If you are opening a bank account, filling out tax forms, or doing business across borders, you may be asked to provide your "TIN." But if you search your Canadian wallet or tax documents, you will not find a card labelled "TIN."
That is because Canada does not issue a single document called a TIN. Instead, TIN is an international umbrella term. Governments around the world use it to describe the unique number they assign to individuals and businesses for tax purposes.
The number you provide as your Canadian TIN depends on whether you are an individual or a business. Here is a clear breakdown of what a TIN is in Canada and how to find yours.
The 3 Types of TIN Numbers in Canada
When a form asks for your Canadian TIN, you will provide one of three numbers depending on your situation.
1. Social Insurance Number (SIN) – For Canadian Individuals
For Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents, your TIN is your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Your SIN is a unique 9-digit number that Service Canada issues to you. You use it to file your personal income tax return, access government programs like Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and open interest-bearing bank accounts.
Where to find it: Check your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment, your T4 tax slips, or a physical SIN card if Service Canada issued one to you before 2014, when they stopped printing plastic cards.
2. Business Number (BN) – For Canadian Businesses
If you operate a corporation, a partnership, or a registered sole proprietorship in Canada, your TIN is your Business Number (BN).
The CRA assigns every registered business a unique 9-digit BN to identify it for tax purposes. Your BN also forms the root of your CRA program accounts. For example, if your BN is 123456789, your GST/HST account number is 123456789 RT 0001, and your payroll deductions account is 123456789 RP 0001.
Where to find it: Look for your BN on any official CRA correspondence, on your corporate tax return (T2), or by logging into your CRA My Business Account.
3. Individual Tax Number (ITN) – For Non-Residents
If you are a non-resident of Canada who needs to file a Canadian tax return but does not qualify for a SIN, your TIN is an Individual Tax Number (ITN).
The CRA issues ITNs specifically for non-residents. You may need one if you are an international student, a non-resident filing for a Canadian tax refund, or a foreign worker completing short-term business in Canada.
Where to find it: Apply using CRA Form T1261. Once the CRA approves your application, they will mail your ITN to you.
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Why Am I Being Asked for a TIN?
You will typically be asked for your Canadian TIN in two scenarios:
1. Opening a Financial Account
Under the international Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), Canadian banks must ask customers for their tax residence and TIN. This requirement exists to prevent tax evasion. If you are opening a business bank account, provide your Business Number.
2. Cross-Border Business and W-8BEN Forms
If your Canadian business provides services to a U.S. client, that client will likely ask you to complete an IRS W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E form. This form confirms you are a foreign entity and exempts you from U.S. tax withholding. When the form asks for your "Foreign Tax Identifying Number," enter your Canadian SIN if you are a sole proprietor, or your Canadian BN if you are a corporation.
Keep Your Business Tax Compliant
Managing your Business Number, tracking GST/HST, and remitting payroll deductions to the correct CRA account all require organized financial records.
At Enkel, we provide complete bookkeeping services and payroll services for Canadian businesses and nonprofits. We ensure your books are audit-ready, your CRA remittances are on time, and your business numbers are managed securely. Contact us today to learn how we can support your back office.
