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Setting Up Your CRA Business Accounts After Incorporation

Every account you need to register, when to register it, and what happens if you don't.

Published May 6, 2026 · 5 min read · By Adapt Accounting Services CPA

Getting your certificate of incorporation is exciting. But your corporation isn't truly operational until the CRA knows it exists and has the right accounts set up. Here's exactly what you need to register and when.

BN

Business Number (BN)

Always

The 9-digit root number for your corporation. All other program accounts are extensions of the BN. You need a BN before you can register for any other program. CRA automatically issues a BN when they receive your first T2.

When to register: Immediately after incorporation — we handle this as part of our service
RC

Corporate Income Tax Account (RC)

Always

The RC account is used for filing your T2 and making corporate tax installment payments. Format: 123456789 RC 0001. CRA creates this automatically when you obtain a Business Number.

When to register: Created automatically with BN
RT

HST/GST Account (RT)

When gross revenue exceeds $30,000

Register for HST once (or before) your corporation's gross revenue in any rolling 4 consecutive quarters exceeds $30,000. You can voluntarily register earlier to claim input tax credits. Format: 123456789 RT 0001.

When to register: At or before $30,000 gross revenue. Voluntary early registration is common.
RP

Payroll Account (RP)

If paying employees or salary to yourself

Register for a payroll account before you pay your first salary (including to yourself as a shareholder-employee). You'll need to remit CPP, EI, and income tax withholdings. Format: 123456789 RP 0001.

When to register: Before your first payroll payment
RZ

Information Return Account (RZ)

If filing T5 dividend slips

Needed for filing information returns including T5 slips (dividends) and T5013 (partnership returns). Many small corporations use the RC account for this and don't need a separate RZ.

When to register: When issuing T5 dividend slips to shareholders

Setting Up My Business Account (CRA Online)

My Business Account is CRA's online portal for corporations. Once set up, you can:

  • View and pay tax balances
  • File HST returns electronically
  • Submit payroll remittances
  • View correspondence from CRA
  • Authorize a representative (your CPA)

To set up My Business Account, you need your Business Number and the corporation's postal code on file with CRA. You can register at canada.ca/cra-business-account.

Authorizing Your CPA as Representative

To allow your CPA to file on your behalf, you must authorize them as a representative through My Business Account (online) or by submitting a signed T1013 (for personal accounts) or RC59 (for business accounts). Our CRA Rep ID is V64F78X. We walk every new client through this step.

What Happens If You Don't Register for HST on Time?

If you pass the $30,000 threshold and don't register, CRA can assess HST as if you had been registered — meaning you become retroactively liable for HST you didn't collect. You may also face interest and penalties. Voluntary registration before the threshold avoids this and lets you claim ITCs on business purchases immediately.

We Handle the CRA Setup For You

Our incorporation service includes CRA Business Number registration, HST registration (if applicable), and My Business Account setup guidance — so you're operational from day one.

View Incorporation Service