Fact Sheet

October 2001

www.businessregistration.gc.ca

A new Internet-based business registration service

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) has made business registration simpler and faster with the introduction of the www.businessregistration.gc.ca Web site. This site is tailor-made for small and medium-sized businesses, and offers information and self-help registration in one convenient location.

Canadian businesses now have the opportunity, for the first time nationally, to register for CCRA, Nova Scotia and Ontario business programs during a single Internet session. The new service was developed by the CCRA with the Nova Scotia Business Registry and Ontario Connects (Ontario Ministry of Business and Consumer Services).

Even novice users of the Internet will find that there are helpful features built into the new service. They can find out about the information they should have at hand before they begin their registration. During the registration session, on-line help messages pop up automatically when information is missing or incorrect. A toll-free help desk telephone number is also available if further assistance is needed.

The new site provides information about security features built into the system, as well as steps that users can follow to help ensure a safe transmission of data. The CCRA uses state-of-the-art encryption technology and security procedures to protect private information.

By visiting the web site, businesses can register for the following programs:

CCRA programs

• GST/HST Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (If a business's main mailing address is in Quebec, the business must contact the ministère du Revenu du Québec to register for a GST/HST account)
• Payroll deductions
• Corporate income tax
• Import/export

Nova Scotia programs

• Business Name with the Registry of Joint Stocks Companies
• A Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia account
• Various Nova Scotia licences and permits

Ontario programs

• Ontario Business Name registration or renewal
• Application for
  • Ontario Retail Sales Tax
  • Ontario Employer Health Tax
  • Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

For media information