XBert Type: Standard
Accounting Software: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks
Country Restriction: CA only
Risk Type: Tax Risk
Business Function: Purchases
Overview
The “GST has been claimed on a bill without a GST number on attachment” XBert checks bills where GST has been claimed and identifies if the attached invoice or receipt is missing a GST number. This alert helps ensure that GST credits claimed in your accounting software are supported by valid documentation.
What it does
This XBert scans bills entered in the last 3 months that meet all of the following:
The bill subtotal is greater than $50
The bill status is “SUBMITTED,” “AUTHORISED,” or “PAID”
The bill has attachments
None of the attachments contain a valid GST number
If GST has been claimed on one of these bills, XBert flags the item so you can review and make corrections before reporting to the Canada Revenue Agency.
How it works
XBert analyses the attachments on bills where GST has been claimed. If the document does not contain a valid GST number — or if no number is found at all — the XBert is triggered.
This ensures you’re not claiming GST credits based on invalid or incomplete documentation. It’s particularly important in case of audit, and helps protect your business from errors or rejected credits on your GST/HST return.
Example / Use Case
Steve owns a printing business and processes a bill from Bob’s Burgers for catering. He attaches a scanned receipt and claims GST in his accounting software. However, the attached invoice from Bob’s Burgers doesn’t contain a GST number.
XBert picks this up and alerts Steve, who realises the supplier forgot to include their GST number on the document. Steve requests a corrected invoice and replaces the attachment, ensuring his records are compliant and he can rightfully claim the GST credit.
Accounting software
Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks
Which countries it supports
Canada only
Processes
This XBert falls under the “Compliance” process group and is part of your purchases/accounts payable (AP) review.
To resolve this alert:
Select RESOLVE NOW from within XBert to open the bill in your accounting software
Review the attachment. If no GST number is visible, contact the supplier to reissue the invoice
Replace the incorrect attachment with the correct one
If you're using automation software to scan and upload bills, make sure it's working as expected. Faded or distorted invoices may cause the GST number to be missed
If needed, remove the GST from the bill until the corrected documentation is received
Valid documentation ensures your GST credits are legitimate and your reporting is audit-ready.