This information only applies to individuals operating a business (sole-proprietors) and partnerships. If your business is incorporated, click this link to find the retail office closest to you. Our Tax Experts will be happy to help you!
A business number is a unique number that identifies your business and simplifies your dealings with the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada. If you operate a business:
- In Canada outside of Québec: you can register your business with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and get a 9-digit business number. Click this link to learn more!
- In Québec : you can register for your 10-digit Québec enterprise number (NEQ) with Registraire des entreprises. Click this link to learn more!
Not all businesses need a business number. You only need a business number if you need a program account for remitting certain taxes such as GST/HST, payroll deductions, import-export taxes or for filing information returns, etc.
Registering your business with the Canada Revenue Agency
You can use any of these methods to get a business number:
- Business Registration Online (BRO) service
- Mail or fax form RC1: Request for a Business Number to your tax service office or centre
- Contact the Business enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525
You'll need following information to register your business:
- The type of business ownership (sole proprietor, trust, or partnership)
- Owner’s information including name, social insurance number, occupation, and contact number
- Contact person’s information
- Legal name of the business and its trade or operating name
- Business location
- Major business activity
- Type of program accounts you need
Registering your business with Registraire des entreprises
Registraire des entreprises offers the following online services for business registration:
- Produire la déclaration d’immatriculation d’une personne physique (if you are a sole proprietor operating a business under a name that does not include your first and last name)
- Produire la déclaration d’immatriculation d’une société de personnes (partnerships)
- Produire la déclaration d’immatriculation d’une association ou d’un groupement de personnes(associations or group of persons)
You may also have to register your business with Revenu Québec if you need to submit GST/HST and QST, source deductions, import-export taxes, etc. Click this link for more information.
Where can I learn more?
- Registering your business (CRA website)
- Starting a business (Revenu Québec website)
