How Do I Find My Ontario Business Number
Original Publish Date: Nov 28,2019
A Business Number (BN) is a unique identifier the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assigns to track a business’s dealings with the government. This number becomes particularly crucial as it simplifies the management of federal tax and program accounts for businesses across Canada. When a business incorporates, it is automatically assigned a BN, which is integral to its operations, including tax filings and setting up payroll, HST, or import/export accounts. For companies operating within Ontario, understanding how to find or retrieve your Ontario business number is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring smooth business operations.
BN Number For a Corporation
Upon incorporation, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) automatically assigns every business an Business Number (BN). This number serves as the corporation’s unique tax identifier, streamlining all related tax processes.
BN Number For a Registered Business
With a registered business, the CRA now automatically issues a BN, however, the tax filings are still done under the individual owner/s. If any additional CRA program accounts, such as Payroll, HST or Import/Export, are needed, this BN would be used to create these accounts.
When registering directly through CRA they will send all new BN numbers by mail once generated. You can typically expect to receive this within 1-2 weeks after registering. If you have recently registered or incorporated but did not receive your BN, or you can no longer find the BN that was previously sent to you, Ontario Business Central can assist with looking up this information for an Ontario corporation or business name registration, a Federal corporation or a B.C. corporation.
Canada Business Number For a Federal Incorporation
When you have completed a federal incorporation, the BN number is automatically provided for the corporation. We provide the BN number with the completed Articles of Incorporation if completed with us. If you require your BN number after incorporating your business because it has been misplaced, we can obtain that for you quickly and easily by completing a BN lookup on your federal corporation. You simply require your corporate name and select corporate searches across Canada, and we will send you the results by email in short order. y provided for the corporation.
We provide the BN number with the completed Articles of Incorporation if completed with us. If you require your BN number after incorporating your business because it has been misplaced, we can obtain that for you quickly and easily by completing a BN lookup on your federal corporation. You simply require your corporate name and select corporate searches across Canada and we will send you the results by email in short order. If you haven’t yet decided where you are going to federally incorporate, we provide this service as part of our incorporation process.
Ontario Business Number BN For an Ontario Incorporation
In Ontario, the BN number is also automatically generated with an Ontario Incorporation. The BN number should be mailed to the corporate address you provided when you incorporated, and it typically takes 4 to 6 business days to receive the BN number from the Canada Revenue Agency by mail, or available by phone within 2 business days.
If you have lost your BN number, we can obtain it and send you the results. If you are looking to Incorporate in Ontario, we can assist you to obtain your BN number as part of the incorporation service we provide.
CRA Business Numbers For Other Provinces
Most Provinces provide a BN number automatically with the completion of an Incorporation. These include other business opportunity Provinces such as British Columbia and Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.
In all of these provinces, the incorporation will automatically provide the CRA program account for corporation income tax (RC). The BN number never changes, just the letters behind each tax account required will change as listed below.
- GST/HST will have an RT
- Payroll will have an RP
- Import-Export will have an RM
Business Number For a Business Name Registration Formerly a Master Business Licence
If you have registered a Business Name Registration, previously called a Master Business Licence, as a Sole Proprietorship or a Firm Name for a General Partnership (previously called a General Partnership), the BN number is now automatically provided when the business is registered under the new Ontario Business Registry or OBR.
BIN Number vs BN Number, What is the Difference?
In the Province of Ontario, there are two very similar numbers that can be assigned to a business. One is the BIN (Business Identification Number) number which is a 10-digit number attached to a Business Name Registration (Previously a 9-digit number for Master Business Licence registrations), whether it be a Sole Proprietorship, Firm Name for a General Partnership or Business Name for a Corporation (formerly called a Trade Name under a corporation). The Ontario BIN number is a unique 10-digit number assigned to the registration. Alternatively, there is a 9-digit tax number with the Canada Revenue Agency called the BN number. The BN number is only applicable when you are applying for HST, Payroll etc. If you are confused by the difference between these two numbers, you are not alone, and we are here to assist.
The reasons for a BN number for a Business Name Registration formerly a Master Business Licence are as follows:
- Tax accounts such as HST, Payroll, Import Export
- Grants and some funding programs
- Wholesale licensing
- Many municipal services
We can assist you with obtaining the BN number when you register your business with us. If you have registered your business as a Sole Proprietorship or Firm Name for a General Partnership (formerly General Partnership) but haven’t applied for a BN number yet and would like to do so, we can help you with a quick and easy registration process when setting up the HST or Payroll, tax number for your business, and obtain the BN number you need. First, you would need to obtain the company key if you registered your business prior to October of 2021. We make it easy to complete so you can move forward and obtain the tax accounts you wish to establish.
BIN Number For a Business Name Registration FORMERLY Master Business Licence in Ontario
If you currently have a Business Name Registration in Ontario or BNR (formerly called a Master Business Licence or MBL ) as a Sole Proprietorship, Firm Name for a General Partnership (formerly called a General Partnership) or Business Name for a Corporation (formerly called a Trade Name) and are looking for the number attached to that business registration, we can help you find it easily and quickly.
The Ontario business number or business identification number is located within your Business Name Registration aka Master Business Licence and is now a 10-digit number. For any registrations completed before October 19, 2021, this would be a 9-digit number.
Listed below is an example of a Master Business Licence for your review. The BIN number or Business Identification number is located below the double bar beside the business name registration.
How to Find a Business Number in Ontario?
Access your CRA My Business Account online to locate your Ontario business number. This can be done by logging in with a user ID and personal access code or through various sign-in partners, such as banks and credit unions. If you’re uncertain whether you already have a business number, this account also allows you to verify its existence. This process is essential for anyone seeking to conduct a business number lookup or confirm their Ontario corporation number. It provides a streamlined method for managing your interactions with federal programs, ensuring your business complies with Canadian regulations. Whether you’re verifying your Ontario BIN number or simply need to find your business number, the CRA My Business Account is a reliable resource.
How To Get a Copy of BIN Number?
If you do not have a copy of your Business Name Registration formerly your Master Business Licence and only require the business identification number, we can search your existing business by name to obtain either just the BIN or a copy of the profile report to show the information on file for the registration.
You can request just the BIN search through a Business Search. This would just show the business name, registration date and the BIN. It would also have specific details, including the business address and business owner name.
How to Retrieve a Copy of a Business Name Registration AKA Master Business Licence?
If you are looking for more details, we can obtain a profile report or corporate search for you, to show all of the information on file for the registration. Simply select the option to request a ‘Profile Report’, provide the name of your business and select the jurisdiction to search. We will send you a copy of the information for the business registration, including the address, owner’s name and address and the BIN number.
By ordering this request, you will have detailed information whether obtaining for your own registration or a third party you will obtain a replacement copy of the current registration with all of the details of your registration including the business name, business address, business owner name, address, business activity and the BIN number.
How Will the Search Request be Given to Me?
The RESULTS will be emailed to you on a same day within minutes basis Monday through Friday, when ordered prior to 3:00 pm. We can assist you to set up your HST and/or payroll accounts as well. Just reach out to our office if you require any clarification or assistance.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
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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.
