Quick Answer
Online course revenue is fully taxable income in Canada. Most courses are subject to GST/HST (not zero-rated educational services). You must register for GST/HST once revenue exceeds $30,000, charge it to Canadian customers, and file returns with the CRA.
The online education market has exploded — and so has CRA scrutiny of course creators. If you're selling courses on Teachable, Kajabi, Udemy, Thinkific, or your own website, here's what you need to know.
Are Online Courses Taxable in Canada?
Most online courses are taxable supplies for GST/HST purposes. The zero-rating exemption for educational services is very narrow and generally applies only to courses offered by accredited educational institutions leading to recognized credentials. Self-produced courses sold by individual creators — regardless of how educational the content is — are taxable.
Platform-Specific Rules
| Platform | GST/HST Handling |
|---|---|
| Udemy | Udemy is marketplace facilitator — handles Canadian GST/HST |
| Teachable | You are responsible for GST/HST — not a marketplace facilitator |
| Kajabi | You are responsible for GST/HST |
| Thinkific | You are responsible for GST/HST |
| Your own website | You are fully responsible |
Deductible Expenses for Course Creators
- Platform subscription fees (Teachable, Kajabi, etc.)
- Video equipment and recording software
- Course materials and assets (stock footage, music licenses)
- Email marketing software (Mailchimp, ConvertKit)
- Advertising to promote your course
- Home office proportional expenses
MaxRefund Handles Taxes for Canadian Course Creators
We manage GST/HST registration, filings, and income tax returns for Canadian online course creators — from Teachable to Kajabi to Podia.
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