Hi there,

Thank you for the question regarding HST. 

Instacart should be adding the GST/HST directly onto your courier fees. If they are not, you are still legally required to calculate the HST on the taxable service (not including the tips) and remit it to CRA.

I understand that it is difficult to remit the taxes before you receive the funds, so I would recommend properly filing your remittances (without remitting payment), and contacting CRA to let them know that you can’t afford to remit the GST until you receive it from Instacart (or any similar online platforms). I’m sure they will be more than understanding, considering this situation.

I have been in clear contact with CRA, and they are well aware of the GST issue regarding food/grocery delivery courier’s using online platforms like Instacart, DoorDash and UberEats. They are in the process of drafting a GST/HST ruling that will set the precedent in these situations, and should make collecting these taxes from your customers MUCH easier going forward. These online platforms are quite new, and we will need to be patient with CRA while they draft these rulings and legislation.