How Do I Get a Business Number?

If you’re starting a business in Canada, you’ll need to get a business number from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

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Introduction: What is a Business Number?

All businesses operating in Canada need a nine-digit Business Number (BN). The BN is used to identify your business with the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The BN is also your company’s import-export number.
You only need to get a BN once. Once you have it, you can use it for all your business dealings with the government.

Applying for a Business Number

You can apply for a business number (BN) online through the Business Registration Online service or by mail, fax, or in person at aService Canada Centre.

To apply online, you will need:
-a credit card
-an email address
-to be the business owner or authorized by the business owner to register the business

The Benefits of Having a Business Number

A business number is a nine-digit number assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that you use when dealing with government agencies.

The main benefit of having a business number is that it simplifies your dealings with government agencies. For example, you only need to quote your business number when dealing with the CRA instead of your social insurance number, your company name, and your address. This can save you a lot of time when dealing with paperwork.

Having a business number also allows you to set up a My Business Account, which is an online portal that lets you manage your tax and benefit accounts with the CRA in one place. You can also use My Business Account to authorize someone else, such as your accountant or bookkeeper, to access your account information.

How to Use a Business Number

If you’re starting a business, one of the first things you need is a business number. This is a 9-digit number identifying your business to the federal government. It’s used for tax purposes and to track business activity.

You can apply for a business number online, by mail, or by fax. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes. Once you have your number, you can start using it to file taxes, open a business bank account, and more.

If you’re not sure whether you need a business number or where to get one, read on for more information.

What Is a Business Number?
A business number is a 9-digit identifier assigned to businesses by the Canadian government. It’s used for tax purposes and to track Business activity.

Every business in Canada needs a business number, even if it’s just a sole proprietorship with no employees. If you’re self-employed, you’ll use your Business number to file your taxes each year.

You can apply for a Business number online through the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) website. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes. Once you have your Business number, you can start using it to file taxes, open a Business bank account, and more

Keeping Your Business Number Up-to-Date

If you’re a business owner, you need to make sure your business number is up-to-date. You can update your business number by filing a Business Number Change Request form with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

To update your business number, you’ll need to provide the CRA with your new business number, as well as the reason for the change. You may also need to provide other documentation, such as a copy of your Articles of Incorporation or a Certificate of Name Change.

Once you’ve updated your business number with the CRA, you’ll need to update your number with other government agencies, as well as any business partners or customers you work with.

Renewing Your Business Number

If you need to renew your business number, you can do so by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You will need to provide some basic information about your business, including your business name, address, and contact information. You may also be required to provide financial information, such as your sales and revenue figures. Once you have submitted all of the required information, the CRA will review your application and issue a new business number.

Cancelling Your Business Number

To cancel your business number, you need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You can do this by mail, by phone, or online.

The CRA will cancel your business number when you:
-stop carrying on business
-sell your business
-change the structure of your business, for example, from a sole proprietorship to a partnership
-decide to dissolve your corporation

When you cancel your business number, the CRA will also cancel your:
-GST/HST account
-import/export account (if you have one)

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Numbers

Q. What is a business number?
A. A business number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to a business by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It is used for various tax and regulatory purposes, such as when you file your taxes or when you register for a GST/HST account.

Q. How do I get a business number?
A. You can apply for a business number by completing the Business Registration Application form on the CRA website.

Q. Do I need a business number?
A. You only need a business number if you are registering your business with the CRA for tax purposes (such as GST/HST). If you are simply sole proprietor and are not registering your business with the CRA, then you do not need a business number.

Q. Can I apply for a business number online?
A. Yes, you can apply for a business number online through the CRA website.

Contact Information for Business Numbers

To get a business number, you will need to contact the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). The CRA is responsible for issuing business numbers, which are used for tax purposes. You can contact the CRA by phone, email, or mail.

phone: 1-800-959-5525
email: [email protected]
mail:
Business Number Program
Canada Revenue Agency
75 Boul. Lionel-Bertrand
Laval, QC H7V 1A3

Additional Resources for Business Numbers

If you are starting a business or non-profit organization, you will need a business number in order to register for a variety of government programs and services.

You can apply for a business number online through the Business Registration Online service, or by mail or fax using the Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN).

If you are already registered with the CRA, you can add a business number to your existing account by calling the CRA Business Window at 1-800-959-5525.

Additional resources that may be helpful when applying for a business number include:

-The Start-up Guide: Registering Your Business from the Government of Canada
-How to Get a Business Number from the Government of New Brunswick
-Business Numbers & Permits from Service Alberta