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Frequently asked questions
Why do you have a partnership with the CRA?
The partnership has two important benefits — it makes it easier for
employers to do business in B.C and it raises awareness of WorkSafeBC
registration requirements, helping to ensure
all employers pay their fair share of the system. The partnership is also
linked to the Single Business Number (SBN) project, a provincial service
designed to cut red tape and make it easier for businesses to deal with
a range of public agencies and departments.
Under the partnership agreement, employers registered with us will be assigned a Business Number by the CRA, if they don't already have one. Employers can use their Business Number for their dealings with the CRA and us. Employers can also use that one number to register with other provincial agencies and government departments and to change basic account information, such as addresses and telephone numbers, thanks to the Single Business Number project.
What are the benefits for me?
It gives you the convenience of using a single number when you deal with
WorkSafeBC and the CRA. It is also quicker to use this number when you
need to register for CRA programs, like payroll deduction or GST accounts.
The goal is to make it easier for you to do business in British Columbia.
Does WorkSafeBC exchange information about my business with the CRA?
General business information, such as the names, addresses, and telephone
numbers of businesses in B.C. are exchanged with the CRA so that Business
Numbers can be assigned. We don't share confidential information about
your account with the CRA.
How do you use the information about my business?
We use it to create a Business Number for your WorkSafeBC account. You
can use this number when you deal with WorkSafeBC and the CRA, and eventually,
with other provincial departments and agencies.
What's a Business Number?
A Business Number (or BN) is a nine-digit number used by the CRA and its
partners to identify businesses. A Business Number account is a 15-character
number made up of the nine-digit BN, plus two letters which identify the
type of program and four numbers for the specific account. This 15-character
number is used to identify the particular accounts from programs that
use the BN, such as WorkSafeBC.
The CRA uses BN account numbers to identify the payroll deductions, GST, corporate income tax and import/export accounts of its business clients.
Why do I need a Business Number when I already have a WorkSafeBC account
number?
You can use your Business Number to access a wide range of services with
public agencies in B.C., as well as your WorkSafeBC account information.
The bottom line is that the Business Number makes it easier for you to
do business in B.C.
Having a Business Number assigned to your account is the first step in allowing you to access your WorkSafeBCaccount and other provincial programs using a single number.
When did you begin collecting the Business Number for WorkSafeBC accounts?
We began collecting Business Numbers in 1999. On October 21, 2002, we
began validating the numbers and adding a BN15 with the CRA.
I already gave my Business Number to you. Are you assigning a new
number to my account?
If you've already supplied your Business Number, we'll confirm it with
the CRA. Then, we'll use the nine digit Business Number (or the first
nine digits of a CRA program account) and add two digits that identify
your WorkSafeBC account and a four-digit reference number.
What if I haven't given my Business Number to WorkSafeBC?
The CRA will create your Business Number so we can add it to your WorkSafeBC
account. You'll be able to use this number to deal with both WorkSafeBC
and the CRA. If we don't have your Business Number, the CRA may contact
you to confirm it.
What if I don't have a Business Number?
The CRA may contact you to assign a Business Number to your WorkSafeBC
account. You'll be able to use this number to deal with both WorkSafeBC
and the CRA.
I'll be registering with WorkSafeBC later this year. When will I get
my Business Number?
If you're registering with WorkSafeBC over the Internet or the phone,
you need to provide your nine-digit Business Number. If you don't have
a Business Number, we'll request one on your behalf. If your application
is accepted, you'll receive a letter in the mail, which will include your
Business Number. Be sure to enter this number on your registration application.
Remember that before you can register online, you need a Business Number.
What if there's a change to my Business Number?
If your Business Number changes and you're still registered with us, we'll
send you a letter confirming your new number.
Does the Business Number have any effect on my account with WorkSafeBC?
No. The only change is that the CRA is assigning a Business Number to
your WorkSafeBC account. You can use either your Business Number or your
WorkSafeBC account number in your dealings with WorkSafeBC.
When can I begin to use the Business Number?
Your Business Number will appear on your WorkSafeBC Employer Payroll Report
and you can begin to use it right away with the WorkSafeBC or for CRA
programs, like payroll deductions and GST.
Do I need to use my Business Number with WorkSafeBC?
You can use either your WorkSafeBC account number or your Business Number
when dealing with us.
How will I know what my Business Number is?
You'll see it on your 2005 Employer Payroll and Contract Labour Report.
You'll receive this report in January or February 2006.
Does this kind of partnership exist anywhere else?
Yes, similar partnerships are already underway in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.