At Ontario Business Central, we want to make things as easy as possible for new and growing business owners to get the information they need quickly and easily. This glossary covers any tax numbers you may come across as a business owner and what each of them means.
We wish you continued success in your business endeavours.
Canadian Tax Numbers & Forms Glossary
BN (Business Number)
The Business Number (BN) is a unique, nine-digit identifier issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to businesses operating in Canada. It is used to streamline interactions with federal, provincial, and municipal governments and is required when registering for various CRA program accounts, such as GST/HST, and payroll.
Learn more about BN (Business Numbers)
RT (Goods & Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax Account)
The RT account is part of your Business Number and is used when your business collects Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). This account is necessary for businesses that exceed $30,000 in annual revenue and are required to collect and remit GST/HST to the CRA.
Learn how to manage HST numbers in Ontario
RP (Payroll Deductions Account)
The RP account is associated with your Business Number and is used when your business hires employees. It is required for withholding and remitting payroll deductions such as income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums to the CRA.
Learn when you need to apply for a Payroll account
RC (Corporate Income Tax Account)
The RC account is used for filing a corporation’s T2 Corporate Income Tax Return. It is assigned when a corporation registers with the CRA and is necessary for reporting the corporation’s income, expenses, and taxes payable.
Read more about the T2 Tax Form
RZ (Excise Duty for Fuel Tax)
The RZ account is used by corporations for filing returns related to the Tax on Specific Products such as fuel under the federal excise tax regime. This account is necessary for businesses involved in the production, distribution, or sale of fuel products.
RR (Registered Charity Account)
The RR account is issued to registered charities in Canada by the CRA. It allows charities to issue official donation receipts for income tax purposes and provides access to certain tax benefits and obligations.
RU (Underused Housing Tax Account)
The RU account is used for filing the Underused Housing Tax (UHT), a tax imposed on certain residential properties that are underused. This account applies to owners of residential property who may be subject to the UHT under specific conditions outlined by the CRA.
CT (Fuel Charge Account)
The CT account is used for filing and remitting the Fuel Charge, which is part of the federal government’s carbon pollution pricing system. This account is required for businesses that produce, distribute, or import fuels subject to the federal fuel charge.
RD (Excise Duty Account)
The RD account is used for managing and remitting excise duties, which are taxes on the production and sale of specific goods like alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Businesses involved in these industries must register for an RD account to comply with excise duty regulations.
RE (Excise Tax & Special Levies Account)
The RE account is used for managing and remitting excise taxes and special levies on goods such as insurance premiums and air transportation services. Businesses that are subject to these taxes must register for an RE account.
RG (Air Travellers Security Charge Account)
The RG account is used for remitting the Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC), a fee charged on air travel originating from Canadian airports. Airlines or travel agencies that collect this charge must register for an RG account.
RN (Insurance Premium Tax Account)
The RN account is used for remitting the Insurance Premium Tax, which applies to insurance premiums collected by insurance companies. This account is necessary for insurance providers to comply with provincial and federal tax regulations.
RL (Luxury Tax Account)
The RL account is used for managing and remitting the Luxury Tax, which applies to the sale or import of luxury goods such as expensive cars, boats, and aircraft. Businesses dealing in luxury items must register for an RL account to comply with the tax requirements.
RM (Import/Export License)
An Import/Export license, also known as an Import/Export Business Number, is required for businesses that import or export goods into or out of Canada. The Import/Export program account was previously part of your Business Number, however as of May 13, 2024, the CRA no longer registers and maintains RM accounts. These services are now provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
ITN (Individual Tax Number)
The Individual Tax Number (ITN) is issued by the CRA to non-resident individuals who are not eligible for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) but need to file a Canadian income tax return or receive certain types of income in Canada.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
The ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. It is used by Canadians and other non-U.S. residents who have income or investments in the U.S. but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). The ITIN is essential for filing U.S. tax returns and reporting income from U.S.-based investments.
SIN (Social Insurance Number)
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Government of Canada to individuals for tax, employment, and other government-related purposes. It is required for individuals working in Canada and for accessing government benefits.
Business Tax Account (My Business Account)
“My Business Account” is an online portal provided by the CRA that allows business owners to access and manage their tax-related accounts, including GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax, and more. It’s a secure way to track payments, view notices, and file returns.
Learn more about the CRA My Business Account
QST (Quebec Sales Tax) Number
The QST number is required for businesses operating in Quebec that collect Quebec Sales Tax (QST). The QST is a value-added tax specific to Quebec, separate from the federal GST/HST. Businesses with taxable sales in Quebec exceeding $30,000 must register for a QST number and remit the collected tax to Revenu Québec.
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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.
