Business Registration - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is OneStop?
- Why should I use OneStop?
- Who do I call if I need help?
- What applications are available through OneStop?
- Can I use OneStop to incorporate a company?
- How do I know which application to fill out?
- When and where can I access OneStop?
- How long does it take to complete the applications?
- How long does it take partner agencies to process the applications?
- Where can I find information on starting a business?
- Do I need to register my business?
- Do I need to have my business name approved?
- What is a Business Number?
- How do I get a Business Number (BN)?
- Do I need to apply for a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) number?
- Do I need to apply for a Hotel Room Tax (HRT) Account?
- Can I use my old SST number (RXXXXXX)?
- Do I need to register with WorkSafeBC?
- Do I need to register for Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) with the CRA?
- Do I need to register for Payroll Deductions with the CRA?
- Do I need to register for an Import and/or Export account with the CRA?
- Do I need to register for Corporate Income Tax with the CRA?
- Do I need a Business Licence?
- What is BCeID?
- Do I need a Business BCeID?
- How do I obtain a Business BCeID?
- How much do these services cost?
- What data will be shared between OneStop partner agencies?
- Can I still apply for registration if I do not consent to share my data?
- Who has access to my data?
- How do I register a "Doing Business As" name?
What is OneStop?
OneStop's integrated business registration and business address change services provide entrepreneurs with "single window" web-based access to federal and provincial public sector agencies and local governments:
- Business Registration: Enables a business to register with multiple federal and provincial public sector agencies and local governments in one step.
- Business Address Change: Enables a business to notify multiple federal and provincial public sector agencies and local governments of an address change in one step.
- Business Number Service:Enables each BC business interacting with the public sector to be assigned a Business Number (BN) - a unique identifier that makes working with the public sector simpler, easier and more convenient.
Why should I use OneStop?
- Simplifies doing business in British Columbia.
- Saves you time.
- Allows you to complete applications for different government and public agency programs, by entering common data just once.
- Can help you decide which programs to register for.
- Self-help features guide you through the process.
- Helps you fill out the forms completely and accurately, eliminating many errors that often lead to delays in the processing of your application.
- Some applications are processed immediately, for example, the registration of a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership with BC Registry Services.
- Saves traveling to various locations to get registration forms.
- You don't have to finish in one session; you can always restart your session and complete additional registrations at a later date.
Who do I call if I need help?
Call the OneStop Help Desk. When you call the OneStop Help Desk, you will receive personal attention.
- Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Pacific Time.
- Call toll free 1 (877) 822-6727; or outside of Canada and in Greater Victoria call (250) 370-0332
What applications are available through OneStop?
You can use OneStop to apply for:
- Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership with BC Registry Services. This registration must be completed within 56 days of having your business name approved.
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST) with the Ministry of Finance.
- Employer registration or Personal Optional Protection coverage with WorkSafeBC - Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.
- Municipal business licences with participating municipalities.
- GST/HST, payroll deductions, corporate income tax and import/export accounts with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
- Corporations Canada and the Canadian Company Capabilities Database, both branches of Industry Canada.
Can I use OneStop to incorporate a company?
No, but OneStop provides a link to Corporate Online where you can incorporate a company online, or you can go directly to www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca
TOPHow do I know which application to fill out?
If you don't know which application to fill out, OneStop will ask a few questions about your business and then recommend the appropriate applications.
If you know which applications to complete, you can skip this process and go directly to the registration menu.
TOPWhen and where can I access OneStop?
- www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
- Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day.
- OneStop services may be unavailable due to scheduled maintenance on Tuesday evenings after 5:00 PM and Sunday mornings from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
- Note: the CRA web site is normally not available after 2:00 PM Saturday and all day Sunday.
Kiosk Locations: Located conveniently throughout the province with staff available to assist if necessary, Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Kiosk locations are listed on our web site, or call our OneStop Help Desk toll free at 1 (877) 822-6727 for your nearest location.
TOPHow long does it take to complete the applications?
Usually less than one hour is required to enter your information however it will depend on how many applications you complete.
TOPHow long does it take partner agencies to process the applications?
Some registrations are processed immediately and some will require a few days.
TOPWhere can I find information on starting a business?
You will find information on starting a new business, including the regulations affecting most business start-ups in British Columbia, at SmallBusinessBC.
TOPDo I need to register my business?
If you choose to carry on a business under a name other than your own personal name and are engaged in business for trading, manufacturing or mining purposes, you must register with the BC Registry Services within three months of your business start date.
Note: Registration does not provide protection for the name and does not mean that the name will be available if you decide to incorporate a company using this name at a later date.
