Checklist · Saskatchewan

Start a contracting business in Saskatchewan

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.

Figures checked November 14, 2026 against the official pages linked in each step.

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The checklist

1. Pick a structure: sole proprietor or corporation

   A sole proprietorship is the simplest. You report business income on your personal return, and if you operate under your own name you don't have to register the business at all. The catch is unlimited liability: if the business is sued, your personal assets are at risk. (ISC, Sole Proprietorship, checked November 14, 2026)

   Incorporating costs more to set up and run. ISC lists incorporation of a for-profit corporation at $255. (ISC Corporate Registry fees, effective April 15, 2026) Talk to an accountant before you choose. The right answer depends on your income and risk.

2. Register your business name (if it isn't your own name)

   Trading as "Ridgeline Dirtworks" rather than your own name means reserving the name and then registering it with the ISC Corporate Registry. You'll need a physical business address (no P.O. boxes), a mailing address and your contact details. (ISC, Register a Sole Proprietorship)

   Source: ISC Corporate Registry Fees Table, effective April 15, 2026. Checked November 14, 2026. Three-year renewal: ISC.

   ISC service (for-profit)	Fee
   Reserve a business name	$50.00
   Register a business name	$65.00
   Renew a business name (every three years)	$60.00

3. Get a CRA business number, and GST when you need it

   The business number (BN) is your ID for all CRA business accounts. You need one before you open a GST/HST account. CRA's Business Registration Online sets up both. (CRA, RC4022)

   You must register for GST once your taxable sales pass $30,000 in one calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Below that you can still register voluntarily. GST is 5% in Saskatchewan. (CRA, When to register; CRA, GST/HST rates; both checked November 14, 2026)

   Full guide: do I need a GST number?

4. Get a Saskatchewan PST vendor's licence if you work on real property

   Saskatchewan PST is 6%. Businesses providing services to real property (construction, excavation, repair, demolition and similar work on land or buildings) have to be licensed vendors, collect PST on their total charge, and show it as a separate line on the invoice. (Saskatchewan.ca, PST; Bulletin PST-12, revised July 2024; checked November 14, 2026)

   PST-12 doesn't set a sales threshold like the GST's $30,000. The licence requirement applies to these contractors from the start.

   Full guide: Saskatchewan PST for contractors

5. Decide on WCB coverage

   Owners of a sole proprietorship or partnership, and their spouses, are not automatically covered by WCB Saskatchewan. Directors of a corporation are no longer automatically covered either (changed January 1, 2025). (WCB Saskatchewan, Automatic coverage)

   You can buy optional personal coverage, choosing an amount between WCB's minimum and maximum that reflects your real earnings. The cost depends on your industry's rate. WCB's own example: at $2.03 per $100 of coverage, $40,000 of coverage costs $812 a year. There's a $100 minimum annual assessment, and coverage runs at least three months a year. (WCB Saskatchewan, Optional personal coverage, checked November 14, 2026)

   If you hire workers in a mandatory industry, they're covered automatically and you have to register as an employer. WCB Saskatchewan also says contractors working for a principal are covered automatically. Ask WCB how that applies to you, and whether the principal or you will be assessed, before you decide on optional coverage. WCB Saskatchewan also issues clearance letters, and a prime contractor may ask you for one. Ask before you bid. (WCB Saskatchewan, Automatic coverage)

6. Get insurance quotes

   Many customers ask for proof of commercial general liability before you start on their site. Ask them what limits they need, then get quotes from a licensed Saskatchewan broker for liability, your equipment and your vehicles. We don't sell insurance or take referral fees on it.

7. Open a business bank account and pick an invoicing app

   Keep business money separate from day one. It makes GST returns and year-end much easier. For one or two customers, a free or low-cost invoicing app is usually enough.

   See the best invoicing apps for owner-operators or compare QuickBooks Online Canada, FreshBooks and Wave side by side.

   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)

8. Work out your rate and what to set aside

   Before you quote, know your break-even. Use the equipment hourly rate calculator, then the take-home calculator to see how much of each invoice to set aside for CPP and income tax.

9. 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)

10. Check local rules

    Some cities, towns and RMs require a local business licence, and some prime contractors require specific safety tickets. Check with your municipality and with each customer.

General information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules change. Confirm with the source or a professional before you rely on it.