Original Publish Date: Nov 28,2019
Finding your Ontario business number can feel confusing, especially when you hear terms like BN and BIN used interchangeably. Depending on how your business is registered, you may be dealing with one number, both, or wondering which one you actually need. This guide breaks down the differences between these numbers, where to find them, and what to do if you no longer have access to your records.
What is an Ontario Business Number?
In Ontario, businesses can be associated with more than one identifying number. The type of number you have depends on how your business is registered and how it’s used. The sections below explain the two most common numbers Ontario business owners encounter.
What is a CRA Business Number (BN)?
A Business Number (BN) is a 9-digit number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This number acts as a unique tax identifier for a business and is used when federal tax-related program accounts are associated with it.
Corporations are issued a BN, and registered businesses may also be associated with a BN when tax-related program accounts, such as Payroll, or HST are required. The BN itself does not change, although different letters may appear after the number to identify specific program accounts.
What is an Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN)?
In Ontario, a Business Identification Number (BIN) is issued with an Ontario Business Name Registration. This includes registrations for a Sole Proprietorship, a firm name for a General Partnership, or a business name registered under an existing corporation.
Under the current Ontario Business Registry system, the BIN is a 10-digit number. For Business Name Registrations completed before October 19, 2021, the registration number may be nine digits. The BIN identifies the business name registration on file and is separate from a CRA Business Number.
BIN vs BN in Ontario: What’s the Difference?
Because BINs and BNs are both commonly referred to as “business numbers,” it’s easy to mix them up. The table below outlines the key differences so you can quickly identify which number applies to your situation.
| Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) | CRA Business Number (BN) | |
| Who issues it | Issued by the Province of Ontario with a Business Name Registration | Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Number of digits | 10 digits (9 digits for registrations before October 19, 2021) | 9 digits |
| What it is used for | Identifies an Ontario Business Name Registration, such as a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, or Trade Name | Identifies a business for tax-related program accounts such as HST, or Payroll |
| Where to find it | Located on the Business Name Registration (formerly Master Business Licence) | Found through CRA records, such as CRA My Business Account |
If you are confused by the difference between these two numbers, you are not alone, and we are here to assist.
How to Find Your Ontario Business Number
Once you know whether you are looking for a BIN or a BN, finding the correct number is usually straightforward. The steps below outline where each number is typically located.
Find Your BN Through CRA My Business Account
If you are looking for a CRA Business Number, you can find it in your CRA My Business Account. This account allows you to view business information associated with your name and confirm whether a Business Number exists.
This option is commonly used when you are unsure if a BN has already been issued or need to verify the number associated with your business. We can also search for BN numbers for existing Ontario, BC or Federal Corporations.
Find Your BIN on Your Business Name Registration
If you have an Ontario Business Name Registration (formerly known as a Master Business Licence), your BIN appears directly on that registration document. We can help you easily and quickly find your business registration, whether you’re running a Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, or Corporation.
What to Do If You Lost Your Business Number
If you do not have a copy of your Business Name Registration and only require the Business Identification Number, a business name search can be completed to locate the BIN associated with the registration.
Business Number by Business Type
The way your business is structured affects which numbers are issued and how they are used. Below is a quick breakdown by common business types in Ontario.
Ontario Corporation
When a business incorporates in Ontario, the CRA issues a Business Number to the corporation. This number is used as the corporation’s federal tax identifier and remains associated with the business for its lifetime.
The BN number should be mailed to the corporate address you provided when you incorporated, and it typically takes four to six business days to receive the BN number, or it’s available by phone within two business days. If the Business Number has been misplaced, we can retrieve it for you through a BN lookup.
Sole Proprietorship or Partnership
When a Business Name Registration is completed for a Sole Proprietorship or a firm name for a General Partnership, an Ontario BIN is issued with the registration.
A CRA Business Number may also be associated with the business if tax-related program accounts are required. The BIN and BN serve different purposes and are not the same number.
Federal Corporation
A federal corporation issues a Business Number upon incorporation. This number is used for tax-related identification purposes and remains the same regardless of where the corporation operates within Canada.
If the Business Number is no longer available or has been misplaced, we can retrieve it for you through a BN lookup.
When You Need a Business Number (BN)
A CRA Business Number may be required when a business is associated with certain programs or activities, including:
- Tax accounts such as HST, or Payroll
- Grants and some funding programs
- Wholesale licensing
- Many municipal services
Not every business will require all of these, but a BN is used when these types of accounts are involved.
How to Get a Copy of Your Ontario Business Registration
If you no longer have a copy of your Business Name Registration or need to verify the details on file, you can retrieve them. The sections below outline the most common approaches.
BIN Lookup by Business Name
A Business Search returns the business name, registration date, and the BIN on file. Results are delivered via email and can be helpful when documents are misplaced.
Full Profile Report vs BIN Search
If more detailed information is needed, a complete profile report or a corporate search is available in addition to a basic BIN search. A profile report includes all information on file for the Business Name Registration, such as the business name, business address, owner name, and the BIN.
This option is commonly used when a replacement copy of the registration is required or when full registration details are needed.
Wrapping it All Up: Getting the Right Number Without the Guesswork
Finding the correct Ontario business number starts with determining whether you need a BIN or a BN. Once that distinction is clear, locating the correct number is often straightforward. If records are misplaced or the information is unclear, we can help. By searching your business name, we can help you retrieve the BIN number or your CRA BN Number, so you can proceed with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
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Fax: 1-866-294-4363
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Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions, that you speak to a qualified professional.
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