Canadian photographers registered for GST/HST must include their BN and collect tax on taxable supplies.
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Accent Color
Your Business
Bill To (Client)
Invoice Details
%
Line Items
Item 1
$950.00
Item 2
$450.00
Item 3
$350.00
Item 4
$1,200.00
Item 5
$480.00
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INVOICE
INV-0001
Your Business Name
Your Address
Bill To
Client Name
Client Address
Invoice Date
01/06/2026
Due Date
01/07/2026
Currency
CAD
Description
Qty
Rate
Amount
Photography Session (Half Day)
per session
1
$950.00
$950.00
Photo Editing & Retouching
per hours
6
$75.00
$450.00
Travel & Location Fees
per flat fee
1
$350.00
$350.00
Commercial Usage License
per license
1
$1,200.00
$1,200.00
Printed Album / Gallery Prints
per set
1
$480.00
$480.00
Subtotal$3,430.00
GST/HST (5%)$171.50
Total CAD$3,601.50
Payment
Interac e-Transfer and EFT are the most common payment methods.
Thank you for your business · InvoiceYard.com
5 items · Subtotal $3,430.00 + GST/HST $171.50
Total: $3,601.50
🇨🇦 Canada Requirements
Currency$ CAD
TaxGST/HST (5%)
Date formatDD/MM/YYYY
PaymentInterac e-Transfer and EFT are the most common payment methods.
Businesses registered for GST/HST must display their Business Number (BN) on invoices. The federal GST rate is 5%; HST applies in participating provinces (Ontario 13%, Nova Scotia 15%, etc.). Quebec residents apply QST separately at 9.975%.
Payment Terms
50% deposit, balance on delivery
About Canada Photography Invoicing
Canadian photographers registered for GST/HST must include their BN and collect tax on taxable supplies. Photography services are generally taxable at the applicable rate. Commercial licensing is treated as a taxable supply. Photography invoices cover creative services including shoots, editing, licensing, and print fulfillment. As a photographer, your invoice communicates the full scope of your work — from pre-production planning and travel to post-processing hours and usage rights. Clearly distinguishing between service fees and licensing fees is important both for tax purposes and to protect your intellectual property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should photography licenses be invoiced separately from service fees?
Yes. Separating your service fee (the shoot and editing) from the usage license fee creates clarity for your client and is important for your own tax records. Licensing income may be treated differently for tax purposes depending on your jurisdiction.
How do I protect my copyright when issuing an invoice?
Include a brief licensing clause on the invoice stating the permitted uses, territory, and duration of the license. Make clear that copyright remains with the photographer unless a full assignment is explicitly agreed in a separate contract.
What is a day rate versus an hourly rate for photographers?
A day rate (typically 8–10 hours) offers predictability for both parties and is standard for commercial photography. Hourly rates work better for shorter engagements. Always specify what is included in the rate (editing, number of delivered images, etc.).
How should photographers handle international client invoicing?
Specify currency clearly and use an international payment method (PayPal, Wise, wire transfer). For UK photographers invoicing overseas clients, services exported to non-UK clients are generally zero-rated for VAT purposes.
How does GST/HST work on Canadian invoices?
Canada levies a 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). In participating provinces, GST is combined with a provincial component into the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) — for example, 13% in Ontario and 15% in Nova Scotia. In Quebec, GST and QST (9.975%) are charged separately. Businesses with annual revenue over $30,000 CAD must register, collect, and remit GST/HST.
Do I need a Business Number on my Canadian invoices?
If you are registered for GST/HST, you must display your 15-character Business Number (BN) on all invoices — this is your 9-digit BN followed by the program identifier (RT) and a 4-digit reference number (e.g., 123456789 RT0001). Invoices without a valid BN cannot be used by your clients to claim Input Tax Credits (ITCs).
Are there different invoicing rules by Canadian province?
Yes. Provinces that use HST (Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, PEI) require a single combined tax line. Quebec requires separate lines for GST and QST, and QST-registered businesses must also show their QST number. British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba charge GST plus their own Provincial Sales Tax (PST), which may have separate registration and invoicing requirements.
