What is a Payroll Program Account
A payroll program account is an account number assigned to an employer to identify themselves when dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency for payroll deductions.
The payroll program account number consists of:
the nine-digit Business Number
a two-letter code for the type of program (for payroll program, the letters are "RP")
a four-digit reference number to identify each account in a program a business may have
How to Register on Ownr for Sole Proprietorships
Sole proprietorships have to request the Payroll Program Account Number directly from the CRA. The CRA small business line is 1-800-959-5525.
How to Register on Ownr for Corporations
Ownr allows you to register for a Payroll Program Account Number through your Ownr dashboard. After incorporating/onboarding your company, navigate to the Company Info page under the Organization tab and click "Add Payroll Program Account."
If you do not yet have a GST/HST number, you will need to add that first.
Learn more about registering for the GST/HST number here.
If you already have a Payroll Deduction Number, you can add it here. Otherwise, select register to launch the Business Registration Dashboard.
The Business Registration Dashboard will walk you through the process of applying. You will be required to provide some information as identification. Follow the steps to complete your application. Multiple business programs can be applied to at the same time. When finished, click submit and your application will be automatically filed with the government.
The processing time for the application is typically 3-5 business days.
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