GST entry for Canada, pre-filled at 5%, with collecting off until you switch it on.
GST/HST in Canada
Card payments: Through your own Stripe account, which Stripe opens for businesses in Canada. Tanqory adds no transaction fee; Stripe charges its own rate.
Shipping labels: DHL Express and Easyship, bought in your admin, with the customs declaration sent with each label for parcels that cross a border.

What stays with you

Registering the business and choosing its legal form. Tanqory does not register a business for you.
Registering for GST/HST, filing returns and paying the tax authority.
Licences or permits your products need in Canada.
Legal or tax advice. This page points to the official sources; an adviser in Canada can apply them to your business.

Questions about starting a business in Canada

Which legal form should I choose in Canada?

The official page in step 1 lists the forms a business in Canada can take. Your choice decides how you register, how you are taxed and whether your own money is kept apart from the business, so an adviser in Canada is worth asking before you decide.

What does Tanqory set up for a store in Canada?

A tax entry for Canada with collecting off, card payments through your own Stripe account, and DHL Express and Easyship labels you buy in your admin. You change any of it in Settings.

Does Tanqory file my GST/HST return?

No. Your store works out and charges GST/HST at checkout and keeps a record of every order. You register, file and pay the tax authority yourself, or through your accountant.

What do I have to tell buyers when I sell online in Canada?

The official page in step 5 lists the information and rights a buyer in Canada must get before and after they order. Put that information on your store before your first sale.

How current are these steps?

Each was read from its official page on October 14, 2026. Rules change; the official page is the authority, so open it before you act.

How we checked

Each step on this page was read from its official page on October 14, 2026. The store facts come from Tanqory's tax settings, payments and shipping setup.