If you're starting a business in Alberta, the CRA Business Number is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot. So, here we’ll break down what it actually is and why you might need one.
A Business Number (BN) is a unique 9-digit number assigned to your business by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Think of it like a social insurance number but for your business. It helps identify your business when you’re dealing with federal and provincial tax accounts or government programs.
A Business Number allows access to many CRA Program Accounts and business actions, including:
- GST Collection (which is mandatory if your revenue is over $30,000/year)
- Deducting payroll taxes on employees’ wages
- Incorporating your business provincially or federally
- Filing Information Returns (eg., T5)
Having a BN is not required if you are a sole proprietor, but having one keeps your finances organized and sets you up for growth.
How to Register in Alberta
Registering for any of the CRA Program Accounts business listed above or incorporating your will automatically assign you a BN if you don’t have one.
In Alberta, you can register your business name and apply for your Business Number at the same time if you're doing it through an authorized Alberta Registry office. This is especially helpful if you're registering a trade name or incorporating.
Finally, if you’ve already registered your business name, you can get your CRA Business Number online through Business Registration Online (BRO).
When getting your BN, be ready with basic info: business name, business name report (if used), and valid ID.
If you’re unsure what licenses or permits you need, Alberta has a great tool called BizPal to help guide you: https://bizpal.alberta.ca
Community Futures Big Country can guide you through the legal setup process, connect you with local resources, and help you build a solid foundation for your business. Reach out to us or visit: https://bigcountry.albertacf.com
