{"id":15196,"date":"2025-12-09T15:41:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/?p=15196"},"modified":"2025-12-09T15:41:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:41:50","slug":"how-to-get-business-number-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-get-business-number-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a Business Number (BN) in Canada in 5 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the first things you\u2019ll need to tackle when you start your business is obtaining a business number (BN). This 9-digit identifier, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is unique to each business and simplifies the way you interact with government programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re registering for taxes, hiring your first employee, or preparing to import goods, BN is essential for compliance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide walks you through five simple steps to getting a BN, while also covering provincial requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and frequently asked questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1. Determine Eligibility for a Business Number (BN) in Canada<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every business needs a BN right away, but many will. A <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/business-number\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">business number<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is required for tax purposes if your activities fall under certain CRA program accounts:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/gst-hst-businesses.html\&quot;"><b>RT<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Necessary for GST\/HST registration if your annual revenue <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.personaltaxadvisors.ca\/registering-a-business-in-canada-or-not\/#:~:text=Registering%20for%20GST,small%20supplier%20threshold.%E2%80%9D\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exceeds $30,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/payroll\/open-manage-payroll-account.html\&quot;"><b>RP<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Needed for payroll remittances if you plan to hire employees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/corporation-income-tax-program-account.html\&quot;"><b>RC<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Linked to corporate taxes for incorporated businesses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/completing-slips-summaries\/financial-slips-summaries\/information-returns-program-account.html\&quot;"><b>RZ<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 If your business files information returns<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/charities-giving\/charities\/registering-charitable-qualified-donee-status.html\&quot;"><b>RR<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 If your business is a charity organization<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/services\/taxes\/excise-taxes-duties-and-levies\/underused-housing-tax.html\&quot;"><b>RU<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 If your corporation needs to file an Underused Housing Tax return for any properties it owns in Canada.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, BN registration is not mandatory if your annual revenue is under $30,000. However, voluntarily registering for GST\/HST allows you to claim input tax credits on business expenses, effectively putting money back in your pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2. Choose the Appropriate Business Structure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your business structure determines how you pay taxes, how much liability you assume, and even how you register. The three most common structures in Canada are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sole Proprietorship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Simple, low-cost, but the owner assumes full personal liability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Partnership:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Two or more owners share profits, responsibilities, and liabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corporation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A separate legal entity with limited liability, more paperwork, and formal tax obligations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right structure is important because your BN application is linked to your business structure. For example, corporations are automatically assigned a BN upon incorporation, while sole proprietors may only need one if they surpass revenue thresholds. If you\u2019re unsure, consider consulting a professional or even a <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/registered-agent\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">registered agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before moving forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3. Register with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you know your eligibility and structure, it\u2019s time to apply. You can register for a BN directly with the CRA in a few different ways:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be obtained online via the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/bro-register.html\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business Registration Online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> portal for fast processing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By phone at <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/register.html#:~:text=By%20phone,by%20phone.\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1-800-959-5525<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By mail or fax using <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/forms-publications\/forms\/rc1.html\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form RC1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-residents can use the <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/register.html#nr-bn_accregistrtn_webform\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Non-Resident BN Web Form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, registration is free of charge, and once you apply, your BN will be the single identifier used for business dealings with the CRA. For additional guidance, check out this helpful resource from Ownr: <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/help.ownr.co\/en\/articles\/6173957-how-do-i-get-the-cra-business-number\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do I Get the CRA Business Number?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4. Provide Required Business Information<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CRA won\u2019t issue your BN without accurate details. Any missing or incorrect information can delay your application. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to provide:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legal name of the business: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Must match official documents filed provincially or federally. If you\u2019re still figuring out <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-register-company-name\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to register a company name<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, make sure that step is complete before submitting your BN application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical and mailing addresses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Both may be required for CRA correspondence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type of business activities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Clearly define what your business does (e.g., IT consulting, landscaping, retail sales). This ensures the CRA assigns the right program accounts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ownership and contact details:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Names of owners or directors, SIN (for individuals), email, and phone number.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5. Receive Your 9-Digit Business Number<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your registration is approved, you\u2019ll receive your 9-digit Business Number, and this will be your official identifier for taxes, filings, and other regulatory requirements. It\u2019s also something lenders and partners may look for, as it often helps with business financing by proving your business is legitimate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From there, the CRA adds program accounts depending on your activities. Each program account number has three parts:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-15197 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Program-Identifier.png?w=537\" alt=\"Program Identifier for Business Numbers\" width=\"537\" height=\"141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Program-Identifier.png 537w, https:\/\/www.ownr-blog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Program-Identifier.png?resize=300,79 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Source<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/you-need-a-business-number-a-program-account.html#:~:text=CRA%20program%20account%20numbers,of%20the%20same%20kind\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government of Canada<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Business Number (BN):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The 9-digit identifier assigned to your business.