If you establish a business in your own name, without adding any other words (e.g. "and sons/daughters" or "and associates"), you are not required to register the business with the BC Registry Services (in fact, BC Registry Services will not approve your name as a business name), but you may still have to register with other agencies.
If you require business advice about starting your business, you are urged to contact a lawyer and/or an accountant.
TOPDo I need to have my business name approved?
Yes, you must have your business name approved prior to registering a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership with BC Registry Services (or incorporating a company). When you register your business, you will be asked for the name reservation (NR) number given to you when your name was approved.
Your approved business name is reserved for 56 days. Within 56 days you must register your business with the BC Registry Services.
Questions? Contact the OneStop Help Desk toll free 1 (877) 822-6727 in Canada; or in the Greater Victoria area, call (250) 370-0332.
Additional information can also be found on the BC Registry Services website.
TOPWhat is a Business Number?
The Business Number (BN) is a unique number which makes your dealings with the public sector simpler, easier, and more convenient. Your Business Number, can be used across the country to commonly identify your business with public sector programs and services.
You only need to remember your Business Number.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)123456789
- CRA - GST/HST Account123456789RT0001
- Corporation123456789BC0001
- Sole Proprietorship123456789BC0002
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST)123456789BT0001
- WorkSafeBC123456789BW0001
- Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB)123456789BB0001
Benefits
The Business Number enables your information to be safely and securely shared with other Business Number partners, reducing the need to re-enter your information over and over when completing common registrations.
TOPHow do I get a Business Number (BN)?
If you don't already have a Business Number, a Business Number will be assigned to your business the first time you register with a participating agency.
Below are registrations that you can complete from OneStop that will request a Business Number.
- BC Registry Services
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Ministry of Finance
- WorkSafeBC
Do I need to apply for a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) number?
Yes, if you will be selling or leasing taxable goods or services, or offer more than 3 units of accommodation, as described on the Ministry of Finance website.
To apply for a PST number, you will need:
- date the business started or plans to start making taxable sales, leases, services or offering accommodation.
- Business Number or incorporation number (if you are registering as a corporation), or Registration number (if registering a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership).
Questions? Contact the Ministry of Finance
- Email: CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca
- Phone: Toll free in Canada at 1-877-388-4440
- Website: www.fin.gov.bc.ca/rev.htm
Do I need to apply for a Hotel Room Tax (HRT) Account?
The HRT was repealed as of June 30, 2010. If you are offering more than 3 units of accommodation after April 1, 2013, then you need to apply for a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) account.
Can I use my old SST number (RXXXXXX)?
No, the PST imposed under the Provincial Sales Tax Act is distinct from the previous sales tax imposed under the Social Service Tax Act (SSTA). Therefore you cannot use the registration number issued to you under the SSTA and must register for a new PST number (PST-XXXX-XXXX).
Do I need to register with WorkSafeBC?
Virtually all employers in British Columbia are required to register with WorkSafeBC - Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. as soon as they hire workers. Individuals who are not automatically covered by WorkSafeBC (a partner in a business, a proprietor, or the spouse of a proprietor) can apply for optional coverage through Personal Optional Protection.
Questions? Contact the WorkSafeBC Employer Service Centre at (604) 244-6181 (Vancouver), toll free 1 (888) 922-2768 or visit WorkSafeBC.com
TOPDo I need to register for Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) with the CRA?
Yes, if you sell or provide goods and services in Canada and your annual, world-wide GST/HST taxable sales, including those of any associates, are more than $30,000.00.
TOPDo I need to register for Payroll Deductions with the CRA?
Yes, if you are an employer and pay salary, wages, bonuses, vacation pay or tips to your employees; or you provide a benefit, such as board and lodging, to your employees.
TOPDo I need to register for an Import and/or Export account with the CRA?
Yes, if you are a commercial importer and/or exporter.
TOPDo I need to register for Corporate Income Tax with the CRA?
Yes, if your business is federally or provincially incorporated, or you are a non-resident corporation operating in Canada. The CRA registers most Canadian corporations for corporate income tax and assigns a Business Number shortly after incorporation.
Questions re: GST/HST, payroll deductions, import/export or corporate income tax accounts? Contact the Canada Revenue Agency:
- English, 1 800 959-5525 or visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
- French, 1 800 959-7775 or visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-f.html
Do I need a Business Licence?
Most municipalities require the licensing of business premises. A list of municipalities that accept business licences completed through the OneStop Business Registration service can be found on our web site.
Business licence applications are also available from the municipal office. Fees and types of licences are determined by municipal bylaws, and vary from one municipality to another. At present, business licences are not required in most non-municipal areas of the province.
