Quick answer: In Canada, a corporation number and a business number are different identifiers. Use the corporation number for corporation registry records and the business number for CRA and program-account related checks.
Last checked: June 4, 2026. Registry Check Guide is not a government agency, regulator, certification body, law firm, or official registry. Use this page as a practical guide to read official records before you rely on them.
Official sources to start with
| Official source | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Canada.ca directories of Canadian companies | Canada.ca entry point for business registries, incorporation status, federal corporations, and business number searches. |
| CRA ways to find an existing business number | CRA guidance on finding a business number and when a BN may exist. |
What to check first
- Identify whether the number is a corporation number, business number, registry ID, BN, or CRA program account number.
- Use Canada.ca business directories or the relevant federal/provincial registry to search corporation records.
- Use CRA guidance for business number questions and account-related checks.
- Compare legal name, jurisdiction, incorporation status, and business number details where available.
- If the business is provincial, check the relevant province or territory registry too.
How to read the record
| Field or claim | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Corporation number | Used for corporation registry records and corporate filings. |
| Business number | A CRA identifier used for tax and program accounts. |
| Registry ID | May vary by province, territory, or registry system. |
| Program account | A BN can have program-account extensions for GST/HST, payroll, import/export, or corporate tax. |
What this record does not prove
- A corporation number does not prove CRA program-account status.
- A business number does not always mean a public corporation registry result will appear.
- A matching number does not prove a seller, website, or person is authorized.
Red flags
- A seller mixes corporation number and business number as if they are the same.
- The legal name does not match invoices, contracts, or marketplace listings.
- The registry jurisdiction is missing or inconsistent.
Related checks
Canada business name search guide Company status active vs dissolved
FAQ
Is a business number the same as a corporation number?
No. They are different identifiers used for different official purposes.
Where should I search first?
Use the corporation registry for corporation status and CRA guidance for BN-related questions.
Can a sole proprietor have a business number?
Yes, depending on CRA program accounts, but it may not appear like a corporation record in a corporation registry.