What Is an OCN Number? A Simple Guide for Canadian Charities and Nonprofits

What Is an OCN Number? A Simple Guide for Canadian Charities and Nonprofits

If you're starting a charity or nonprofit in Canada, especially in Ontario, you might come across something called an OCN number. At first, it may sound confusing, but it’s actually a basic part of your organization’s legal identity. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand.

What is the meaning of the OCN number?

OCN stands for Ontario Corporation Number. It is a unique number given by the Ontario government when your organization is officially incorporated in Ontario. Think of it like a student ID for your charity or nonprofit. Every corporation, including charities, nonprofits, and businesses, gets one once they are legally registered.

What is an OCN number in Canada?

In Canada, the term OCN is specific to Ontario. Other provinces have their own systems, and federally incorporated charities or nonprofits receive a federal corporation number instead. But if you are incorporating in Ontario, the OCN is what identifies your organization in the provincial records.

If your charity or nonprofit is federally incorporated but planning to operate in Ontario, you will need to complete extra-provincial registration. After that, you will also be assigned an Ontario Corporation Number, even though your original incorporation was federal. This helps the Ontario government track your organization in its own records.

Is OCN the same as BN?

No, the OCN is not the same as the BN. The BN, or Business Number, is given out by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The BN is used for things like taxes, payroll, and applying for charitable status. The OCN, on the other hand, is just for tracking your incorporation in Ontario.

Here’s a quick way to remember:

• OCN = Ontario corporation ID
• BN = Canada Revenue Agency tax ID

Many charities and nonprofits have both numbers. You get the OCN when you incorporate or register in Ontario, and you get the BN when you register for things like GST/HST or apply to become a registered charity.

What is my Ontario corporation number?

Your Ontario Corporation Number is usually found on the official incorporation documents you receive after your nonprofit or charity is registered with the Ontario government. It’s often printed on your Articles of Incorporation, or on any Corporation Profile Reports or Notices of Change you may receive.

If your organization is federally incorporated and you’ve done an extra-provincial registration in Ontario, your OCN will be included in the confirmation documents provided after that registration is complete.

If you can’t find your OCN, you can:

• Look it up using the Ontario Business Registry online
• Contact ServiceOntario for help
• Ask your lawyer or accountant if they helped you with incorporation or registration

Why is the OCN important?

Charities and nonprofits use the OCN when:

• Updating their information in the Ontario Business Registry
• Filing changes like updating directors or addresses
• Proving their legal identity when applying for grants or opening a bank account

It’s important to keep this number handy and use it correctly, especially if you're applying for charitable registration or working with the government.

In summary, an OCN number is like a personal ID for your nonprofit or charity if it’s incorporated or registered in Ontario. It’s not the same as your tax number (BN), and you’ll need it for government records and forms. Even federally incorporated organizations will receive an OCN if they register to operate in Ontario. Keeping track of it will help you stay compliant and organized as your organization grows.

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