If you’ve recently registered your Canadian business, congrats! Your Business Number (BN) is one of the most important identifiers you’ll need. A BN is a 9-digit number issued by the CRA for tax purposes and payroll. It’s actually one of the most important identifiers you’ll need, especially as your business grows.
But now, you’ve lost it. So if you can’t find your business number, where do you go to find it?
Don’t worry, if you’re in this position, you can certainly retrieve it! If you registered your business with the CRA, your BN can be found on official documents like your business registration confirmation, GST/HST returns, or corporate tax notices. But if you’re still left searching for your BN, there are other options.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at all the options available if you can’t find your BN as well as what you can do to speed up the process of retrieving your BN in case of emergencies. So take a deep breath, relax, and let’s get into it!
What Is A Business Number And Why Do You Need It
Now what exactly is a Business Number? And Why is it needed? A BN is almost like a reference number for various accounts such as your GST/HST account, corporate income tax, and payroll.
If you’re starting a Canadian business, you’ll likely need a BN, especially if you plan to hire employees, charge sales tax, or incorporate. There are certain instances where you don’t need a BN and that is if you’re a freelancer or contractor operating under your own name with no hired employees.
Otherwise, you’ll need to obtain a BN by registering through the CRA’s online Business Registration System, by mail, or by phone. You’ll need to provide details about your business, such as its structure and industry. Once you retrieve your business number, it makes things much easier, and in the eyes of the government; you’re officially considered a business owner.
What to Do If You Need to Provide Your Business Number for Online Registration
So, you’re about to register for a new CRA program or add a tax account online, and they’re asking for your Business Number. But where’s that essential 9-digit identifier hiding when you need it most? Don’t panic—here’s how to track down your BN with minimal stress:
- Start with your Own Records: The quickest win is often your own files. Check saved emails, printed confirmation pages from your original registration, or official business notices you’ve received. If you used the CRA’s online registration or registered with your province, you likely have a confirmation letter or receipt tucked away somewhere (maybe even in your downloads folder).
- Use Your Online Accounts: If you set up a My Business Account with the CRA, simply sign in—the BN usually greets you right on the welcome page. Likewise, provincial or territorial business portals often list your BN if you registered through them. Don’t remember your login? Most sites have a “forgot username/password” option, so you won’t be locked out for long.
- Try Business Registries: Certain online business registries, like Corporations Canada (for federal businesses) or the Ontario Business Registry, let you search for your business details, including your BN. This is handy for incorporated businesses and not-for-profits alike. Note: Some provinces may take a couple of business days to update new registrations, and there may be small fees for full access.
- Contact the CRA Directly: If the paper trail runs cold and your online portals aren’t cooperating, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Give the CRA a ring—you’ll need to prove your identity and perhaps share details from your original business registration to verify you’re the rightful business owner. Different numbers exist for residents and non-residents, and accessibility support is available if you need it. Just check their hours before you call (pro tip: weekdays are your best bet).
Taking these steps will help you dig up your Business Number and keep your registration process moving, with far less hassle. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out—sometimes the fastest solution is simply asking for help.
Where to Find Your Business Number on Official Documents
You can find your BN on several official documents, The most common place is your business registration confirmation, which you received when you first registered your business with the CRA. It’s also listed on any correspondence from the CRA, such as tax notices, GST/HST returns, or payroll-related documents.
If your business has a corporate tax account, the BN will appear on your Notice of Assessment. Another thing to note is, that if you’ve registered for a My Business Account with the CRA, you can log in and retrieve it there. Still can’t find it? You can contact the CRA directly for assistance at any time.
Other Ways To Find Your Business Number
If you can’t find your Business Number (BN) on official documents, and you’re not ready to give the CRA a call, don’t worry—there are other ways to track it down. We touched briefly on this above, but one of the easiest methods is checking your online CRA My Business Account, where all your registered business details are available. If you use accounting software, your BN might be stored there, especially if you’ve linked it for tax filing.
Another option is reviewing past invoices or tax filings, as businesses often include their BN on these documents for transparency. If you registered your business through a provincial or federal registry, their website might have your BN listed as well.
Banks and financial institutions may also have your BN on file if you’ve set up a business account. So feel free to contact your financial institution as a last resort.
Your Absolute Last Resort: Contacting The CRA
If you’ve searched everywhere and still can’t find your BN, don’t panic! First, try contacting your bookkeeper or accountant because they may have your BN on file. If not, your final step would be to contact the CRA directly, they can help you retrieve it. The easiest way is to call the CRA’s business inquiries line and verify your identity—they’ll provide your BN over the phone. You should have a few key details on hand such as your business name, address, and registration details. You can also visit a CRA office in person with identification if you feel more comfortable retrieving the information in person.
Help for Non-Residents: Retrieving Your Business Number
If you’re a non-resident running a business in Canada and need assistance locating your Business Number, there’s a dedicated process to make things easy. Instead of calling the standard phone line, you can submit a request online to connect with a tax specialist who handles non-resident business accounts. After you send your inquiry, a CRA agent will reach out to you for personalized help—no international phone calls required.
This is especially handy if you’re dealing with time zones or can’t easily pick up the phone from outside Canada. Just make sure you have your business information ready when they contact you so they can assist as quickly as possible.
FAQ’s
What is The CRA Contact Number?
To contact the CRA for your BN, you’ll need to call the CRA Business Enquiries Line at 1-800-959-5525.
Can I look up my Business Number (BN) online?
Yes, you can search for your BN if your business is publicly registered using the Government of Canada Business Registries website.
Is my Business Number (BN) the same as my GST/HST number?
Your BN is the base 9-digit number, but your GST/HST account has an extension (e.g., 123456789 RT0001). The RT indicates a GST/HST account.
Your Business Number is essential for tax filing, government transactions, and more, so it’s important to keep it handy. This is your sign to keep it safe and store it somewhere secure so you don’t lose it, but if you need any help, feel free to contact the CRA for assistance.
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