Canada GST number guide
Business Number (BN)
For businesses, the tax identification is a distinctive nine-digit Business Number (BN) provided by the Canada Revenue Agency. Canadian-resident corporations hold income tax reporting responsibilities, necessitating the possession of a BN. Ensure compliance with your BN for seamless income tax reporting in Canada. Business Number is also issued to partnerships in canada.
Format
A BN is a unique nine-digit number issued to identify businesses and partnerships.
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| BN on income tax return | BN on notices of tax assessment |
Foreigners
Non-Residents can also obtain a business number in Canada. The registration process is completely online. You can learn about it here Find out if you need to register for GST here
Read more about Business number here
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Every Canadian resident with income tax filing responsibilities (or for whom an information return is necessary) must possess (or acquire) a Social Insurance Number (SIN). SINs, vital for tax reporting, remain confidential but must be provided to financial institutions upon request. Ensure compliance with tax regulations by having your SIN for seamless financial transactions and reporting.
Format
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a distinct nine-digit identifier .
Read more about Social Insurance Number here
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| SIN on income tax return | SIN on notices of tax assessment |
Trust Account Number
For trusts, the tax identification involves an eight-digit trust account number prefixed by the letter "T," issued by the Canada Revenue Agency. Canadian-resident trusts, with income tax reporting responsibilities, are mandated to possess a trust account number. Ensure compliance with your trust account number for seamless income tax reporting in Canada.
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| Trust Account Number on income tax return | Trust Account Number on notices of tax assessment |
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) number in Canada is a unique identifier assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to businesses engaged in taxable transactions. This registration is essential for businesses meeting certain revenue thresholds, allowing them to collect and remit GST. Obtaining a GST number is crucial for compliance with Canadian tax regulations, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of the GST system and fulfill their tax obligations. GST number is a unique 9 digit number.
Official Database - GST search
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) number in Canada is a distinctive identifier assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to businesses involved in taxable transactions in provinces that have adopted the HST system. Obtaining an HST number is essential for businesses meeting specific revenue thresholds, enabling them to collect and remit HST. This registration ensures compliance with Canadian tax regulations, facilitating seamless navigation of the HST system and fulfillment of tax obligations. Stay informed about HST updates by checking official CRA documentation for the latest details.
Quebec Sales Tax (QST) registration number
The Quebec Sales Tax (QST) registration number is a unique identifier issued by Revenu Québec for businesses operating in Quebec. This registration is necessary for businesses engaging in taxable transactions, ensuring compliance with QST regulations. Obtaining a QST registration number is vital for businesses conducting sales in Quebec, facilitating proper tax collection and reporting.
Format
A QST account number is a unique 10-digit number issued by Revenue Quebec.
Official Database - QST search
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) program accounts
Two letters and four digits attached to a BN and used for specific business activities that must be reported to the CRA
Format
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| CRA program account number |
A CRA program account number has three parts:
- the nine-digit BN to identify the business
- a two-letter program identifier code to identify the program account
- a four-digit reference number to identify an individual program account (since businesses can have more than one of the same kind)
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