ClicSÉQUR Entreprises: Registration, NEQ and Revenu Québec

Executive Summary

Quebec’s provincial administration increasingly relies on digital technology to interact with businesses, and secure authentication is a key element of this strategy. The clicSÉQUR – Entreprises authentication service allows Quebec companies and entrepreneurs to access government online services (including Revenu Québec’s My Account for businesses) using a single account. This account must be created by the business, which must provide, among other things, its NEQ (Québec enterprise number), a 10-digit numerical identifier, along with tax information (Revenu Québec notice of assessment number, social insurance number for a self-employed worker, etc.) ^{[1] [2]}. The registration process (free of charge) involves appointing an authorized or ex officio representative of the business and using an electronic signature according to its legal form (for example, a power of attorney for a third party, signed forms sent by mail) ^{[3] [4]}.

Access to Revenu Québec services, particularly the My Account for businesses online interface, strictly requires the use of ClicSÉQUR – Entreprises ^{[5] [6]}. Indeed, all online tax services for businesses ( tax returns, refund applications, payments, etc.) are centralized in this secure space ^{[6] [7]}. In practical terms, a business must identify itself using its NEQ and the codes obtained during registration (a 7-character user ID and password, or an 8-character access code for clicSÉQUR express) ^{[8] [6]}. The clicSÉQUR express system (which uses the NEQ and a code automatically sent by mail after business registration) is sufficient for some simple services, but full registration with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises is necessary to access most procedures (e.g., viewing the tax file, filing the CO-17, etc.) ^{[9] [1]}.

Since its launch in 2005, the overall clicSÉQUR service (for individuals and businesses) has accumulated millions of accounts and serves numerous agencies ^[10]. However, the province is preparing an overhaul: Quebec’s Digital Identity Program provides for a new government authentication service intended to gradually replace clicSÉQUR by 2026-2027, to strengthen security and digital trust ^[11]. This modernization promises new digital credentials and broader integration between administrations while reducing formalities and fraud risks ^{[12] [11]}.

This report explores the framework for clicSÉQUR – Entreprises in Quebec in 2026 in detail. It first presents the historical and legislative context of the digitization of public services, then details registration procedures (with the SEQ of steps by legal form) and requirements (NEQ, signatures, documents). It then examines access to Revenu Québec services through this authentication system, illustrating it with available data (e.g., the growth of electronic filing) and fictional typical cases. Finally, it addresses security issues and prospects for development (including Quebec’s digital identity), and discusses the future impact on businesses and the administration. All statements are supported by official sources (government websites, publications and online guides) ^{[2] [1] [6] [11]}.

Introduction: Context and Digital Issues for Quebec Businesses

For more than ten years, Quebec has been developing a government digital services strategy intended to simplify administrative procedures ^[12]. At the heart of this approach is the concept of single sign-on: instead of maintaining separate accounts for each agency (Revenu Québec, CNESST, Enterprise Registrar, etc.), the user (an individual or a business) goes through a central authentication gateway, clicSÉQUR, to access the various portals. The clicSÉQUR service was launched in 2005 ^[10] and has gained additional features (for example, secure API calls with the Enterprise Registrar). For businesses, two methods are currently available: clicSÉQUR – Entreprises (business accounts managed using a user ID/password) and clicSÉQUR express (a system based on the business’s NEQ).

The introduction of clicSÉQUR serves efficiency and security objectives: “The Government of Quebec introduced the service in 2005 and has improved and diversified it since then. The use of clicSÉQUR by individuals is, in fact, steadily increasing” ^[13]. By making it easier for businesses to identify themselves to public agencies, clicSÉQUR reduces formalities, transmission errors and the risk of fraud ^{[12] [2]}. At the same time, the use of digital formats for signatures and transmissions by mail or email helps digitize procedures, as the information website explicitly notes: “Signed forms must be sent […] by mail (the address appears automatically)” ^[14]. Ultimately, the new Service québécois d’identité numérique (being rolled out since 2022) aims to give individuals a “trusted” digital identity and further unify services by gradually replacing the current clicSÉQUR ^[11].

In this context, businesses need a clear understanding of the practical arrangements for registering with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises, the required information (particularly the NEQ), and what this authentication enables them to do for tax purposes. This report provides an in-depth analysis of all these aspects (procedures, legal requirements, digital data, concrete cases), drawing on official documents and resources (guides, releases from Revenu Québec and the government, etc.). We will first present the key concepts (NEQ, ClicSÉQUR, legal forms), before examining the registration guide in detail by business type, then looking at access to Revenu Québec services through this system. We will illustrate the analysis with available figures (e.g., the rate of tax digitization) and real or typical examples. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and new prospects, particularly the move towards Quebec’s digital identity and its implications for 2026 and beyond.

