Trouble getting a Business Number in Ontario

[Busy ECE mommy]

As tax time is upon us, I was wanting to get a Business Number(Ontario) so that I could eliminate giving out the SIN multiple times. I have tried 3 times on the online registration form, and all it does is summarize my info at the end, but not give me a business number. It asks about govt. programs you want to register for, such as payroll, employees and CPP/EI, GST etc. but none of these apply to my sole proprietorship and GST-exempt business, so I did not check those boxes. At the end it summarizes my business name/address/sole proprietorship etc but won't give me a number. Why not???? Feedback please from anyone who did the online Business Number registration in Ontario. Thanks.

[AmandaKDT]

You don't need to give out your SIN number at all, your name and contact info is enough.

[Busy ECE mommy]

My accountant said I must supply my SIN by law to any client I have. I asked about the Business Number, and she said that would work too, as it is linked to your SIN, but the client will never directly see the SIN, only their accountant will.
If a client does their own taxes with a software program, you must input the SIN of the provider, as I have done so before myself a few years ago when my own kids were in private care.

[MonkeyPrincess]

See, i got conflicting information from my accountant. She told me that my business number is sufficient to anyone, regardless of how they do their taxes (ie- used an accountant or did the taxes with their own software.) Apparently you can just use the Bus. #

[Busy ECE mommy]

@Monkey Princess-do you have a true Business Number(Canada federal), or a BIN(master business licence name registration in Ontario)
I can get a BIN name registration no problem(master bus. licence), but not a BN(federal) when I tried online, but I can't figure out why?

[playfelt]

That will be because the BN is only for businesses that need to use the items mentioned. I have a BN for my felt business because I am registered to collect the HST and import the products from the US.

[Busy ECE mommy]

Thanks for clearing that up Playfelt! I guess I will just do the BIN.

[MonkeyPrincess]

I have a BIN- I just checked.

[Crayola kiddies]

I too have a BIN

[Artsand crafts]

Crayola and Monkey princes. I have a Business number for payroll (for paying my assistant). Do you need to register your business name with CRA? or do you use only your full name and the BN when issuing receipts?