![](/web/20061229032022im_/http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/ctb/images/transparent_spacer.gif) |
The
Business Number
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What
is the Business Number? |
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The Business Number (BN) is a unique number used to identify a business and its accounts with various public agencies.
The BN consists of the following:
- 9 numbers which identify the business
- 2 letters which identify the type of program
- 4 numbers which identify a specific account
Example: 123456789 BT 0001
123456789 |
= John Smith |
BT |
= BC Tax (e.g. social service tax or hotel room tax) |
0001 |
= First BT account |
What are the benefits of using the BN?
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The BN allows businesses to communicate with multiple public agencies using a single number. This will result in less red tape, increased efficiency, improved customer service and reduced administrative costs.
Using the BN also lays the groundwork for a series of Electronic Delivery Services (ESD) initiatives for business-government interactions.
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How is the BN assigned and what agencies are involved? |
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If you don't already have a BN, one will be assigned the first time you register with any participating agency. Currently the BN initiative involves the agencies listed below. It is expected that additional public agencies will participate in the future.
Provincial Government of BC
Ministry of Small Business and Revenue
Ministry of Finance
Federal Government
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Workers' Compensation Board
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The BN and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue |
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If you register with the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue under the Social Service Tax Act (PST) or Hotel Room Tax Act (HRT), a BN will be assigned for your account(s). The BN will appear on any account-specific correspondence we send you. For example, the BN will be displayed on your tax return as follows:
![](/web/20061229032022im_/http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/ctb/images/SBNpt1.gif)
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Privacy
Statement |
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Questions? |
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If
you have questions about the Business Number (BN), please feel free
to contact us toll-free at
1 877 388-4440, or in the Vancouver area, call 604 660-4524. |
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