Lost in the Numbers Game? Unearthing Your Mysterious Ontario Business Number
Ah, the Ontario Business Number (or OBIN for short, because who wants to say that whole thing ten times a day?). This magical ten-digit code (nine digits before October 2021) is your key to interacting with the provincial government, collecting that sweet GST/HST, and generally proving you're a real business and not just a guy selling socks out of his van (although, hey, no judgment there). But where on earth do you find this elusive number? Don't worry, friend, we're about to embark on a thrilling quest (or at least a moderately exciting explanation) to unearth your OBIN.
Places Your OBIN Might Be Hiding (Besides Bermuda)
- The CRA My Business Account: This is the most likely culprit. If you registered for a business number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), it's probably chilling out in your CRA My Business Account. Just log in, and it should be readily apparent – like a beacon of bureaucratic brilliance!
- The Ontario Business Registry (OBR): Did you register your business name in Ontario? If so, your OBIN might be lurking within the OBR. You can search for it using the business name, but be warned, this might require creating an account and navigating some government website wizardry.
- The Files of Doom (Your Old Business Stuff): Let's face it, some of us keep filing systems that would make squirrels weep. If you can't find it digitally, maybe it's hiding in a dusty folder labelled "Important Business Stuff (We Think)". Grab your magnifying glass and prepare for an archaeological dig.
Bonus Tip: If you're starting a new business and need an OBIN, you can register for one through the CRA website. It's actually a pretty painless process, unless you're allergic to forms.
How to Avoid Losing Your OBIN (Because Let's Be Honest, We All Lose Things)
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
- Write it down! Stick it on a note, tattoo it on your forehead (not recommended), anything to ensure you don't forget this magical number.
- Save it electronically. Keep a copy in your email, a note on your phone, anywhere you can easily access it digitally.
- Train your pet ferret. Okay, this might be a bad idea, but hey, it would be entertaining.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
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| How To Find Your Ontario Business Number |
How to register for a new OBIN?
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Head to the CRA website and follow the easy-to-understand (hopefully) instructions.
How to know if I need an OBIN?
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
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If you're collecting GST/HST or plan to hire employees, you'll probably need an OBIN. But it's always best to check with the CRA directly.
How to update my OBIN information?
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
You can update your OBIN information through your CRA My Business Account.
How to find someone else's OBIN?
You can't typically find someone else's OBIN due to privacy reasons. However, you can search the Ontario Business Registry for basic business information.
How to deal with the existential dread of having so many numbers to remember?
Chocolate. Always chocolate.
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