📈 Business Registration Online Overview

This guide explains how to register your business with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using Business Registration Online (BRO) — the primary online service for obtaining a Business Number (BN) and CRA program accounts.

🧾 What is Business Registration Online (BRO)?

Business Registration Online (BRO) is the CRA’s secure online portal that lets you register for a:

  • Business Number (BN) — a unique 9-digit identifier your business uses with the CRA.
  • GST/HST account (RT) — for collecting and remitting sales tax.
  • Payroll deductions account (RP) — if you have employees.
  • Corporation income tax account (RC) — for incorporated businesses.
  • Registered charity account (RR), information returns (RZ), luxury tax (LT) and other program accounts.

BRO is available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides the fastest way to get your BN and CRA accounts online.

📌 Why register your business?

Registering with the CRA is necessary if you operate a business in Canada and are required to collect taxes (like GST/HST), hire employees, file corporate taxes, import/export, or submit information returns. Your BN links all these accounts under one identifier.

🚫 Phone Registration Has Ended

As of November 3, 2025, the CRA no longer accepts business registrations by phone — everyone must use BRO to obtain a BN or CRA program accounts.

👤 Who Can Use BRO

You can register online if you are a resident (or have a Canadian address) and can verify your identity. BRO lets you register both a new BN and multiple program accounts at once. However, some situations still require alternative methods:

  • Businesses owned only by non-residents.
  • Reactivating a previously closed program account.
  • Businesses owned by another business entity (e.g., a corporation or partnership).

🧠 What You Need to Register

Before you start, gather these details:

  • Legal business name and operating name (if different).
  • Physical and mailing address.
  • Business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
  • Description of your main business activity.
  • Owner or director information (name, Social Insurance Number, date of birth).

📥 How to Register

  1. Sign in to your CRA online account (or create one if you don’t have it).
  2. Select “Business Registration Online” from the services menu.
  3. Confirm your identity and enter your business information.
  4. Select which accounts you want to set up (BN, GST/HST, payroll, etc.).
  5. Submit and receive your Business Number and account details instantly.

Be sure to save or print your BN and account information — the CRA does not mail it separately.

🔄 After You Register

Once registered:

  • Add your BN to your CRA My Business Account to manage tax filings and correspondence online.
  • File applicable returns (GST/HST, payroll remittances, corporate taxes) based on your operations.
  • Keep your business information (address, owners, activity) up to date with the CRA.

🔗 Related Official Resources