You may also be required to contact municipalities in which you conduct business but do not maintain premises to determine whether or not a business licence is required. Some municipalities have an intermunicipal licensing agreement allowing mobile businesses (those businesses based in one municipality and providing services in multiple municipalities such as general contractors and landscapers) to operate in all participating municipalities.
If your business falls into this category and you plan to apply for a business licence in multiple municipalities, check first to see which municipalities offer an Intermunicipal or Inter-Community Business Licence (IBL/ICBL)
In addition to business licences, municipalities administer the licensing of commercial vehicles.
Questions? Contact the individual municipality. Visit CivicInfoBC for contact information.
TOPWhat is BCeID?
The British Columbia electronic Identifier (BCeID) is an online service offered through the BC Government to provide secure electronic access to many government services.
With a BCeID you can sign in to government participating sites using your BCeID and a password so you don't have to remember a different Login ID and password at every Web site.
With BCeID, you don't need to enroll for a Login ID and password at each new site you visit - simply use the Login ID and password that you created as your BCeID to sign in to any participating government site or service.
At this time, OneStop allows users to logon to the Business Registration application with either a OneStop ID (created by the user during their session), or a Business BCeID, while the Business Address Change application is Business BCeID users only. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch also uses BCeID to provide convenient access to online renewals of your Liquor Licence. To determine if you will require a Business BCeID, please review the next section, "Do I need a Business BCeID?"
TOPDo I need a Business BCeID?
You will need a Business BCeID if you:
- Need to change your business address through the OneStop Change of Address application.
- Would like to apply for a Restaurant Liquor Licence or Transfer the Ownership of a Restaurant Liquor Licence.
- Would like to renew any Liquor Licence.
- Plan to access other government e-Services regularly.
For a complete list of government e-Services that use BCeID, visit the Online Service Directory.
TOPHow do I obtain a Business BCeID?
In order to get a Business BCeID, you will need to go to the BCeID website and apply for one directly. In order to verify who you are, you will be asked to authenticate yourself. If you have completed a registration of a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership through OneStop's Business Registration application and you have received your Statement of Registration, you will be able to use your OneStop session to authenticate yourself and complete the verification process.
If you have not completed a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership registration through OneStop, other options for authentication are available during the Business BCeID application process.
TOPHow much do these services cost?
There is no fee directly associated with the use of either the OneStop Business Registration or OneStop Business Address Change Services.
Fees are charged for:
- Registration of a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership - $40.00 payable online at the time of filing (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted online).
- Municipal business licence - fee varies. You will be invoiced by the municipality once your application has been approved.
- WorkSafeBC - You will receive information about the cost of your workers' compensation coverage once your application has been approved.
What data will be shared between OneStop partner agencies?
Below is a list of data that can be shared if you are transferred to the WorkSafeBC or CRA partner web site and you consent to share your data.
- Submitting party name
- Business number
- Ownership type
- Legal name
- Operating name
- Owner information
- Incorporation number
- Incorporation date
- Incorporation authority jurisdiction
- Business contact person
- Contact telephone and fax number
- Description of the major activity of the business
- Mailing and business address
- Number of employees
Your answers to the following questions may also be included:
- Have you hired employees or workers?
- Will you import or export goods for commercial purposes into or out of Canada?
- Do you plan to sell or provide goods and/or services anywhere in Canada, including British Columbia?
- Do you operate a taxi or limousine?
- Is this a non-resident business?
Can I still apply for registration if I do not consent to share my data?
You can choose to be transferred to a partner's web site without consenting to share your data. However, if you do not consent to share your information and it is required by the partner, you will need to re-enter the information.
TOPWho has access to my data?
The Government of British Columbia is committed to protecting your privacy through responsible personal information management practices.
The personal information you submit will be used only by authorized government staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected or for a use consistent with that purpose. We will not share your information with other public bodies or individuals except as authorized by law or as directed by you via the Business Registration or Business Address Change services. We will not sell, share or disclose your information to any type of mailing list.
For further information click on the 'Privacy' link at the bottom of any of the OneStop screens.
TOPHow do I register a "Doing Business As" name?
Registering a "Doing Bbusiness As" name allows you to legally operate your business under a new or additional name. This business structure is known as a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership.
There are two steps to register a "doing business as" name. The first step is to have the business name approved and the second is to complete a Statement of Registration. Refer to the Information on Registration of a General Partnership or Sole Proprietorship package for the procedure. When completing the Statement of Registration form, complete section B of the form with the "Doing Business As" name and complete section C of the form with the name of the corporation that will be using the "doing business as" name.
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