What’s New
As of November 3, 2025, all Business Number (BN) registrations and CRA program account registrations must be done online via Business Registration Online (BRO). Phone-based registration services are being discontinued.(canada.ca) This change applies to new BN setups and all accounts tied to program services like GST/HST, payroll, and corporation income tax.(canada.ca)
Who Is Affected
- Startups, new businesses applying for incorporation or non-incorporated businesses that have yet to get a BN or CRA accounts.
- Existing businesses needing new CRA accounts (add GST/HST, payroll, etc.).
- Tax professionals and representatives who handle registrations on behalf of businesses.
- Importers or exporters registering programs like import/export accounts under CRA.
Why It Matters
- Registration delays if you're late to adopt the online route.
- Processes shift, requiring familiarity with the BRO platform.
- Some businesses may have relied on phone support for clarification; now must rely more on online help or support tools.
- Potential for streamlining: online registrations can be faster, with auto-validation and less back-and-forth.
Practical Tips & Example Scenarios
- If you're incorporating a business in December and need a BN plus GST/HST accounts, log into BRO instead of calling CRA.
- Tax professionals: update your workflows to include clients’ BRO access—ensure clients have credentials and correct information for representatives.
- Example: A sole proprietor completing their GST account application before starting sales now must do everything via BRO, including identity verification.
Compliance and Technical Takeaways
- Have accurate digital identification and documents ready for verification—online registration often requires validating identity.
- Check eligibility for representative-based access if you act on behalf of a client; ensure authorized under “Represent a Client” access.
- Keep copies of confirmation emails/screenshots of successful registrations as proof, especially in case of delays or system outages.
Broader Implications
- Push toward a more digital government, where CRA aims to shift interactions online where possible.
- Likely reduction in phone-based support resources over time; businesses may need to adapt to online chat, email or knowledge base tools.
- Moves like this mirror similar transitions in other services and could hint at broader digital service modernization in taxation (e-filing, remittances, etc.).
By preparing ahead and embracing online registration tools, businesses can avoid delays and leverage more streamlined processes.