You will need to file a Business Name Registration if you have never registered a Business Name with the Ontario government and received a Business Identification Number before OR if you have filed a business name registration more than 5 years ago without renewing the registration (meaning your registration has expired). Please note that you do have a 60 day ‘grace’ period after the 5-year period has expired, during which time you can still file a renewal.
You will need to file a Business Name Renewal if you have filed a business name registration within the last 5 years (or are within the 60 day ‘grace’ period), have a 9-digit Business Identification Number (BIN) AND you wish to renew the same Business Name.