Frequently asked questions

1. What is BRO?
2. Who can use BRO?
3. What are the benefits of BRO?
4. What is the difference between a Business Number (BN) and a Business Identification Number (BIN)?
5. Should I mail in my articles of incorporation once I have completed the registration using Business Registration On-Line?
6. Will CRA be contacting me to request additional information once I have completed the Business Registration On-Line process?
7. Who should I contact to update my BN information once the registration is complete?
8. Why can't a federally incorporated business register for a BN on-line?
9. Who do I contact when I have problems with my credit card payment at time of registration?
10. What do I need to know to register a payroll deduction account for domestic service?

What is BRO?

The application is an online, one stop, self serve application that allows a user to register for a new Business Number, as well as for four major CRA programs (Corporate Income Tax, Goods and Services / Harmonized Sales Tax, Payroll Deductions, and Import / Export accounts). One can also register or apply for new Ontario, Nova Scotia and British Columbia program accounts.

Who can use BRO?

BRO is tailor-made for small and medium sized businesses that do not have complex registration requirements.

While almost all Canadian businesses can use BRO, the service will not offer registrations to non-residents seeking to register a GST/HST and/or Corporation Income Tax account. For more details, view “Who can use BRO”.

What are the benefits of BRO?

• One Stop Service - Businesses can register on-line for key programs with more than one level of government in the same session. This saves time and duplicated effort.
• Convenient - Service available from your home and office anywhere in Canada well past normal business hours, and on Saturdays.
• Easy-to-Use - Businesses answer questions that guide them through the registration process. Helpful features, such as pop-up messages are displayed when missing or incorrect information is entered. There is also a toll-free help desk telephone number that is available.
• Secure - State-of-the-art encryption and security procedures. Users are given steps to follow to further protect their private information.

What is the difference between a Business Number (BN) and a Business Identification Number (BIN)?

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. The BN consists of two parts - the registration number and the account identifier. The entire number has 15 characters:

• nine digits to identify the business; and
• two letters and four digits to identify each account a business may have

The BIN is a 9-digit number used by the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services to identify provincial Business Name Registration. It also appears on the Ontario Master Business Licence.

Should I mail in my articles of incorporation once I have completed the registration using Business Registration Online?

Once you receive your notice of confirmation via Canada Post, you will be requested to mail your articles of incorporation to the address provided on your notice.

Will CRA be contacting me to request additional information once I have completed the Business Registration Online process?

No, the application was designed to prompt the user to answer all the necessary registration questions. What you have entered at the time of registration will be accepted as filed.

Who should I contact to update my BN information once the registration is complete?

If you would like to change your existing information you may call our toll-free number:

CRA: 1-800-959-5525

Why can't a federally incorporated business register for a Business Number online?

Industry Canada provides a federally incorporated business with its Business Number (BN) once it has processed the Articles of Incorporation. Once you have received confirmation of your Business Number via Canada Post, you may add the necessary program accounts using Business Registration Online.

Who do I contact when I have problems with my credit card payment at time of registration?

You should contact the province to which you are sending your payment. The CRA does not retain credit card information and forwards it on the province charging the fee for its program. The CRA does not validate the credit card information and there is no actual charge when credit card information is input into the BRO service.

All enquiries from Ontario clients should be made to Ontario Business Connects at 1-800-565-1921.

Any enquiries from British Columbia clients should contact the OneStop Help Desk at 1-877-822-6727 from within British Columbia or 205-370-0332 from outside the province.

What do I need to know to register a payroll deduction account for domestic service?

A payroll deduction account for domestic service is considered a sole proprietor or partner ownership type and is registered using the legal name(s) of the employer(s).

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If you have comments or questions regarding the BRO Internet service, contact us through email at busreg@cra-arc.gc.ca.