Retirement or death of business owner or partner

Depending on your business structure, the retirement or death of an owner could have an impact on your CRA business accounts.

For GST/HST account information, go to Closing a GST/HST account.

Sole proprietorship

When the owner of a sole proprietorship passes away, a final personal income tax and benefit return has to be filed for that person. For more information, go to Doing taxes for someone who died.

It will also be necessary to close the business number (BN) and all CRA business accounts after all the final returns and all the amounts owing have been processed.

Partnership

The status of the business account depends entirely on the type of partnership agreement that has been written. It is possible to bring in partners without having to register for a new BN. If a partner no longer wants to be in a partnership, go to Change of owner, partners or directors.

If it is determined that the partnership will cease to exist, go to Closing CRA program accounts.

Corporation

When a shareholder retires or passes away, the corporation can continue to operate. The structure of the corporation will determine the outcome of the corporation's existence.

For more information, go to Changes of owner, partners or directors.

Forms and publications

• Guide T4011, Preparing Returns for Deceased Persons
• Guide RC4022, General Information for GST/HST Registrants
• Guide T4001, Employer's Guide – Payroll Deductions and Remittances
• Pamphlet RC4111, Canada Revenue Agency – What To Do Following a Death

Related links

• Business and industry
• Related provincial and territorial government sites
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada