As of May 13, 2024, the CRA no longer registers and maintains import and export RM program
accounts. These services are now provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). However,
if you don’t have a business number, get it from the CRA using Business Registration Online
before contacting the CBSA. Learn more: CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM).
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This checklist is for people like you who are starting a business. Using the links below,
you
can get information about your fiscal obligations and their implications. You can also get
information on interactions between your business and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
For more information after consulting these links, go to Small businesses and self-employed
income.
Before you start
For income tax purposes, we define a business as an activity where there is a reasonable
expectation of profit and there is evidence to support that intention. For goods and
services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) purposes, a business also includes any activity
whether or not it is engaged in for profit and any regular or continuous activity that
involves supplying property by way of lease, licence or similar arrangement.
If you are starting a new small business, consult Setting up your business to make sure you
do everything you need. This page includes information about your business' structure as
well as registering your business for the first time.
Small business resources
About My Business Account – Dealing with the CRA from a secure online portal on various
business accounts, including GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, excise tax, and
excise duties.
Bringing assets into a businesss – Information about buying or expanding a business,
including how to determine fair market value and the effects on GST/HST, and transferring
assets.
Business audits – What you need to know if you've been selected for a business audit.
Business income tax reporting – Reporting your business earnings and paying income tax on
those earnings.
Changes to your business and Canada Revenue Agency program accounts – Information on what to
do for common types of business changes: how to make updates online, inform the CRA of
changes, and other related actions you should take.
Corporation income tax returns – Information on corporation income tax returns and who needs
to file them.
Digital services for businesses – Making it faster and easier with our online services to
handle your business tax matters. You, your employee, or representative can file your
returns, make payments, determine entitlement to credits, register for direct deposit, and
do much more.
When to file (GST/HST) – Getting information about filing your GST/HST returns.
How to register for a business number or Canada Revenue Agency program accounts – Explains
the different ways to register for a business number or Canada Revenue Agency program
account.
Keeping records – Knowing what you need to keep, and for how long.
Liaison Officer service – The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers a free Liaison Officer
service to owners of small businesses to help them understand their tax obligations.
Payroll – Getting information and forms associated with amounts you withhold from the
remuneration and other income amounts you pay, setting up a new employee, and determining
payroll deductions.
Report business income and expenses – Information about Form T2125, Statement of Business or
Professional Activities, industry codes, claiming capital cost allowance, eligible capital
expenditures, and interest and penalties
When you need a business number or CRA program accounts – Find out when you need a business
number or CRA program accounts. More information on different program accounts like: GST/HST
(RT), Payroll deductions (RP), Corporation income tax (RC), Information returns (RZ), and
others.
For additional information
For more detailed information, including topics not covered in this checklist,
go to Small businesses and self-employed income.