How to Get an Alberta Business Number (BN) Without Paying Extra Fees

How to Get an Alberta Business Number (BN) Without Paying Extra Fees

Starting a new venture in Alberta is an exciting milestone, but navigating government numbers, taxes, and registrations can quickly feel overwhelming.

One of the most common questions new business owners ask is: "How do I get a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number, and how much does it cost?"

Here is the straightforward truth about getting your 9-digit Business Number (BN) in Alberta—and how to avoid paying unnecessary fees along the way.

What is a Business Number (BN)?

A Business Number (BN) is a unique, 9-digit federal identification number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Think of it as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for your business—it identifies your enterprise to the federal and provincial government.

You need a Business Number to:

  • Register for a GST/HST account.
  • Set up a Payroll account to pay employees.
  • Open Import/Export accounts.
  • Interact with CRA and Alberta provincial programs.

The Catch: Watch Out for Hidden Fees Elsewhere

If you look around online, many document filing websites charge $99 or more just to "add on" a Business Number application when you register a trade name or sole proprietorship.

You should never pay extra for a Business Number.

Because Alberta partners directly with the CRA’s Common Business Number program, your 9-digit Business Number is automatically generated for free whenever you register a new trade name or sole proprietorship—provided you don't already have one assigned to you.

The Difference: Other sites charge an added fee to trigger a free government process. We include your BN setup automatically at no additional cost.

How to Get Your Business Number in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Register Your Trade Name / Sole Proprietorship
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Step 2: Receive Your Free 9-Digit BN via Email
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Step 3: Log Into CRA My Business Account to Open GST

1. Register Your Trade Name or Sole Proprietorship

When you submit your trade name registration through our website, we send your business details straight to the Alberta Corporate Registry.

2. Automatically Receive Your BN

If you have never had a BN before, the system automatically creates your 9-digit CRA Business Number during the registration process. Once processed, your official registry document and BN arrive right in your inbox—with $0 added to your bill.

(Note: If you previously owned a sole proprietorship, CRA will simply link your new trade name to your existing 9-digit BN, as each individual only receives one base BN.)

3. Easily Add Your GST Account Online

Once you have your 9-digit Business Number, setting up a GST account is quick and free:

     1. Go to the CRA My Business Account portal (or CRA’s online Business Registration Online system).

     2. Enter your new 9-digit Business Number.

     3. Select Add GST/HST Account (this adds an RT0001 extension to your base 9-digit BN).

Tip: If you expect to make over $30,000 in gross revenue across four consecutive calendar quarters, GST registration is required by the CRA.

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Don't let hidden fees cut into your startup budget. Register your Alberta Trade Name or Sole Proprietorship with us today, get your official government proof of filing, and claim your free CRA Business Number in one smooth step.

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