T
The Daily Insight

Can a Canadian company sell in the US?

Author

James Craig

Published Mar 28, 2026

Canadian businesses operating in or selling to the United States may be subject to income taxes in the US or they may also need to pay US sales tax. Whether a Canadian startup is subject to US taxes depends on whether it has “nexus” in the US.

Do Canadian companies need to collect US sales tax?

There are many transactions between Canadian sellers and U.S. customers where there’s no need to collect and remit U.S. sales tax. If you don’t have nexus in the customer’s state, you don’t need to add US sales tax to the order.

Is there sales tax when buying from Canada?

For purchases in Canada, The only individuals who can purchase goods and services without paying GST/HST are Indians, under very specific conditions. (General Information for GST/HST Registrants, Canada Revenue Agency).

Do I have to pay GST on imported goods?

Goods and services tax (GST) is payable on most goods imported into Australia (taxable importations). However, if you are a GST-registered business or organisation and you import goods as part of your activities, you may be able to claim a GST credit for any GST you pay on those goods.

Do you have to pay GST on international purchases?

Australian consumers will have to pay a 10% goods and services tax on all online goods bought from overseas from 1 July next year. It means imports of goods worth less than $1,000, which are now GST-free, will no longer be exempt from the tax. …

Do I have to pay duties ordering from Canada?

Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail. The CBSA calculates any duties owing based on the value of the goods in Canadian funds.

Is it legal to resell products in Canada?

It is illegal to sell or give them away. If you have any of these products in your possession, destroy and discard them so that they cannot be used.

Do foreign companies pay US sales taxes?

Foreign companies must comply with sales tax in much the same manner US based remote businesses. Businesses, both in the US and outside our borders, are responsible for collecting sales tax in the states in which they have established nexus.

Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Canada?

“It is illegal to sell or give them away,” Health Canada says on its website. “If you have any of these products in your possession, destroy and discard them so that they cannot be used.” Health Canada warns that these products must meet regulatory requirements.

Do I charge GST on US sales?

In certain cases, you do not have to collect the GST/HST on a taxable sale of real property (for example, if you are a non-resident of Canada). Instead, the purchaser may have to pay the tax directly to us.

Can you sell products from the US to Canada?

If you ship products to Canadian customers from the U.S. without solicitation and don’t use any warehouse and bank accounts, then you are not carrying on a business in Canada.

Why are Canadian companies interested in the US?

Most Canadian companies when expanding its operations internationally, look to the United States due to the close proximity, access to a huge market, and ease of trade. However, when a Canadian company decides to sell its services and products in the US, it should be aware of the various US tax laws that could apply on the Canadian business.

When does a Canadian corporation do business in the US?

By an individual present in the U.S. for at least 183 days in a 12-month period when during that time more than 50% of the gross active business income of the Canadian corporation is derived from such services, For customers in the U.S. for at least a total of 183 days in a 12-month period for the same or connected project.

Can you sell in the US with a Canadian credit card?

A significant number of Canadian Sellers are already selling on Amazon.com and making substantial profits. However, before you start selling in the US a number of details are required from a non-US citizen. A credit card that can be charged internationally, i.e, a Mastercard or Visa. Your country uses currency supported by Amazon.