The Regulatory and Technical Framework

1. The Québec Enterprise Number (NEQ): Status and Purpose

The Québec enterprise number (NEQ) is a fundamental element for any company operating in the province. Established by the Enterprise Registrar, the NEQ is a “numerical identifier consisting of ten digits assigned by the Registrar to each registered business” ^[2]. This unique number serves to identify the business to all Quebec government departments and public agencies and standardizes exchanges: it “makes it easier for public agencies, business partners and the public to identify the business” ^[2]. Consequently, any business doing business in Quebec must normally have an NEQ (e.g., a corporation, a self-employed entrepreneur, a cooperative, a non-profit organization, etc.), or it will be unable to complete several official formalities ^[15].

Some exceptions remain: for example, an individual in business (sole proprietorship) who uses only their personal first and last names (e.g., “Jean Tremblay, notary”) is not required to register in the register ^[16]. However, even in these cases, individuals can voluntarily register as a business. The official guide nevertheless specifies that “Every business that registers in the enterprise register is assigned an NEQ” and that this code is available online on Quebec.ca ^[17]. The NEQ therefore appears on all of the business’s legal documents and is required, in particular, for most tax procedures (tax registration, filing returns, access to government services).

Having an NEQ is essential in the process of registering with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises. Official guides consistently state that applicants must “have on hand the [NEQ] assigned to the business by Revenu Québec” ^{[18] [19]}. This NEQ can be found on the notice of assessment received from Revenu Québec or on any document from the Enterprise Registrar. Ensuring that the NEQ is valid allows the authentication system to confirm the business’s legal existence. Thus, in the electronic registration form, the requirement “Québec enterprise number (NEQ) – (10 digits)” is coded as a mandatory field (see the portal screenshot excerpt) ^{[20] [2]}.

In practice, the NEQ also serves as an identifier for other public platforms. For example, to access “My Office at the Enterprise Registrar” (the portal for managing business registration), the business simply enters its NEQ and its permanent access code (8 characters) received by mail ^{[21] [22]}. This clicSÉQUR express process removes the need to create a full account. Similarly, authentication for tax services requires the NEQ as the main identifier ^{[8] [22]}.

Finally, the government recognizes the NEQ’s value in simplifying procedures: the Québec.ca page emphasizes that the NEQ “simplifies and speeds up dealings between businesses and the various departments and agencies of the Government of Quebec… making it easier, in particular, for businesses to register for various government programs and services” ^[23]. For statistical purposes, Quebec relies on this widespread NEQ system to consolidate its data on the business community. For example, the Enterprise Registrar’s open database contains each NEQ and its identifying information, providing the transparency needed for research and governance.

2. clicSÉQUR – Entreprises: Purpose and Principles

The clicSÉQUR service (secure authentication centre) provides centralized access to the Government of Quebec’s online services. Introduced in 2005 ^[10], it allows both individuals and businesses to access several portals (taxes, CNESST, permits, etc.) using a single account. The institutional website describes its function as follows: “clicSÉQUR is the Government of Quebec’s authentication service. It enables secure exchanges […] and allows individuals to use a single identifier to access the online services of participating departments and agencies” ^[24].

For businesses, the service offers two sign-in methods:

• clicSÉQUR – Entreprises (business accounts): the head of the business (or an authorized representative) creates a secure account with a user code (7 characters) and a password (8 to 12 characters). This account provides access to all services for businesses, including Revenu Québec’s My Account for businesses. Registration for this account is free and takes place online, but requires completing specific forms according to the legal form (which we will detail below). A crucial element is the Invitation Code, which may be required. This code is provided by clicSÉQUR when registration opens (usually by mail) to authenticate the business.

• clicSÉQUR express (simplified authentication): this method is primarily intended for new businesses. After the business has been registered in the register (or registered for QST), it automatically receives a permanent access code (8 alphanumeric characters) sent by mail. To sign in using express mode, the business does not need to create an account. It simply enters its NEQ and this access code ^[8]. This method provides simplified access to certain services (for example, the Enterprise Registrar’s My Office or online payment of certain taxes). The following table illustrates some use cases:

Table 1. Comparison of access to certain government services via clicSÉQUR by authentication method. The marks (✓/✗) indicate whether the service is accessible (Service available versus service not available image) ^{[28] [29]}.

This table (taken from the official guides) confirms that Revenu Québec’s My Account, which brings together most tax interactions, is accessible only with a clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account ^[25]. However, certain individual transactions (completing a tax return or remitting source deductions online) can be carried out using either method ^[27]. The business account therefore offers broader, lasting access.

This system has many advantages: by consolidating authentication, the government simplifies the experience (a single username for several services) and strengthens security through centralized access control. Businesses avoid managing multiple passwords for each portal and benefit from a unified history for all transactions. The program’s success (more than 3.5 million accounts created by individuals) ^[13] demonstrates the platform’s growing importance. In conclusion, clicSÉQUR – Entreprises is the recommended (and often required) single access credential for all government online services intended for Quebec businesses ^{[6] [1]}.

