Business Number (BN): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain your unique 9-digit identifier required for all federal government interactions and business tax obligations in Canada.
A Business Number (BN) is a unique 9-digit identifier used to identify your business in all dealings with the federal government. It serves as a central way for the government to track your business's various tax and administrative requirements through a single number.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for anyone operating a business within Canada. It applies to any business entity or a sole proprietor who needs to interact with federal authorities. Whether you are running a large corporation or a small home-based service, this identifier is the standard way to establish your business's identity at the federal level.
What you get
The primary benefit is receiving a unique 9-digit identifier. This number acts as your official ID for all interactions with the federal government. Instead of having to provide different identification for every single federal department, this single number connects your business to your various obligations and communications with the Canada Revenue Agency.
What it costs you
There is no cost to register for a Business Number. The process is free to use and is designed to be completed online, making it a quick way to establish your federal business identity without having to visit a physical office or mail in paper forms.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that a Business Number is not the same as a provincial business registration. While the BN identifies you to the federal government, it does not automatically fulfill your legal requirements to register your business within your specific province or territory. You may still need to complete separate registration steps at the provincial level to be fully compliant with local laws.
How to apply
- Gather your personal and business information required for the registration.
- Access the official portal for the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Complete the online registration form to request your identifier.
- Wait for the confirmation of your unique 9-digit number.