If you’ve just started your own business in Ontario, congrats! Starting and running a business comes with a lot of paperwork, and one of the most important identifiers you’ll need is your Business Number (BN). Your BN is a 9-digit number issued by the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) and is used for tax purposes, government filings, and business transactions. Having a business number is essential, especially when you register for GST/HST, payroll, or corporate taxes.
If you’re struggling to find your business number or perhaps unsure if you even have one, you’re definitely in the right place! In this blog, we’ll take a look at where and how to find your Business Number in Ontario. Let’s dive right in!
What Is a BN and Why Do You Need It?
A Business Number is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to businesses and organizations. It simplifies interactions with government agencies by linking different tax accounts, such as GST/HST, payroll, import/export, and corporate income tax, under a single number.
If you’re starting a business in Canada, you may need a BN to register for these programs. For example, if your revenue exceeds $30,000 annually, you must register for a GST/HST account. Similarly, if you hire employees, you’ll need a payroll deductions account.
Having a BN makes it easier to apply for business licenses, government funding, or open a business bank account. Even sole business owners such as Freelancers, often benefit from registering.
When You Need A BN
A Business Number is essential when registering your business in Ontario. You need a BN if you plan to incorporate, open a business bank account, or deal with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for taxes like GST/HST, payroll, or import/export.
Sole business owners such as Freelancers or Contractors may not always need one, but corporations, partnerships, and non-profits typically do. A BN simplifies interactions with the CRA and helps you stay in compliance with federal and provincial tax requirements. If you’re hiring employees, applying for business permits, or working with federal contracts, a BN is necessary.
If you are a freelancer, operating under your own name and you do not have any employees, you don’t need a business number. So if you are a freelancer, keep this in mind.
Requirements For a BN
In order to obtain a business number, you’ll have to meet certain requirements laid out by the government. To obtain a BN, you need to provide a few basic details such as:
- Legal Name of the Business
- Operating/Trade Name
- Business Structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, trust)
- Date of Business Registration or Start Date
- Description of Business Activities
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if registering as a sole proprietor)
- Federal Corporation Number (if incorporated, obtained from Corporations Canada)
- Partnership Agreement (if applicable)
- Trust Document (if registering as a trust)
- Physical Business Address
- Mailing Address (if different)
- Business Phone Number
- Email Address
- GST/HST Account (required if your revenue exceeds $30,000 in a 12-month period)
- Payroll Deductions Account (if you plan to hire employees)
- Import/Export Account (if you import or export goods)
- Corporate Income Tax Account (if incorporated)
How To Apply For a BN
You can register for a Business Number (BN) with the CRA using one of the following methods:
- Online: Through the Business Registration Online (BRO) portal (CRA website)
- By Phone: Call the CRA at 1-800-959-5525 (for businesses)
- By Mail or Fax: Complete Form RC1 – Request for a Business Number and submit it to your local tax services office
Where to Check for Your Business Number
If you’re sure you have a business number but you just can’t find it, you’re in luck! It’s rather easy to find it, especially if you have one.
Check Your Paperwork
Start by checking official CRA documents, including tax returns, registration confirmations, or correspondence from the government. Your BN should be listed at the top of the document with your and your business’s name.
Check Online
You can also log in to the Ontario Business Registry which is free and easy to use. You’ll need to log in by going to the official Ontario Business Registry website. Once you’re there, click on “Access the Ontario Business Registry” and then input your account credentials (if you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.)
Once you’re logged in, you’ll locate the “Search for a Business or Not-for-Profit Corporation” option. Enter your business name, registration number, or other relevant details in the search bar.
Finally, your business information including your BN will be available to write down or copy.
Additional Online Business Registries
If you don’t find what you need in the Ontario Business Registry, there are a few other online resources you can try, depending on where your business is registered:
- Corporations Canada: If your business is federally incorporated, this registry lets you search for your company’s details, including your BN.
- Ontario Business Registry (OBR): For Ontario-based businesses and not-for-profit organizations, the OBR typically displays business information, sometimes within two business days of registration. Some services may require a fee.
- Canada’s Business Registries: This is a useful tool for searching federal corporations, as well as corporations and limited partnerships in certain provinces.
