The 7 Most Common HST Audit Issues

Posted on May 5th, 2022 in Commodity Tax (HST)

Scrabble letters spelling out the word "audit"

We have a specialized team at DJB that specializes in Commodity Tax. GST/HST can be complex and confusing if not dealt with by a knowledgeable professional. Oversights may trigger an audit and unnecessary penalties and interest assessed by the CRA.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common audit issues that we’ve seen to date. If you feel that you may need assistance with any of these HST areas, please contact us – we are happy to assist.

Claiming Input Tax Credits (ITCs) without proper documentation (see criteria table for specifics)
• Ensure that the vendor’s GST/HST number is always on the invoice, if not, ask for another to be prepared.
• Do not used credit cards statements as your support. It is not considered acceptable proof for the CRA.
• Also note, the CRA does not allow amendments where the sole purpose is to claim additional ITCs – any additions must be claimed on a future return.
Invoices made out to the wrong company
• Holding company invoices cannot be claimed by the operating company
Intercompany transactions – Section 156 elections and form RC4616
• Section 156 elections cannot be filed solely based on a controlling interest
• Most situations required 90% ownership (parent/sub)
Claiming ITCs when a portion of the related revenue is exempt
• Exempt income does not require GST/HST to be charged however no corresponding ITCs can be claimed on related expenses
Self-assessment errors on acquisitions of real estate (two scenarios to be mindful of)
a. If the real estate acquisition is primarily used for taxable activities (e.g. commercial) – full ITCs can be claimed and the amount of HST owing would be nil. If a self-assessment is not completed, the CRA can reassess and add the HST due on the HST return. Thus, not having the ability to amend a return to add additional ITCs can result in significant cash flow issues and interest assessed by the CRA.
b. If the real estate acquisition is used for exempt activities (e.g. long-term residential) than no ITCs can be claimed and HST would be owing. In this scenario, if a self-assessment is not completed, CRA can also reassess and include interest (same as scenario a).
Claiming 100% ITCs on meals/entertainment and passenger vehicles
• Meals/entertainment claims are only eligible at 50% of the ITCs.
• Passenger vehicle ITCs are capped at the GST/HST on $30,000 capital cost (typically $3,900).
Failure to charge/collect GST/HST on the sale of assets
• Commodity tax registrants are required to charge GST/HST when selling an asset used for commercial purposes.