Federal Business Registration with CRA (Business Number)
Canadian businesses register online for a Business Number (BN)—a 9-digit identifier used by the CRA and other government departments—through Business Registration Online (BRO) on Canada.ca. This is free, available 21 hours a day (6 am to 3 am EST), and instant for most users.
Steps:
- Search "Business Registration Online" on Canada.ca and select Register.
- Enter the registrant's Social Insurance Number (SIN) and personal details matching your last tax return; agree to terms.
- Select "I need a business number", enter business details (legal name, operating name if different, address, email).
- Confirm and receive your BN; note it down securely.
- Optionally register CRA program accounts (e.g., GST/HST, payroll/RT) using the owner's SIN; select reporting period, language, and address.
No BN needed initially if integrating via provincial registry.
Provincial/Territorial Business Name Registration
Business name registration occurs at the provincial/territorial level (not federal, unless incorporating federally). Requirements vary by structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and location; many offer online portals with fees.
| Province/Territory | Key Platform | Examples/Fees (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Business Registry | Sole prop/partnership: $60; needs debit/credit card, email. Corporations need Ontario-biased NUANS name search report. | Issues 9-digit BIN; search names free first. |
| British Columbia | BC Registries Online (via gov.bc.ca) | Varies by structure. | Register after choosing name/structure. |
| Quebec | Revenu Québec online | Varies; includes permits/licences. | Separate enterprise registration. |
| General (most provinces) | Provincial corporate registries | Sole prop/partnership: $50–$80; NUANS report ~$13.80 (instant). | 1–2 days online; check name availability first. |
Federal Incorporation (for nationwide operations): Use Corporations Canada online (~$200, 1 business day).
Online Directories and Additional Listings
- Name Searches: Use NUANS (national database, except Quebec) via private providers to check/ reserve names before registration.
- Post-Registration Listings: CRA BN auto-links to taxes; provincial BIN/registration enables import/export, payroll. List in directories like Yellow Pages or Google Business Profile separately for visibility (not government-required).
- Third-Party Platforms: Services like Ownr or LegalZoom assist but charge extra.
Register provincially first for name/operations, then federally for BN/taxes if needed. Consult province-specific sites for latest fees/processes, as they integrate with CRA in some cases.
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