If you’ve ever asked, “What is my business number?” you’re not alone. Many business owners in Alberta find themselves confused about what a business number is, how it works, and how it ties into running their business. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about your business number, why it’s important, and how it interacts with other identifiers like program accounts and your Alberta Corporate Access Number.

By the end of this article, you’ll not only know the answer to “What is my business number?” but also how to use it effectively to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

woman wondering "what is my business number?"

What Is a Business Number?

Your business number (BN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Think of it as your business’s fingerprint—it’s how the government identifies your company; it’s also what they use for official communications, transactions, and everything tax-related. However, this is not to be confused with your Alberta Corporate Access Number (CAN); but we’ll get to that in a minute.

This nine-digit business number can also have multiple extensions, called program accounts, which are codes tailored to the specific activities of your business, such as filing taxes, remitting payroll, or handling GST. These program account code extensions are placed at the very end of your nine-digit BN and will look something like this: 123456789RT0001.

What About My Alberta Corporate Access Number?

In Alberta, corporations receive an additional identifier called the Corporate Access Number (CAN). This number is specific to businesses incorporated in Alberta and is used for provincial matters and identification.

Your CAN is assigned when you register your corporation and can be found on your Certificate of Incorporation. If you can’t locate your certificate, contact an Alberta registry office to request a copy or conduct a corporate search.

While your Corporate Access Number (CAN) is crucial for Alberta-specific filings, it is distinct from your federal CRA business number (BN).

The Difference Between a Business Number and Program Accounts

One of the most common points of confusion is the distinction between a business number and program accounts. Here’s how it works:

The business number is your nine-digit identifier (e.g., 123456789).
Program accounts are added as extensions to the business number. These suffixes indicate the type of account. Each program account attached to your business number serves a specific purpose:

RC – Corporate Income Tax
- Required for all incorporated businesses.
- Used to file corporate tax returns.
RP – Payroll Deductions
- Needed if you have employees.
- Tracks payroll remittances like CPP, EI, and income tax.
RT – GST/HST
- Necessary if your revenue exceeds $30,000 annually or you voluntarily register.
- Used to file and remit GST.
RZ – Information Returns
- Tracks returns like T5 slips for dividends or interest paid and T5018 slips for contractor payments.
RM – Import/Export
- If your business imports or exports goods, this account tracks related transactions.

For example, if your business number is 123456789, your corporate tax program account might be 123456789RC0001, while your GST account might be 123456789RT0001.

Each program account has its own purpose, filing requirements, and deadlines. Using the wrong program account or forgetting to include the correct suffix (e.g., RC, RP, RT, etc.) when filing or making payments can lead to delays, penalties, or misapplied funds.

How to Find Your Business Number

If you don’t know where to find it, here are some common places to look:

Your CRA My Business Account: Log into your account online to find your BN.
CRA Correspondence: Check any letters, notices, or emails you’ve received from the CRA. Your business number and associated program accounts may be listed.
Call CRA: If you still can’t find it, you may have to do things the old-fashioned way and call CRA for assistance.

Do I Need a Business Number?

If you operate a sole proprietorship or partnership, you may not need a business number; however, if you plan on registering for program accounts (GST, payroll, import/export accounts, etc.), then yes, you need one. A business number is mandatory for corporations.

✔️ Examples where you need a BN:

If your business collects sales tax/GST or HST.
If your business pays employees.
If your business imports or sells products or services abroad.

Why Is My Business Number Important?

Knowing your business number is the key to managing your tax and compliance obligations. It connects your company to the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) systems, ensuring your tax returns, payroll remittances, and GST filings are properly tracked.

Without a business number, you can’t:

File corporate tax returns.
Register for GST.
Handle payroll deductions.
Access CRA program accounts.

FAQs About Business Numbers

1. What number does CRA mean when they ask for my business number?
When CRA asks for your business number, they’re typically referring to the nine-digit number they assigned you. However, depending on the context, they may also need a specific program account suffix (e.g., RC, RT, RP).

2. Where can I find my CRA business number?
You can find your business number on CRA correspondence or in your My CRA Business Account.

3. Do I need to display my GST number on invoices?
Yes, if you’re registered for GST, your RT program account number (e.g., 123456789RT0001) must be displayed on customer invoices.

4. Can a business have multiple program accounts?
Yes, but it is not as common. For example, a business with employees may have multiple RP (payroll) accounts for separate payroll systems (which would then be identified as RP0001, RP0002, etc.).

Deadlines for Program Accounts

Each program account has its own filing deadlines:

Corporate Tax (RC): Six months after your fiscal year-end.
Payroll (RP): Monthly, quarterly, or accelerated remittances, depending on payroll size.
GST (RT): Monthly, quarterly, or annually, based on CRA’s designation.

For more detailed information, check out our blog post on tax deadlines.

In Conclusion: What Is My Business Number?

Your business number is the backbone of your company’s interactions with the CRA. Whether you’re filing taxes, remitting payroll, or handling GST, knowing your business number and its program accounts is essential for remaining compliant.

Need help managing your tax obligations? Reach out to NowCPA today. We’re here to make sense of your numbers and ensure your business is on the right track. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best – growing your business! 🚀

What Is My Business Number? A Comprehensive Guide to Business Numbers & What They Mean