Guide to Registering with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises

A business registers for the clicSÉQUR – Entreprises service online through the dedicated portal (Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity). However, the process varies according to the business’s legal form (legal category) ^[30]. The following general scenarios describe the main steps:

• Identifying authorized persons: Only a legal or authorized representative of the business (as established by its articles) can create the business account. For example, in a corporation (SA), the ex officio officer can register; in a sole proprietorship, it is the entrepreneur; in a partnership, one of the partners, etc. If the person initiating registration is not the ex officio representative, their capacity must be proven (see below).

• Collecting basic information: During registration, the user must enter the business’s NEQ (initial verification) and the representative’s identity. The business’s persons in charge of electronic services (RSE) must be identified: these are the people who will be able to manage the account, each with an administrative role. The form will also request the name, date of birth, most recent notice of assessment number, etc., depending on the type of business ^{[31] [4]}.

• Automatic verification: If the person registering is the ex officio representative (for example, the legal representative of a corporation) and provides the NEQ, invitation code and required tax information, the system automatically activates the account ^{[32] [31]}.

• Sending documents: In some cases, registration is subject to manual verification by the clicSÉQUR team. For example, if the person registering is not the legal representative, it must be proven that the registrant has the authority to act on behalf of the business. This is done by printing, signing and then sending by mail (with the address prefilled) one or more documents: a notarized lease, a power of attorney (a written mandate signed by the director) or another legal document justifying the delegation of authority ^{[33] [34] [35]}. The following example illustrates the requirements:

  • For a corporation (SA): the user submits the online form, providing the invitation number received and the CO-17 notice of assessment number attached to the latest financial statement ^[4]. If registration is not completed by the ex officio officer, the user must enclose (by mail) a signed power of attorney and the business’s articles or by-laws to justify their mandate ^[33].
  • For a sole proprietorship (self-employed worker): the user (the worker) enters their social insurance number (SIN), date of birth and the number appearing on their latest Revenu Québec notice of assessment online ^[31]. Any third party must provide a power of attorney signed by the worker ^[34].
  • For a partnership: a partner can register online without any other document ^[36]. If a third party carries out the procedure, they must provide a power of attorney signed by a partner ^[37].
  • For other legal forms (cooperatives, non-profit organizations, limited partnerships, trusts, syndicates of co-owners, etc.), specific instructions are available on the Enterprise Registrar’s website ^[38].

The table below summarizes this information in a structured format:

*Having a head office outside Quebec often involves prior registration for QC taxes; check which ones apply. The exact information may vary according to federal/Quebec legislation.

Table 2. Registration requirements for clicSÉQUR – Entreprises by legal form. Only the legal representative (or a duly authorized mandatary) can finalize registration. The items cited (NEQ, notice of assessment, SIN, etc.) are taken from official instructions ^{[4] [31] [36]}.

The electronic signature component is also important: at the end of the process, certain forms or mandates must be signed digitally. An official digital certificate, a scanned handwritten signature or even a signature made with a mouse/stylus are accepted ^[3]. Thus, even though registration takes place online, part of the process may be completed “on paper” (printing and mailing the signed pages). Note that the receiving service’s mailing address is prefilled on the forms to make the procedure easier ^[14].

Once the file is complete, the business finally receives its user code (the username) and can set its password to access the clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account. Revenu Québec confirms that registration may require some processing time, especially if physical documents need to be verified, hence its advice to “watch the explanatory video carefully” and “consult the COM-31 job aid” provided ^[39]. If a problem arises, several (toll-free) telephone numbers are provided for assistance ^[40]. In addition, the business can view its registration documents at any time through an online reprinting service ^[41].

In summary, registration with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises is a free process governed by legal formalities. It relies on the authenticity of the information provided (NEQ and tax information) and the clear designation of the legal representative or representatives. These formal requirements aim to prevent anyone from impersonating the business. Compliance with these requirements guarantees the business secure, broader access to digital government services.

Access to Revenu Québec Services via clicSÉQUR

Once the clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account has been created, the business gains access to a wide range of online services. Revenu Québec, as the tax collector, in fact centralizes most of its services for businesses in My Account for businesses. This secure portal makes it possible to fulfil tax obligations (returns, payments, applications) and manage the business’s file. Revenu Québec emphasizes: “Most online services for businesses are accessible in My Account for businesses” ^[6]. Specifically, this includes:

• Sales taxes and specific taxes (filing GST/HST, QST, dividend tax, tax on lodging, etc.) – entry and remittance form.
• Source deduction and employer contribution returns (TP-1015, submissions of records of employment, etc.) – preparation and transmission of periodic remittances.
• Viewing notices and statements: error statements, notices of assessment, account balances, payment details, certificates of deductibility.
• Refund applications and tax certificates (e.g., business tax, retroactive amounts, refunds to public agencies, etc.).
• Information changes: address updates, business closure, tax elections, etc.

