Registering your business

Businesses that need to deal with federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Canada need to register for a business number (BN) and program accounts.

Not all businesses need a BN and program accounts. You only need a BN if you need one or more program accounts. In most cases, you register for a program account to participate in a program. You may need to participate in a program to meet your tax obligations. The most common program accounts a business will need are GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporation income tax, and import-export.

It is important to read Do you need a business number or a program account? before you register.

If you already know that you need a BN or program accounts and want to register online, go to Register now.

If you already have a BN and you change the legal ownership or the structure of your business, you may have to register for a new BN. For more information, go to Changing your business status.

Forms and publications

• Booklet RC2, The Business Number and Your Canada Revenue Agency Program Accounts
• Form RC1, Request for a Business Number
• Form RC59, Business Consent

Related links

• Starting your business
• Canada Business Network
• Industry Canada

Date modified:

2017-02-01