These online registries are especially helpful if you’ve misplaced paperwork or need to verify your business number in a hurry. Just remember, access and available information can vary depending on your business type and province of registration.
Are There Any Fees Involved?
While searching for your business number in the Ontario Business Registry is free, keep in mind that some third-party platforms or registries—like QuickCorp or OnCorp Direct—may charge a service fee for record searches or document access. Always double-check whether the service you’re using requires payment before proceeding, as official government sites typically don’t charge for basic searches, but private providers often do.
Contact The CRA’s Business Line
If you’re unable to access your information online or if you still have further questions, you can always contact the CRA’s Business Enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525 for additional assistance if needed.
When Will Your Business Information Appear Online?
Once you’ve registered your business or not-for-profit in Ontario, your registration details won’t show up instantly on online systems. Typically, you can expect your business information to appear in the Ontario Business Registry or similar online registries within about two business days after you’ve completed the registration process. Keep this short wait time in mind if you don’t see your business details right away—just check back after a couple of days.
What To Have Ready When Contacting Support For Your Business Number
If you still can’t locate your business number, your next step is to call customer support and speak with a representative. Before you call, make sure you have some key details on hand to help verify your identity and speed up the process. You’ll want:
- Your full legal name (and business name, if applicable)
- Your business structure (sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, etc.)
- Your Social Insurance Number (if you’re a sole proprietor) or your corporation number (if incorporated)
- The date your business was registered or incorporated
- Your current business address and contact information
- Any recent account correspondence, registration confirmations, or official letters from tax authorities
Having these details ready ensures the agent can look up your information quickly and confirm you’re authorized to access the account. This small prep step can save you from extra back-and-forth or unnecessary delays.
Assistance for Non-Residents
If you’re a non-resident of Canada and encountering challenges with your business number, there’s help available—even if you’re miles away from the nearest Tim Hortons. The quickest route is to fill out an online contact form requesting a call back from a specialist who handles non-resident inquiries. This way, you can connect directly with someone who understands the unique hoops and hurdles faced by businesses based outside of Canada.
Don’t worry if you’re navigating this process from afar—the form is straightforward and once submitted, a tax agent skilled in international situations will reach out to provide guidance on your BN questions. This method saves you the headache of waiting on hold for hours and ensures your issue lands with the right expert on the first try.
Customer Service Hours for Business Account Inquiries
If you need to speak with someone directly about your business account or BN questions, customer service representatives are available to help during regular business hours. Phone support is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Keep in mind that the lines are closed on weekends and public holidays, so plan your call accordingly.
Calling during weekday mornings is often your best bet to avoid longer wait times.
FAQ’s
Can I Find My Business Number Using My Business Name?
No, the CRA does not offer a public BN search by business name. However, if your business is incorporated, you may find related details in the Ontario Business Registry.
Is My Business Number The Same As My CRA Account Number?
Your Business Number (BN) is the foundation of your CRA accounts. It’s your federal business account number and is the same as your CRA Account Number.
Do I Need a Business Number For a Numbered Company?
Yes, even if your Ontario corporation has a numbered name (e.g., 1234567 Ontario Inc.), it still requires a Business Number for tax and regulatory purposes.
What Documents Typically Include My Business Number?
Your BN appears on CRA correspondence, tax filings, business registration confirmation, and HST/GST returns.
Will My BN Change If I Move My Business To a Different Province?
No, your BN stays the same even if you operate in different provinces. However, you may need to register your business in the province you’re relocating to.
What If My Business Has Multiple Locations, Do I Need Multiple BNs?
No, a business has only one BN, but you may need different CRA program accounts for different locations (e.g., separate payroll accounts).
Is My Business Number The Same As My Ontario Master Business License Number?
No, the Ontario Master Business License (MBL) number is different from the BN. The MBL is issued by the provincial government, while the BN is issued by the CRA.
What Should I Do If My Business Is Registered Under Multiple Names?
Your Business Number remains the same, but different trade names may require additional registrations under your existing BN.
Overview
Finding your business number (BN) is a rather easy and straightforward process. So if you’ve lost your business number, don’t worry! It’s super easy to retrieve it whether on your own or with the help of the CRA.
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