Change a business operating name
Your operating name is the name you use in your day-to-day activities and to advertise your business. You only need to provide your operating name if it is different from your legal name.
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Example for sole proprietor
You are a sole proprietor, your name is John Smith, and you advertise your business as ABC Framing. In this case, your legal business name is John Smith and your operating name is ABC Framing.
If you decide to change your operating name to ABC Portraits, you must advise us of the change.
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Example for corporation
The corporation's name is 12345 Canada Inc. and the business advertises as ABC Properties. In this case, the legal business name is 12345 Canada Inc. and the operating name is ABC Properties.
If the operating name changes to ABC Management Properties, that is considered an operating name change and you must notify us.
- Online:
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Change, add or delete an existing operating or trade name using My Business Account.
Alternative: Sign in to Represent a Client
- By phone:
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Change your business name by phone
- Before you call
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To verify your identity, you'll need:
- your business number
- your business name
- your complete business address
- your business account open or an assessed return, notice of assessment, reassessment, or other tax document
If you are calling the CRA on behalf of someone else, you must be an authorized representative.
- Telephone number
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1-800-959-5525
Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut:
1-866-841-1876Outside Canada and U.S.:
613-940-8497 - Hours
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Table 1 – Business hours Day Hours Mon to Fri 8 am to 8 pm Sat 9 am to 5 pm Sun Closed Closed on public holidays
- By mail or fax:
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Change your business name by mail or fax
Write a letter to include:
- your signature
- your business number (BN)
- your new operating name
Send your letter by mail or by fax to your tax centre. To find the information of your tax centre, go to Find a CRA address.
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