Managing invoices doesn’t have to be complicated. With Stripe Invoicing, Canadian businesses can create, send, and get paid faster — all from one dashboard. Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing business, here’s how to issue GST/HST-compliant invoices and receive payments efficiently.
Why Use Stripe for Invoicing in Canada
Stripe is more than just a payment processor — it’s a complete billing solution designed to help you manage clients, track payments, and stay compliant with Canadian tax regulations.
Here’s why thousands of Canadian businesses rely on Stripe Invoicing:
- 💡 Professional templates: Create modern invoices that match your brand.
- 🇨🇦 Tax compliance: Automatically include GST, HST, PST, or QST based on province.
- 💳 Multiple payment options: Accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.
- 🔐 Secure payments: Stripe’s encryption and fraud protection keep transactions safe.
- 📈 Integrated analytics: Track invoices, balances, and customer history in real time.
How to Create a GST/HST-Compliant Invoice in Stripe
Canadian businesses are required to include specific tax details on every invoice. Stripe makes this easy through its tax settings panel.
When setting up your Stripe account:
- Go to Settings → Tax and Invoicing.
- Enter your Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Add applicable taxes — GST (5%), HST, or PST/QST depending on your province.
- Customize your invoice footer with legal text, like your CRA registration details.
Stripe will then automatically apply the right taxes based on your client’s location.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your First Invoice
Creating your first Stripe invoice in Canada takes less than five minutes. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your Stripe Dashboard.
- Go to Billing → Invoices → Create invoice.
- Select or add your customer’s details (name, email, company, and address).
- Add line items, such as products or services rendered, with descriptions and prices.
- Include applicable taxes (GST/HST/PST).
- Choose your payment methods (cards, bank transfers, etc.).
- Review and click “Send Invoice” — Stripe will email it directly to your client.
Your client will receive a secure payment link where they can pay instantly online.
Sending Invoices to Canadian and International Clients
With Stripe, you can issue invoices in CAD for local clients or in USD for international ones. The platform automatically adjusts currency, tax rules, and payment methods to match your client’s country.
To send invoices abroad:
- Enable multi-currency support in your account.
- Include clear notes on exchange rates or service terms.
- Verify that your bank supports foreign currency deposits (if you plan to receive USD).
This makes it simple for Canadian businesses to expand globally while staying compliant.
Receiving Payments in CAD or USD via Stripe
Stripe supports payments in over 135 currencies, including CAD and USD — ideal for businesses that work across borders.
Once your client pays the invoice:
- Funds are deposited into your Canadian bank account, typically within 1–3 business days.
- You’ll receive automatic payment notifications and can download receipts anytime.
- Payouts appear in your Stripe Dashboard → Payments → Payouts section.
If you operate in both currencies, you can connect multiple bank accounts to manage CAD and USD balances separately.
How to Manage Recurring Invoices for Subscriptions
If you charge clients on a monthly or yearly basis, Stripe can automate your invoicing with recurring billing.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to Billing → Subscriptions → Create plan.
- Define the frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually).
- Add pricing, tax rules, and payment methods.
- Stripe will automatically send invoices on each billing cycle and collect payments.
This feature is perfect for SaaS companies, agencies, and service providers with regular clients.
Troubleshooting Common Stripe Invoice Issues
If your invoice isn’t sending or your client can’t pay, try these quick fixes:
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice not received | Incorrect email or spam filter | Resend invoice and confirm client’s email |
| Payment link not working | Expired or canceled invoice | Recreate and send a new one |
| Tax not appearing | Tax settings not configured | Add CRA tax details in your account |
| Payment failed | Declined card or insufficient funds | Ask the client to try another payment method |
Stripe’s support documentation also includes guides for advanced issues like API invoicing or multi-account setups.
👉 Next article: Stripe vs PayPal – Which One Is Better for Canadian Businesses?