Registering your business with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is a very early step when starting a business in Canada. Doing it online is the fastest and easiest route.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why it’s essential, what you can do during registration, step-by-step instructions, common challenges, and tips for smooth processing.
Register Your Business with CRA
Before diving into how, let’s cover why. Registering with CRA (getting a Business Number or BN) is not just bureaucratic red tape- it unlocks important program accounts, ensures tax compliance, and gives your business legitimacy.
When you register:
- You get a unique Business Number (BN) that CRA uses to identify your business for all tax and program accounts.
- You can set up program accounts like GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporate income tax, registered charity, information returns, luxury tax, etc.
- You ensure your operations are legally recognized and your business can charge HST, remit payroll deductions, and more.
- Moreover, registering online is the CRA’s preferred method- it is faster, more secure, and more convenient than using mail or phone.
As per CRA’s official page, they say: Registering online is the fastest and easiest way to get a business number (BN) and certain CRA program accounts.
What You Can Register Online (BRO)
The CRA’s Business Registration Online (BRO) tool lets you register multiple accounts in one session. Here are some of the types of accounts you can register via BRO at the same time:
- Business Number (BN)
- GST / HST (RT), excluding Quebec (Quebec has its own rules)
- Payroll deductions (RP)
- Corporation income tax (RC)
- Registered charity status (RR)
- Information return accounts (RZ)
- Luxury Tax (LT)
- Underused Housing Tax (RU)
It’s important to note that some program accounts are not registered through BRO; those require separate forms or processes as per Canada.ca
People Also Read: CRA Charities Listing
Preparing Before You Start: What You Need to Gather
Before you log in to BRO, have this information ready to streamline the process and avoid interruptions (sessions time out after 30 minutes of inactivity):
- Registrant’s personal information: last name, Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, postal code of home address.
- Business information: legal name, operating name (if different), physical address, contact info.
- Type of business activity: what your business will do (e.g. retail, consulting, online services).
- Which CRA program accounts you want to register (e.g. will you collect GST/HST? Do you have employees?)
- Banking / financial information, if needed for direct deposit or remittance setups.
- Optionally, your existing CRA account login, you can access BRO through your CRA account or via Represent a Client if you are a representative.
Also note:
- Your BRO session will automatically end when you transfer to provincial registration sites (for Ontario or Nova Scotia).
- You cannot save your progress during registration; be brisk and prepared.
- The session times out after 30 minutes of inactivity.
How to Register via BRO (CRA Business Registration Online)- Step-by-Step
Below is a detailed guide, please go through:
Step 1: Access BRO
- Visit CRA’s official website and navigate to Business Registration Online (BRO) via Business registration with the CRA pages.
- If you already have a CRA My Business Account, log in, then choose Add account – Business account – Business Registration Online.
- If you are a representative with a RepID, you can access BRO via Represent a Client.
Step 2: Identity Verification & Personal Details
- Provide your personal information (last name, SIN, date of birth, postal code).
- The CRA uses that to verify you are authorized to register the business.
- If verification fails, CRA may ask for additional identity information.
Step 3: Business Information & Program Selection
- Enter business name (legal name) and operating name (if different).
- Provide business address, contact information, description of primary business activity (NAICS code or description).
- Select which program accounts you require: GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax, charity, etc.
Step 4: Review & Submit
- Double-check all entries – names, addresses, program choices.
- Submit the registration.
Step 5: Receive Your Business Number (BN) & Next Steps
- Once successful, you’ll receive your Business Number (BN) immediately (you should save or print it since CRA will not mail it later).
- Set up your program accounts (e.g. enroll for GST/HST, payroll deductions).
- If your business is in Quebec, note that GST/HST is handled by Revenu Québec and you must follow separate procedures.
Alternative Ways to Register Business with CRA: Mail & Phone Registration
If you can’t register via BRO, CRA allows other routes:
By Mail
Use Form RC1 (Request for a Business Number and Certain Program Accounts). Fill the sections for the programs you need and mail to your tax centre. However, note that some program accounts (like Luxury Tax and Underused Housing Tax) are not available through this form.
