How To Open a GST/HST Account Through CRA My Business Account

Step-by-Step Instructions for Opening a GST/HST Account Through CRA My Business Account.

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before starting, ensure you have the following details handy:

• Business Number (BN): Your 9-digit corporate business number.
• Effective Date: Your Incorporation Date (If your incorporation date was more than 30 days prior to registration, you will need to choose whatever date was 30 days ago. GST/HST can only be backdated 30 days.)
• Total Estimated Revenue: Your estimated annual taxable sales. (Our clients average between $200,000-$500,000. Pick from this range as it will be the safest estimate)
• Fiscal Year-End: This is June 30th for our clients.
• Business Activity: This is where you will add “Truck Transportation.”

Step 2: Sign In to CRA My Business Account

1. Go to the CRA My Business Account login page (canada.ca/my-cra-business-account).
2. Sign in using your Sign-in Partner (bank login) or CRA User ID and Password.

Step 3: Access Business Registration Online (BRO)

1. On the main Welcome / Overview page of your account, select + Add account (or look for Business Registration Online / Register a business).
2. Select Business Account, then click Business Registration Online.
3. Click Continue to BRO.
4. Read and accept the disclaimer by selecting I agree.
5. Verify your personal details to confirm your identity when prompted.

Step 4: Register for the GST/HST (RT) Program Account

1. On the registration options page, select Add a program account to an existing Business Number (BN).
2. Choose GST/HST (RT) as the program account type.
3. Complete the required questions:
   • Effective Date of Registration: Enter your selected effective date, which is your Incorporation Date (If your incorporation date was more than 30 days prior to registration, you will need to choose whatever date was 30 days ago. GST/HST can only be backdated 30 days.)
   • Filing Frequency: Select Quarterly.
   • Sales Estimates & Activity: Enter your estimated total sales and choose your primary industry activity. (Our clients average between $200,000-$500,000. Pick from this range as it will be the safest estimate). Your activity will be “Truck Transportation”.

Step 5: Confirm and Save Your Account Details

1. Review all entered information and click Submit.
2. Important: Your new 15-digit GST/HST account number (e.g., 123456789 RT0001) will display on the final confirmation screen.
3. Save or print this page immediately for your records, as a copy will not be sent automatically. Please upload this confirmation to your MYMC account.

Alternative: Quick Phone Setup

If you run into any technical issues in BRO, as a corporate director you can also call the CRA Business Enquiries line at 1-800-959-5525 to open the RT account immediately over the phone.