So, you're looking to get a business number (BN)? It's a pretty fundamental step for anyone launching or operating a business in Canada, and thankfully, it's become a lot more streamlined.
For a long time, you could just pick up the phone and get your BN sorted. But things have shifted. As of November 3, 2025, that phone option is officially off the table. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is really pushing for online registrations, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense. It's generally the quickest and easiest way to get your BN and any associated CRA program accounts you might need, like for GST/HST or payroll.
Registering Online: The Preferred Path
The go-to method now is Business Registration Online, or BRO. Think of it as your central hub for getting set up. Through BRO, you can register for your Business Number itself, and at the same time, you can often sign up for:
- GST/HST (unless your business is in Quebec)
- Payroll deductions
- Corporation income tax
- Registered charity status
- Information returns
- Luxury Tax
- Underused Housing Tax
- Global minimum tax
It’s quite comprehensive! However, there are a few things BRO can't do. You won't be able to use it to reactivate a program account that's been closed, or to register a business where the owners are exclusively non-residents. Also, if your business is owned by another business (like a corporation or partnership), BRO isn't the tool for that specific registration.
When you're using BRO, remember to save or print your BN immediately. It won't be mailed to you, so keeping a record is crucial. Also, be mindful of the 30-minute inactivity timeout – you can't save your progress mid-registration, so it’s best to have all your information ready.
If you're in Ontario or Nova Scotia, BRO even offers direct links to your provincial registration sites, making the process even smoother. Just be aware that once you transfer to the provincial site, your BRO session will end.
Accessing BRO
Getting into BRO is pretty straightforward. You can access it daily, though there's a maintenance window from 3 am to 6 am ET. The most common ways are:
- Through your CRA account: If you already have a business owner's CRA account, you'll find an 'Add account' option, and then 'Business account,' leading you to BRO.
- For representatives: If you have a RepID, you can access it via 'Represent a Client.'
What If Online Isn't an Option?
Life happens, and sometimes online registration just doesn't work out. If you encounter issues, or if you're unable to complete the online process, there are still alternatives. The CRA acknowledges that not everyone can register online, and they provide a mail-in option.
You can fill out Form RC1, 'Request for a Business Number and Certain Program Accounts.' This form allows you to register for your BN along with several program accounts like GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporation income tax, registered charity status, and information returns. However, it's not for registering Luxury Tax or the Underused Housing Tax.
For those specific taxes – Luxury Tax (LT) and Underused Housing Tax (RU) – if you can't register via BRO, you'll need to use their dedicated LT registration forms. These can be submitted electronically through your CRA account for business or mailed to the address specified on the form, which depends on your business's location.
A Note on Quebec Businesses
If your business is physically located in Quebec, the GST/HST is handled a bit differently. Revenu Québec is the administering body, so you'll be filing your GST/HST returns and using their forms. There are some exceptions for specific financial institutions, but generally, Quebec businesses connect with Revenu Québec for these matters.
Program Accounts with Separate Processes
While BRO is your main portal for many registrations, some program accounts have their own distinct registration processes. If the account you need isn't listed in BRO, you can still use BRO to get your BN and then follow the separate process for that specific program account. This applies to things like the Air Travellers Security Charge, for instance.
Getting your business number is a key step, and with the shift to online registration, it's designed to be as efficient as possible. Just remember to keep your BN safe, and if you hit a snag, there are still ways to get registered.