By Phone
CRA offers phone registration for many accounts (BN, GST/HST, payroll, corporate income tax, etc.). However, you cannot register for Registered Charity accounts or Luxury Tax via phone.
Before calling, make sure you have all the information you’d need: business details, identity verification, and program choices with complete documents as mentioned above.
Common Challenges & Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
Even though BRO is designed for ease, some issues commonly arise:
1. Session Timeouts & No Save Option
Since BRO times out after 30 minutes and you can’t save mid-process, you must be prepared and fast.
2. Incorrect Personal Info / Identity Verification Failure
If your SIN, postal code, or date of birth doesn’t match CRA records, verification fails. Ensure your personal info is current with CRA beforehand.
3. Not Knowing which Program Accounts You Need
Mistakenly skipping payroll or GST/HST can complicate operations later. Choose carefully.
4. Quebec & Provincial Differences
Quebec businesses must register GST/HST via Revenu Québec. Be aware of regional rules.
- Inaccessible BRO (System Maintenance)– Occasionally, BRO is unavailable (daily between 3 AM and 6 AM ET for maintenance)
- Choosing Program Accounts That Are Not Supported Online– For example, Luxury Tax (LT) or some excise taxes may require separate applications or paper forms.
Benefits & Why Online Registration is Preferable
- Speed & Convenience- Online registration is the fastest method; you receive your BN immediately.
- Multi-account registration- You can set up multiple program accounts (GST, payroll, etc.) in one process.
- 24/7 Access (almost)- BRO is available daily except during nightly maintenance hours.
- Secure & Official- There’s less chance of lost mail or errors compared to paper methods.
- Linkage to provincial registration- After completing BN and program account registration, you can transition directly to provincial registration in some provinces (e.g. Ontario, Nova Scotia).
Steps After Registration of Your Business
Once your business is registered:
- Use your BN in all CRA communications- this becomes your identifier.
- Begin collecting/remitting GST/HST (if your program account includes that).
- Manage payroll deductions if you have employees.
- File corporate income tax (if applicable) under your RC account.
- Keep records of your registration confirmation, BN, and program accounts.
- Monitor compliance- file returns, payments, and keep your business information up to date with CRA.
Useful Tips for Registration
- Do it during business hours- if you run into issues, CRA support is reachable- contact them.
- Have documentation handy- personal ID, business registration papers (if already incorporated), address proofs, etc.
- Double-check spelling and numbers carefully- mistakes in names or addresses might require later corrections.
- Print or save your confirmation immediately- since CRA does not mail your BN.
- Visit CRA’s Gather Your Information page ahead of time to check the checklist they provide.
- If registered in Quebec, check Revenu Québec’s procedures for HST / QST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a CRA Business Number (BN)?
A: CRA Business Number (BN) is a unique 9-digit identifier the Canada Revenue Agency assigns to your business. It helps streamline dealings with federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
Q2. Do I need to register my business with CRA?
A: Yes, if you plan to collect GST/HST, have employees (payroll), import/export goods, or require corporate income tax accounts, you must register with CRA to get a Business Number.
Q3. Can I register my business online with CRA?
A: Absolutely, CRA offers an online business registration service (BRS) where residents of Canada can apply for a BN and related program accounts quickly.
Q4. What documents do I need for CRA business registration online?
A: You’ll typically need your personal SIN, business name, type of business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), and details about your operations.
Q5. How long does it take to get a Business Number (BN) from CRA?
A: If you register online, you usually receive your BN immediately upon completing the application, unless additional verification is required.
Q6. Is there a fee for registering a business with CRA?
A: No, registering for a Business Number and CRA program accounts is free of charge.
Q7. Can I update my CRA Business Number information later?
A: Yes, you can make updates (such as change of address, ownership, or program accounts) through CRA’s online services or by contacting them directly.
Q8. What if I already have a Business Number?
A: If you already have a BN, you do not need a new one. However, you may still need to add new program accounts, like GST/HST or payroll, to your existing BN.
Q9. Do non-residents need to register online with CRA?
A: Non-residents have a slightly different process and may not qualify for the online system. They need to apply by mail or phone using specific forms.
Q10. Can I use the CRA Business Registration Online service anytime?
A: Yes, the service is available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week (with some maintenance downtime).
