Register a business number or CRA program account
How do I register a business number or CRA account?
CRA's resident-business guide explains how to obtain a business number and add supported program accounts. Check whether the business already has a number before registering another one. The guide describes Business Registration Online through a CRA account, its limitations and alternatives when that route cannot be used. Non-resident businesses have a separate set of instructions.
Where to begin
- Check whether an existing business number should be used.
- Read the program-account and information checklists for your business.
- Use the applicable official registration route and save its confirmation.
Before you open the official service
- Your business structure and registration situation
- Which program account you need
- The official preparation checklist
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
A federal business number, a provincial registration and a licence are different things. CRA determines the required registration route.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.