How to Register for a Business Number (BN) – Canadian Residents

A **Business Number (BN)** is a unique identifier the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assigns to a business or organization for tax and program accounts. Canadian residents who start a business or require CRA accounts (GST/HST, payroll, import/export) must register for a BN. Official source: Canada.ca – How to Register for a Business Number (Residents) . ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

What Is a Business Number (BN)?

A **Business Number** is a nine-digit number assigned by the CRA to uniquely identify your business for tax purposes. Once you have a BN, you can open program accounts such as payroll deductions, GST/HST, corporate income tax, and import/export accounts. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

Who Needs a Business Number?

You need a BN if you are a:

  • Self-employed individual or sole proprietor
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • Trust or estate that requires CRA accounts

A BN is also required if you need to register for CRA program accounts such as payroll deductions, GST/HST, corporation tax, or import/export accounts. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

How to Register for a Business Number (BN)

Canadian residents can register for a BN through several official methods:

  • Online — Use the CRA Business Registration Online (BRO) service to register quickly. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))
  • By Phone — Call the CRA Business Enquiries line to register. Have your legal business name, address, and owner details ready. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))
  • By Mail or Fax — Send completed registration forms to the CRA. Processing may take longer than online registration. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

Information You’ll Need to Register

  • Legal name and operating name of the business
  • Business address and contact details
  • Type of business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation)
  • Owner(s) or principal’s name(s) and Social Insurance Number(s)
  • Details of the CRA program accounts you need (e.g., GST/HST, payroll) ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

What Happens After Registration

After you register and receive your BN, the CRA will send confirmation and details for any program accounts you opened. You can then start filing returns, remitting payroll deductions, collecting GST/HST, or fulfilling other tax obligations associated with your business. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/business-registration/business-number-program-account/how-register/resident.html))

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