Checklist · Alberta
Start a contracting business in Alberta
General information for Saskatchewan and Alberta, checked November 14, 2026. It isn't tax, legal or accounting advice. Your situation may differ, so confirm with CRA, the Ministry of Finance or an accountant before you rely on it.
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In Alberta you register a trade name at a registry agent if you won't trade under your own name, get a CRA business number, and register for GST (5%) once you pass $30,000. Alberta has no provincial sales tax. Expect customers to ask for a WCB-Alberta clearance letter, so sort out your coverage before your first job.
The checklist
Pick a structure
A trade name (sole proprietorship) is the simplest setup. Alberta notes that a business name has no legal existence of its own, so the owner is personally responsible for the business's debts. Alberta recommends legal advice when choosing between a sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation. (Alberta.ca, Register a business name, checked November 14, 2026)
Register a trade name (if it isn't your own name)
You need a trade name if you do business under any name other than your own personal name. Fill out a Declaration of Trade Name and take it, with valid ID and payment, to an authorized Corporate Registry service provider (a registry agent). (Alberta.ca)
The government fee to register a trade name is $10.61. The registry agent adds its own service fee on top, so prices vary by office. (Registry Agent Product Catalogue, October 2026 edition; catalogue page at open.alberta.ca, checked November 14, 2026)
Alberta also says business names don't have to be unique, but using a name close to an existing business or trademark can get you sued. A NUANS name report is recommended but not mandatory.
Business number and GST
When you register in Alberta, you'll get an email once your federal business number is issued, unless you already have one. (Alberta.ca)
GST is 5% in Alberta and the provincial sales tax is 0%. You must register for GST once taxable sales pass $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. (CRA, GST/HST rates; CRA, When to register)
WCB-Alberta: coverage and clearance letters
WCB-Alberta tells businesses that hire contractors to request a clearance letter before work starts, during the contract and again before final payment. If a contractor has no coverage, the hiring business can end up responsible for premiums on that contractor's earnings. (WCB-Alberta, Coverage for contractors and subcontractors, checked November 14, 2026)
In practice, that means the companies you sub for have good reason to ask for your clearance letter before they hire you or pay you. Without coverage, the company you work for may be treated as your employer for WCB, or may refuse to hire you. WCB-Alberta also urges owners and directors to carry optional personal coverage. Without it, they aren't protected from a lawsuit if someone is injured. (WCB-Alberta, Coverage for contractors and subcontractors)
Apply to WCB-Alberta for an account and ask what personal coverage costs in your industry.
Insurance
Ask each customer what liability limits they require, then get quotes from a licensed Alberta broker for liability, equipment and vehicles. We don't sell insurance or take referral fees on it.
Bank account, invoicing and books
Open a separate business account. Pick an invoicing app that tracks GST for you. Compare QuickBooks Online Canada, FreshBooks and Wave in our side-by-side guide.
Keep your books, invoices and receipts for six years from the end of the last tax year they relate to. (CRA, Keeping records; checked November 14, 2026)
Set your rate
Use the equipment hourly rate calculator and the take-home calculator. The take-home calculator has Alberta's 2026 brackets built in.
Know when income tax, CPP and GST are due
If your net tax owing is more than $3,000 this year and was also more than $3,000 in either of the two previous years, CRA generally expects income-tax and CPP instalments on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The balance is due April 30; self-employed people have until June 15 to file. GST annual filers with net GST of $3,000 or more generally pay quarterly instalments too. The take-home calculator page walks through the dates. (CRA, Who has to pay instalments; checked November 14, 2026)
Check local rules
Some municipalities require a business licence, and some sites require specific safety tickets. Check with the municipality and the customer.
Taking work in Saskatchewan? Saskatchewan has a 6% PST that applies to services to real property. A non-resident contractor using equipment there must post a bond or cash deposit of 6% of the contract value, or get a clearance letter from Saskatchewan's Ministry of Finance. Principals are advised to hold back 6% until they see one. You may also need a Saskatchewan PST vendor's licence. (PST-12, section Q; see also PST-38, Non-Resident Contractors) Read the SK PST guide.
Sources (checked November 14, 2026)
General information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm with the source or a professional before you rely on it.