How To Obtain A Business Number In Canada With Start Right Now

Quick Overview Of How to Obtain a Business Number

At a high level, Canadians can register for a Business Number (BN) through government channels or choose an automated solution like Start Right Now. Your BN is a nine-digit identifier that consolidates GST/HST (RT), Payroll (RP) and Import/Export (RM) program accounts under one roof. For a direct government option, visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s Business Registration Online portal.

Choose the approach that fits your needs:

• Government Online Registration (CRA)
• Phone Registration via CRA service line
• Automated service with Start Right Now

Below is a quick comparison so you can see why Start Right Now is the fastest, most reliable path.

Business Number Key Steps

Key Takeaway: An automated service like Start Right Now delivers your BN and all required suffixes in minutes—no portal hurdles, no hold music.

Understanding Business Number Basics

A Business Number ties together your tax accounts with the Canada Revenue Agency. Skip it, and you risk delays or penalties on filings for:

• GST/HST (RT) once taxable supplies exceed $30,000
• Payroll (RP) as soon as you hire staff
• Import/Export (RM) under CRA-CBSA rules

Key Takeaway
Securing the correct BN suffix upfront prevents compliance headaches and keeps your business running smoothly.

Key Role Of BN In Business Operations

Canada relies on accurate BN reporting for tax compliance. As of June 2025, there were:

Automated registration through Start Right Now ensures every suffix—RT, RP and RM—is added correctly and immediately, so you avoid backlogs and focus on growth.

You can learn more about BN use cases in our overview: Check out our guide on what a Business Number is

Identifying Necessary Program Accounts

Once you have your BN, matching the right program accounts is essential. Start Right Now analyzes your operations and attaches only the suffixes you need—no guesswork required.

• GST/HST (RT): Annual taxable sales > $30,000
• Payroll (RP): First payroll run initiated
• Import/Export (RM): Any goods crossing borders

“Start Right Now flagged my payroll requirements exactly when I needed them,” says agency founder Priya K. “We avoided any CRA surprises.”

Scenario Examples

• A sole proprietor selling at markets surpasses $30,000 in a year: RT suffix applied automatically.
• A small digital agency processes its first paycheque: RP suffix is added seamlessly.
• An e-commerce retailer shipping to the U.S.: RM suffix activates once goods cross the border.

Start Right Now’s dashboard pre-validates your details, registers suffixes automatically and delivers confirmations—often in under ten minutes.

Explore GST/HST registration insights in our guide on getting a GST/HST number through Start Right Now.

Key Insight
Automating suffix selection cuts manual errors and accelerates compliance, giving you more time to build your business.

Gathering Required Information And Documents

Ahead of registration, gather:

• Legal or Trade Name: Must match official records exactly.
• Business Structure: Sole proprietor, partnership or corporation.
• Identification: Passports or driver’s licences for every owner or director.
• Business Address: Current, verifiable address aligned with CRA records.
• Revenue Estimate: Projection of annual sales to select correct accounts.

87% of BN delays stem from data mismatches or outdated details. Start Right Now flags inconsistencies in real time so you submit correctly the first time.

Key Insight
Real-time validation, guided corrections and live chat support eliminate back-and-forth with the CRA.

Kick off your BN application with confidence at Start Right Now—no more paperwork roadblocks.

Exploring Registration Methods

BN registration can generally follow three government routes, each with some waiting or form-filling:

Key Insight
Nearly 40% of entrepreneurs report data-entry errors in government portals, leading to delays.

For a truly frictionless, end-to-end experience, Start Right Now’s automated platform pre-validates your information, assigns all necessary suffixes and issues your BN in minutes—no hold times, no cryptic error codes, no multiple submissions.

Learn more about online incorporation at Online Company Registration Canada.

Common Challenges And How To Resolve Them

Minor typos or mismatches can stall your BN quickly. Common issues include:

• Legal name discrepancies
• Unverified addresses
• Missed suffix requirements

Start Right Now’s dashboard highlights errors instantly and connects you with experts on demand:

• Live error detection and correction
• Automated payroll (RP) suffix setup
• CRA-compliant address verifications in seconds
• In-app chat or scheduled callback support

With proactive reminders and clear timelines, you’ll meet CRA deadlines stress-free.

Learn more from the CFIB Enterprise Pulse report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address Change After Registration
Update your address in the Start Right Now portal and we’ll forward it to the CRA—no extra forms, no delays.

Adding Program Accounts Later
Sign in, select the suffix you need and we’ll add it instantly—no phone tag or duplicate paperwork.

Receiving Your Business Number

Speed of Delivery
Complete our guided form and receive your Business Number (BN) and program accounts within minutes, with real-time status updates.

Support When You Need It
Our live support team is available via chat or phone to troubleshoot any issue and ensure you meet all CRA requirements on time.

Key Takeaway
Many entrepreneurs secure their BN in under 10 minutes using an automated service.

Best Practices

• Verify your legal business name against provincial records.
• Upload clear scans of identity documents before you begin.
• Monitor your dashboard for timestamped status updates.

Next Steps

• Look for your BN confirmation and program numbers in your inbox.
• Double-check the suffixes in the dashboard.
• Set calendar reminders for upcoming CRA filing and remittance dates.

Choosing Start Right Now means no more manual filings or long hold times. You stay focused on growing your business while we handle all CRA interactions.

Ready to get started?
Visit Start Right Now at https://www.startrightnow.co and secure your BN today.