Originally Published: Dec 5, 2019
If you need to find your Ontario Corporation Number, you’re not alone. Many business owners aren’t sure where to locate this number or how it differs from other business numbers used in Canada.
In this guide, we’ll explain what an Ontario Corporation Number is, how it differs from a CRA business number (BN), and the easiest ways to locate these numbers using official records or the Ontario Business Registry.
What is an Ontario Corporation Number?
An Ontario Corporation Number is a unique number assigned during incorporation under provincial law. This number is used to identify your business within the Ontario Business Registry and across various business registries in Canada.
When a business is incorporated, the number is assigned by the federal or provincial government as part of the official registration process. This number is required for many types of filing, compliance requirements, and corporate information updates.
The number is often referred to as a business incorporation number or corporation number, but in Ontario, the correct term is Ontario Corporation Number. It is one of several business identifiers used to identify your business at the provincial level.
Ontario Corporation Number vs Business Number (BN)
Many business owners confuse an Ontario Corporation Number with a CRA business number (BN). While both are business numbers, they serve different purposes and are issued by different levels of government.
The OCN is issued by the provincial government and is used for provincial business registration, filings, and updates within the Ontario Business Registry.
The business number (BN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes. This number is used to manage tax accounts such as HST, payroll, and corporate income tax. It is also tied to CRA program accounts, which are used for specific tax filing and reporting requirements.
Incorporated companies have both numbers. The BN is required if your business needs to register for HST, payroll, or other CRA program account services.
How to Find Your Ontario Corporation Number
If you need your incorporation number, there are several ways to locate your OCN.
Check Your Articles of Incorporation
The easiest way to locate your corporate number is by reviewing your original Articles of Incorporation. This document is issued when you incorporate, and the number will appear clearly on it.
You may also look for this number on:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Corporate Profile Report
- Annual return filings
If you are incorporated federally through Corporations Canada, the number is assigned by Corporations Canada instead, and you may need to check federal records.
Search the Ontario Business Registry or NUANS Database
You can also perform a registry search or NUANS search using your business name.
Through a registry search, you can:
- Lookup corporation details
- Verify business information
- Look up a corporation using its business name
This type of lookup is useful if you do not have access to your documents or need to confirm business information for compliance or onboarding purposes.
You can request assistance through an intermediary service such as Ontario Business Central. This is especially helpful if your business was registered years ago or if records are difficult to access.
What If You Only Have a Business Number?
If you only have a business number, you may still need your OCN depending on your business needs. For example:
- Filing an annual return
- Updating your business information in the provincial registry
If your business is a sole proprietorship, you may only have a BN, since sole proprietorships are not incorporated legal entities. If your sole proprietorship is registered in Ontario, you would have a Business Identification Number (BIN) from Ontario.
Why Your Business May Have Multiple Numbers
A Canadian business can have multiple business identifiers depending on how it is registered.
These may include:
- Ontario Corporation Number (provincial identifier)
- Business Number (BN) from the CRA
- Program account numbers for payroll, HST, or corporate tax
- Registration number within a provincial registry, for trade names or extra-provincial licences
These different numbers exist because businesses must interact with both provincial and federal systems. Understanding which number is used for each purpose helps ensure accurate filings.
When You Need Your Corporation Number
You may need your OCN in several situations:
- Filing an annual return
- Updating corporate records
- Completing a business registration or amendment
- Verifying your business for legal or financial purposes
If your business is incorporated federally or provincially, this number is essential for maintaining your business in good standing.
Common Questions About Business Numbers in Ontario
Is a Corporation Number the Same as a Business Number?
No. A corporation number is issued by Corporations Canada or a provincial registry, while a CRA business number is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for tax purposes.
How Do I Find My Business Number in Ontario?
To find your business number, check CRA documents or log into your CRA account. We can also perform a BN number lookup for your corporation. To find your corporate number, use the registry search or your incorporation documents.
Can I Search for a Corporation by Name in Ontario?
Yes. You can perform a corporate search through the provincial registry to find business information using a business name.
Do All Businesses Have a Corporation Number?
No. Only incorporated businesses receive a corporate number. Sole proprietorships and other small business structures may only have a CRA business number or a Business Identification Number.
Find Your Incorporation Number Today!
Your Ontario Corporation Number is a key part of your business registration and is used to identify your business within the provincial system. While it is often confused with a business number, each serves a different purpose.
If you’re unsure which number your business needs, taking the time to verify your records can help avoid delays in filing, registration updates, or tax reporting.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.
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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