The Business Number (BN)

The BN is a unique government numbering system that identifies your business and the various accounts you maintain.  This 15-digit number consists of:

• a 9-digit registration number that identifies the business
• 2 letters for the type of account
• 4 numbers for the specific account reference

In this example, "Company X" wants to register with the CRA for a Business Number, one GST/HST account, and two payroll accounts. The company will receive:

Company X may also want to register with either Ontario or Nova Scotia.

Ontario

Company X may also want to use BRO to register its business name with Ontario. That means that, in addition to the Business Number, the company will receive an Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) that must be used for Ontario Business Name renewals. Through BRO, the company will also be able to print its Ontario Master Business Licence (MBL).

Any information sent to BRO to apply for the Ontario accounts mentioned above will be forwarded to the Ontario Government for processing.

Nova Scotia

If Company X operates in Nova Scotia, BRO can automatically transfer you to the Nova Scotia Business Registry (NSBR) Web site to complete the registration for Nova Scotia programs.

British Columbia

If a company operates in British Columbia, BRO can automatically transfer you to the OneStop Business Registry Web site to register for British Columbia programs.

Quebec

If Company X operates in Quebec, BRO can automatically transfer you to the Revenu Québec Web site to register for Revenu Québec programs.