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.

What Does an OCN Number Look Like?

An OCN is a 7-digit number with no letters or special characters. It typically looks like this: 1234567.

Your OCN appears on official Ontario government documents in these locations:

• Top right corner of your Articles of Incorporation
• Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Ontario government
• Corporation Profile Report from the Ontario Business Registry
• Initial Return confirmation after incorporation
• Annual Return confirmation notices
• Notice of Change forms when you update corporate information

It's important not to confuse your OCN with other numbers:

• OCN: 7 digits (e.g., 1234567)
• Business Number (BN): 9 digits (e.g., 123456789)

Charity Registration Number: 9 digits + RR0001 (e.g., 123456789RR0001)

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.

OCN vs BN vs Charity Registration Number: Quick Comparison

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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

How to Find Your OCN Number: Step-by-Step Guide

If you've misplaced your OCN or need to verify it, here's exactly how to find it:

Method 1: Check Your Incorporation Documents

1. Locate your Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Incorporation
2. Look in the top right corner or near the organisation name
3. The OCN is the 7-digit number clearly labelled as "Corporation Number" or "OCN"

Method 2: Use the Ontario Business Registry Online

1. Go to the Ontario Business Registry
2. Click on "Search for a Business"
3. Enter your organisation's exact legal name as it appears on official documents
4. Review the search results
5. Your OCN will appear in the Corporation Profile Report

Method 3: Contact ServiceOntario

1. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-361-3223 (toll-free in Ontario)
2. Provide your organisation's legal name and address
3. They can look up your OCN in their system
4. Have your identification ready to verify your authorisation to access this information

Method 4: Check Your Ontario Annual Return Confirmation

1. Locate your most recent Annual Return filed with the Ontario government
2. The OCN appears on the confirmation notice
3. This is typically sent by email or mail after you file your annual return

If You're Federally Incorporated:

If your charity or nonprofit is federally incorporated, you'll need to check if you've completed extra-provincial registration in Ontario. If yes, your OCN will be on the extra-provincial registration confirmation documents from Ontario.

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.

When Do You Need Your OCN Number?

You'll be asked for your OCN in these common situations:

Provincial Government Filings

• Filing your Ontario Annual Return (required every year)
• Submitting a Notice of Change when directors, officers, or addresses change
• Updating your Articles of Incorporation (e.g., name changes)
• Dissolving or continuing your corporation

Banking and Financial

• Opening a business bank account in Ontario
• Applying for loans or credit facilities
• Setting up merchant accounts or payment processing

Funding and Grants

• Applying for Ontario government grants or funding programs
• Completing applications for Trillium Foundation grants
• Applying for municipal or provincial program funding

Legal and Compliance

• Signing contracts or agreements as an organisation
• Proving your legal corporate status
• Responding to government correspondence
• Working with lawyers or accountants on corporate matters

Extra-Provincial Operations

• If you're a federal corporation, you need your OCN to prove you're registered to operate in Ontario
• Demonstrating compliance with Ontario corporate law

Common Mistakes to Avoid with OCN Numbers

Mistake 1: Confusing OCN with Business Number (BN)

Many people use their BN when they should use their OCN, or vice versa. Remember: Ontario government forms need your OCN, while CRA forms need your BN.

Mistake 2: Thinking Your OCN Changes

Your OCN stays the same for the life of your organisation. It doesn't change when you update your name, address, or directors.

Mistake 3: Using OCN for Charity Tax Receipts

When issuing donation receipts, you need your charity registration number (not your OCN or BN). The charity registration number ends in RR0001.

Mistake 4: Forgetting About Extra-Provincial Registration

If you're federally incorporated, you might think you don't need an OCN. However, if you operate in Ontario, you must complete extra-provincial registration and will receive an OCN.

Mistake 5: Not Updating OCN-Related Information

When your directors change or your address updates, you must file a Notice of Change with the Ontario government using your OCN. Failing to do this can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.

Mistake 6: Assuming You Don't Need Your OCN After Getting Charity Status

Even after becoming a registered charity with CRA, you still need to maintain your Ontario corporate status and file annual returns using your OCN.

Conclusion

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) or your charity registration number, 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.

The OCN is a permanent 7-digit number that identifies your organization in Ontario's provincial records. You'll use it for annual returns, updating corporate information, opening bank accounts, and proving your legal status. Keeping track of it will help you stay compliant and organized as your organization grows.

Need Help with Your Ontario Charity or Nonprofit?

Understanding corporate numbers, registration requirements, and ongoing compliance can be complex. Our charity lawyers at B.I.G. Charity Law Group help Ontario charities and nonprofits with:

• Ontario and federal incorporation
• Extra-provincial registration
• Charity registration applications with CRA
• Annual return filing and compliance
• Corporate governance and bylaw drafting
• ONCA compliance and transitions

Ready to get started or have questions about your OCN? Book a free consultation with our charity law team.

Frequently Asked Questions About OCN Numbers

Do I need an OCN if I'm federally incorporated?

If you operate in Ontario, yes. Federally incorporated organisations must complete extra-provincial registration in Ontario, which results in receiving an OCN.

Can my OCN number change?

No. Your OCN is permanent and stays with your organisation for its entire existence. It doesn't change when you update your name, address, or other corporate information.

What's the difference between an OCN and a charity registration number?

An OCN is your Ontario provincial corporation identifier (7 digits). A charity registration number is your CRA charitable tax-receipting identifier (9 digits + RR0001). You can have both.

Do I need an OCN to apply for charitable status?

Not directly. You need to be incorporated first (either provincially in Ontario or federally), which gives you an OCN or federal corporation number. Then you can apply to CRA for charitable status.

How long does it take to get an OCN?

If you incorporate online through the Ontario Business Registry, you typically receive your OCN immediately or within 1-2 business days. Paper applications can take 2-4 weeks.

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