Should New Business Owners Register for GST/HST?

The Goods and Services Tax or GST is a consumption tax that is charged on most goods and services sold within Canada, regardless of where your business is located.  Subject to certain exceptions, all businesses are required to charge GST , currently at 5%, plus applicable provincial sales taxes.  A business effectively acts as an agent for Revenue Canada by collecting the taxes and remitting them on a periodic basis.  Businesses are also permitted to claim the taxes paid on expenses incurred that relate to their business activities.  These are referred to as Input Tax Credits.