Business Number (BN) registration

The BN is a numbering system that simplifies and streamlines the way businesses deal with the federal government. It is based on the idea of one business, one number.

Not all businesses require a BN and CRA program accounts so it is important to read Do you need a program account before registering.

The CRA is requesting that all new registrations provide the Name and the Social Insurance Number (SIN) of at least one owner/director of the business and the Major Business Activity (MBA) when registering.

Forms and publications

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

Related topics

• Business Registration Online
• Business Start-Up Assistant
• Canada Business
• Related provincial and territorial government sites
• Industry Canada
• Converting the Filer Identification Number to the Business Number