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Program Identifier:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A 2-letter code that shows the type of CRA account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reference Number:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A 4-digit sequence used to distinguish multiple accounts of the same kind.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A GST\/HST account might look like 123456789 <\/span><b>RT <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0001<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A payroll account might look like 123456789 <\/span><b>RP <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0001<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provincial and Territorial Requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal registration doesn\u2019t always cover everything, and you may need to complete extra steps based on where you operate.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Integration with Provincial Registration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some provinces simplify the startup process by offering joint registration with the CRA. For example, in Ontario and British Columbia, you can apply for your BN while also registering your business name or incorporating through the provincial registry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Differences by Jurisdiction: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all provinces handle registration the same way.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance,<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qu\u00e9bec businesses must register for GST\/HST through <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.revenuquebec.ca\/en\/businesses\/consumption-taxes\/gsthst-and-qst\/registering-for-the-gst-and-qst\/how-to-register\/\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Revenu Qu\u00e9bec<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than CRA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extra-Provincial Registration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your business expands into another province, you typically must <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/ised-isde.canada.ca\/site\/corporations-canada\/en\/register-federal-corporation-province-or-territory\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">register extra-provincially<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in each jurisdiction where you maintain a location, hire staff, or conduct significant operations. These steps ensure you&#8217;re compliant with local laws, licensing, and employment regulations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes to Avoid when Registering Your Business Number in Canada<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the process is straightforward, even minor mistakes can delay your BN registration. Here are the avoidable errors we see most often and what to do instead:<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Registering Under the Wrong Business Structure<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the wrong structure can have major implications for taxes and liability. For example, registering as a partnership without the right agreements in place can lead to legal complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always confirm your structure choice before applying for a BN, ideally with professional advice if your long-term goals are complex.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Omitting Key Business Activity Information<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submitting vague or incomplete information, like \u201cconsulting\u201d instead of \u201cIT consulting for small businesses\u201d, may result in misclassification or delays. Be as specific as possible about what your business does so the right program accounts are opened from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Confusing Business Number with Business License<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A BN is not a business license. While the BN is your federal identifier with the CRA, it does not grant you the right to operate in your municipality or province.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business licenses, permits, or registrations are handled separately and usually depend on your industry and location. Make sure to check local licensing requirements in addition to applying for your BN.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding these mistakes will help you get off to a good start. If you\u2019re looking for guidance through every step, from business structure to compliance, <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/\&quot;"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ownr<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> makes the process easier by giving you the tools and support you need to get started confidently. With Ownr, you\u2019re officially in business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Business Number (BN) is a 9-digit CRA identifier that\u2019s essential for taxes, payroll, and regulatory compliance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration is free and can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. Just make sure your business details are accurate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provincial rules differ, so check local requirements and avoid common mistakes like misclassifying your structure or confusing a BN with a business license.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Get a Business Number in Ontario?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a Business Number in Ontario by registering through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Apply online at the CRA\u2019s <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/registering-your-business\/business-registration-online-overview.html\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business Registration Online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> portal, by phone at 1-800-959-5525, or by mail. You&#8217;ll need your legal business name, business structure, and contact details to complete registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I Need a Business Number for My Sole Proprietorship in Canada?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need a Business Number for your sole proprietorship in Canada if you plan to register for GST\/HST, payroll, or import\/export accounts. If none of these apply, and your province doesn&#8217;t require registration, you may operate without one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I Get a Business Number for Multiple Businesses in Canada?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can get a separate Business Number for each business in Canada, but only if each is a distinct legal entity. If you operate multiple business activities under a single sole proprietorship, they share one Business Number.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Number in Canada?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can get a Business Number in Canada immediately if you apply online through the CRA\u2019s Business Registration Online portal or by phone. Applications by mail or fax typically take up to 10 business days. Processing time depends on the method and whether your application is complete and accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I Make Changes or Updates to My Business Number?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Business Number (BN) cannot be changed, as it is permanently tied to your legal entity. However, you can update details like your address, operating name, and contact information through the CRA, either <\/span><a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/revenue-agency\/services\/tax\/businesses\/topics\/changes-your-business.html\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, by phone, or by mail, depending on the nature of the update.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the first things you\u2019ll need to tackle when you start your business is obtaining a business number (BN). This 9-digit identifier, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), is unique to each business and simplifies the way you interact with government programs. Whether you\u2019re registering for taxes, hiring your first employee, or preparing<a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.ownr.co\/blog\/how-to-get-business-number-canada\/\&quot;">&#8230;.<span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How to Get a Business Number (BN) in Canada in 5 Steps&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[964,995,965],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business-stages","category-managing-your-business","category-ownrship-101"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Get a Business Number (BN) in Canada in 5 Steps | Ownr Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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