Canadian · Guide
SIN vs BN vs ITN: which Canadian number is which.
Three different CRA and Service Canada numbers look alike. Paste one to see which shapes it fits, then read how they differ.
Short answer: a SIN identifies an eligible individual, a Business Number (BN) identifies a business and its program accounts, and an ITN is for non-resident individuals who are not eligible for a SIN. A bare nine-digit number could be any of them.
SIN, BN and ITN side by side
| SIN | BN | ITN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identifies | An individual (Social Insurance Number) | A business; program accounts hang off it | A non-resident individual |
| Issued by | Service Canada | CRA | CRA |
| Shape | 9 digits | 9-digit BN; a program account adds 2 letters and 4 digits | 9 digits |
| Who it is for | People who are eligible for a SIN | Businesses registering for CRA program accounts | Non-residents not eligible for a SIN |
| Related guide | SIN validator | BN validator | CRA form T1261 |
Business Number and program accounts
The CRA describes a program account number in three parts: your unique 9-digit BN, a 2-letter program identifier for the account type, and a 4-digit reference number to identify program accounts of the same type. Its example is 123456789 RP 0001, a payroll account. Identifiers on the CRA page include RT (GST/HST), RP (payroll deductions), RC (corporation income tax) and RZ (information returns).
Individual Tax Number (ITN)
The CRA says an ITN is a 9-digit number issued to non-resident individuals who need an identification number, for people who are not eligible for a SIN. If you are eligible for a SIN you must apply for a SIN, and if you already have an ITN, a SIN or a temporary taxation number the CRA says to keep using it. You apply on form T1261 and mail or courier it to the CRA, which says to allow 6 to 8 weeks for written notice of your ITN.
Why a SIN is not a business number
If a form asks for a business number it wants the BN, not your SIN; see the SIN privacy guide. This tool does not search any register and cannot say who holds a number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a SIN and a BN?
A SIN identifies an individual and is issued by Service Canada. A BN identifies a business and is issued by the CRA. A BN program account adds a 2-letter program identifier and a 4-digit reference number.
What is an ITN in Canada?
Per the CRA, an Individual Tax Number is a 9-digit number issued to non-resident individuals who need an identification number and who are not eligible for a SIN.
Can a nine-digit number be a SIN, a BN or an ITN?
Yes. All three are nine digits, so the digits alone cannot tell you which it is. The source of the number is the reliable clue.
Does an ITN replace a SIN?
No. The CRA says that if you are eligible for a SIN you must apply for one, and an ITN is for people who are not.
Does this tool verify a BN or ITN?
No. It only compares the shape of what you typed. It searches no register and implies no official verification.
Sources (retrieved October 2026): Service Canada: Social Insurance Number; CRA: Program accounts you may need; CRA: Applying for an individual tax number (ITN). TNAADO is not affiliated with the Government of Canada; this page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Privacy
This page runs as JavaScript in your browser. What you type is not sent, stored or logged, and this page loads no advertising or analytics scripts. It checks format and checksum only, so it cannot tell you whether a number was ever issued or who holds it.