What business registration to seek for an online dropshipping store with 2 equal partners in Canada

[blueicon624]

Hi everyone, 

We are a new dropshipping business based in Ontario, Canada, and we ran into a problem when trying to set up a payment account. We are 2 equal partners and we haven't registered our business yet. The Shopify Admin page asks us to provide a Business Number (BN) and a Legal Business Name. Is it mandatory to register the business when we are just starting out? If so, should we register for a general partnership and then apply for BN from the CRA? Or should we register for a corporation or other type of partnership?

Anyone from Canada or elsewhere who is familiar with Canada's policies who is able to help us out? We want to make sure we are doing everything correctly before paying the fees.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[Victoria]

Hi, @blueicon624.

Welcome to the Shopify Community, and thanks for posting your question.

I understand you're in the process of setting up your Shopify Payments account however, your business is not registered yet. While registering your business can be beneficial, it's not mandatory. However, you may need to consult local experts for tax and legal advice, as we do not provide legal advice. When you register your business, you will typically obtain a business license or permit, a tax identification number, and other necessary legal documents. These requirements may vary depending on your location and the nature of your business. It's important to consult with local authorities or a legal professional to understand the specific registration requirements for your business.