Businesses that are registered for GST/HST and QST purposes may usually apply for ITCs and ITRs for the taxes paid on purchases made in the course of commercial operations. Credits received with respect to an expense may be included in income or deducted from the expense. When they are received following the acquisition of depreciable property, they are applied to reduce the cost of the property for capital cost allowance purposes.

A professional who is a member of a partnership and claims certain expenses in his/her personal income tax returns may be eligible for a tax refund provided the partnership is registered for GST/HST and QST purposes, the expenses have not been reimbursed by the partnership and the partnership has not claimed the ITC and ITR in respect thereof.