Invoicing for HVAC-R techs in Quebec: GST, QST and best practices
How to invoice properly as an HVAC-R tech in Quebec: GST/QST calculation, required information, payment terms, and collections.
Invoicing isn't the most exciting part of the HVAC-R trade — but it's what separates the technician who scrapes by from the entrepreneur who thrives.
Quebec taxes
In Quebec, two taxes apply to refrigeration services:
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5% — federal tax
- QST (Quebec Sales Tax): 9.975% — provincial tax
Combined total: 14.975% on the pre-tax amount.
Sample calculation
| Labour (2h × $95/h) | $190.00 |
| Travel | $85.00 |
| Parts (contactor) | $45.00 |
| Subtotal | $320.00 |
| GST (5%) | $16.00 |
| QST (9.975%) | $31.92 |
| TOTAL | $367.92 |
Required invoice information
- Your business name and contact info
- GST and QST registration numbers
- Customer name and address
- Invoice date and sequential number
- Detailed description of the work
- Parts shown separately from labour
- GST and QST calculated separately
- Payment terms (e.g. net 30)
Hourly rates
In Quebec, refrigeration hourly rates for construction work are governed by the CCQ (Commission de la construction du Québec). Check the CCQ website for current rates. For service and maintenance work outside the construction sector, rates are set by each business based on region and specialty.
Handling unpaid invoices
- Clear terms — write "Net 30" on every invoice
- Quick follow-up — chase payment on day 31. The longer you wait, the less you collect
- Late fees — 2% per month is standard in the trade
- Before going back to a customer — make sure their account is current
Automating your invoicing
With management software, the invoice is generated automatically at the end of the service call: time is calculated, parts are listed, taxes are added, and the PDF is emailed to the customer. No more forgotten invoices, no more manual math.