- \n
- Stands for Ontario Corporation Number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Issued by the Province of Ontario<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assigned automatically when you incorporate a business provincially<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This number is used in filings with the Ontario Business Registry, including renewals, amendments, and annual returns<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is typically a 7-digit number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Used for identification within Ontario only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The OCN number never changes. If you file any updates to your corporation\u2014such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- A corporate name change<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A Notice of Change (officer or address updates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Your annual return<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Or add a trade name under the corporation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The OCN number remains the same throughout the lifetime of your corporation. It is the consistent, permanent identifier for your Ontario corporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tax-accounts-lookup-1024x537.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a BN Number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Stands for Business Number<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A 9-digit number that identifies your business with the federal government<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Required to set up tax accounts such as:
\n- \n
- GST\/HST<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Payroll<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import\/export<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Corporate income tax (T2)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can have one BN number and multiple program accounts (like GST\/HST and Payroll) under that number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are the OCN & BN the Same?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No\u2014they are not the same number, and they are issued by different authorities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- OCN = Provincial identifier (Ontario)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BN = Federal identifier (CRA)
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nYou may need both when operating a business in Ontario, depending on the type of entity and the tax programs you\u2019re registered for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Will You Need Each Number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You might be asked for your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- OCN:<\/strong> When filing changes to your corporation or submitting an annual return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- BN:<\/strong> When registering for taxes, opening a business bank account, or dealing with the CRA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some applications or platforms (like QuickBooks or government portals) will specifically ask for one or the other\u2014so it’s important to know which number to provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We Can Help You Get Both<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
At Ontario Business Central, we help entrepreneurs and business owners register and manage their businesses with ease. Whether you’re incorporating a new company, updating your registration, or need help obtaining your BN from the CRA, we\u2019re here to assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With over 30 years of experience and direct access to the Ontario Business Registry, we simplify the process so you can focus on building your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca<\/a>
Toll-Free: 1-877-306-9458
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am \u2013 5:00pm
Monday \u2013 Friday E.S.T.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOntario 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.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- BN:<\/strong> When registering for taxes, opening a business bank account, or dealing with the CRA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- OCN:<\/strong> When filing changes to your corporation or submitting an annual return.<\/li>\n\n\n\n