Your Alberta Corporate Access Number (CAN) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses, including corporations, non-profit organizations, and partnerships, upon registration with the Corporate Registry.

It’s essential for accessing various federal and provincial programs and is used for filing corporate income taxes and other regulatory documents.

The CAN is provided by the government at the time of incorporation and is required for most official business activities within Alberta.

What Is Your Alberta Corporate Access Number?

The Alberta Corporate Access Number (CAN) is a critical piece of information for businesses operating within the province.

It serves as a key identifier for various administrative, legal, and tax-related purposes.

How to Obtain Your CAN

• For New Businesses: When you register your corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship with the Alberta Corporate Registry, you will be assigned a CAN. This process is integrated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to streamline federal and provincial registrations.
• For Existing Businesses: If you already have a federal business number, it may serve as your CAN for operations in Alberta. This is particularly relevant for out-of-province corporations doing business in Alberta.

Uses of the Corporate Access Number

• Tax Filings and Compliance: The CAN is used when filing corporate income taxes and interacting with Alberta’s Tax and Revenue Administration (TRA).
• Business Transactions: It’s often required for legal and financial transactions, including contracts and banking.
• Regulatory Filings: The number is used for annual returns, amendments to corporate information, and other filings with the Corporate Registry.

FAQs on Alberta Corporate Access Number

Is the CAN different from a federal business number? For most Alberta businesses, the CAN and the federal business number are one and the same, especially for those registered after the integration of Alberta’s registry services with the CRA.

Can I use my CAN for business outside Alberta? The CAN is primarily for use within Alberta for provincial tax and regulatory purposes. For federal programs or operations in other provinces, you’ll use your federal business number.

How do I find my Alberta Corporate Access Number? Your CAN is provided upon registration with the Corporate Registry and is listed on your incorporation documents. You can also contact the Alberta Corporate Registry or check online through their services for your number.

Do non-profit organizations in Alberta need a CAN? Yes, non-profit organizations, societies, and religious societies registered in Alberta are also assigned a CAN for their operations and compliance requirements.

In Summary

• The Alberta Corporate Access Number (CAN) is a vital identifier for businesses operating within the province, used for a wide range of legal, tax, and regulatory purposes.
• Obtaining a CAN is part of the business registration process with the Alberta Corporate Registry, and it’s integrated with the CRA for those also requiring a federal business number.
• The CAN is essential for corporate income tax filings, regulatory compliance, and various business transactions in Alberta.

Sources

• Alberta Government: Provides detailed information on the Common Business Number program, including how to obtain and use your CAN in Alberta. Common Business Number Program in Alberta.
• CorporationCentre.ca: Offers guidance on corporation information, including the importance of the Corporate Access Number for businesses in Alberta. Corporation Information – CorporationCentre.ca.
• Alberta Corporate Income Tax: Discusses the role of the CAN in corporate income tax filings and other tax-related matters for businesses in Alberta. Corporate Income Tax in Alberta.