The official website lists more than twenty-five services (“File”, “View”, “Pay”, “Send”) accessible through My Account ^[42]. This all-in-one ecosystem illustrates the ambition to simplify procedures for businesses. To use it, the business simply clicks Access My Account, then authenticates through its clicSÉQUR account. Authorized administrators enter their user code and password (Entreprises account). Once signed in, all services are presented by category (see the accompanying box for examples).

【リ】Box: Examples of Services Offered in My Account for businesses (Revenu Québec) ^[43]

• Taxes – File/Declare (GST/HST, QST, lodging, insurance premiums, tire duty, etc.), View (statements, refunds, payments), Pay (file registration, pre-authorized debit).
• Deductions and contributions – File (source deduction returns, RL-1 slips and summaries), View (slip report, notices of assessment for deductions), Pay (send payroll, feedback).
• Other obligations – Declare (tax instalment, registration change), Refund (taxes for construction contractors).

Source: Revenu Québec (overview page “All Online Services – Businesses”). Services are organized by category (Taxes; Deductions and contributions, etc.) ^[42].

Note: outside My Account, some specific services are also accessible through the Entreprises account. For example, the platform for declaring ultimate beneficiaries (a new legal requirement) is linked to the clicSÉQUR account. However, most day-to-day tax procedures go through My Account. In addition, several non-tax procedures (CNESST, permits, etc.) remain independent and may require a second account (clicSÉQUR express services can, in some cases, serve as an entry point).

Example of account access: Imagine an SME that already has an account. To file its GST return, the manager visits the Revenu Québec website, selects My Account for businesses, enters the NEQ, follows the “clicSÉQUR sign-in” links and enters the user code and password. The dashboard displays a menu. The manager selects “GST/HST and QST – Declare”, completes the online form and sends it. Confirmation is immediate, and the tax remittance can be made by bank transfer through the same website. This fully online process is made possible by using clicSÉQUR – Entreprises for single sign-on.

“My Account for businesses”: Rights and Obligations

Revenu Québec draws attention to the fact that, to create/manage an account, the business must first be registered with clicSÉQUR ^{[44] [45]}. Otherwise, when “accessing My Account”, a user without an account will have to provide “the following information”: NEQ, identity and position of the authorized representative (ex officio or otherwise), and identity of the person or persons in charge of electronic services ^{[1] [46]}. This reinforces the fact that the first step is registration for the authentication service (see previous sections).

Once the account has been created, the business has a permanent user code. Subsequently, accessing My Account involves entering it along with the password. A new account is not created for each session. Designated employees (RSE) can also sign in using this same information. Revenu Québec further specifies that “The business does not have to register again to access My Account” if it already has these codes ^[47]. It is therefore an ongoing relationship: the same account manages both authentication (through the clicSÉQUR portal) and access to the tax file.

From a legal standpoint, accessing My Account means that the user complies with Revenu Québec’s specific rights and obligations. For example, returns submitted online engage the business’s responsibility under its representative’s digital signature. Although the concept of a signature in a clicSÉQUR environment is abstract (there is no handwritten signature each time), the filer’s identity is deemed to be attested by their authentication. In the event of an audit, the business may have to prove that its representative had the necessary rights to carry out the procedures, hence the importance of properly assigning RSE roles. This legal effect is therefore embedded in the system: Quebec tax law recognizes that “any slip, notice, notification, return or statement issued or received electronically has the same validity as if it had been issued or received in paper form” (Quebec Sales Tax Act, s. 31.2). Revenu Québec’s COM-31 document (quick reference guide) specifies this: authenticity is guaranteed by clicSÉQUR’s secure protocol, giving the transactions carried out evidentiary value ^[48].

Usage Statistics and Current Contexts

Although Revenu Québec does not publish precise figures on the use of My Account for businesses, general trends are emerging. For example, the Government of Quebec reported that in 2025 nearly 93% of income tax returns were submitted electronically ^[49]. This figure concerns individuals, but it reflects the massive growth of digital technology in Quebec. It is not unreasonable to estimate that an increasing proportion of business transactions now goes through My Account. In addition, several recent announcements encourage businesses to register: since 2024, Revenu Québec has required electronic filing for several categories of income and other taxes, subject to penalties (deductions, sales taxes, etc.). Professional organizations strongly recommend registering with clicSÉQUR – Entreprises to avoid administrative roadblocks.

In addition, user satisfaction surveys (for example, by the government’s digital analytics firm) indicate that the vast majority of businesses receiving online services find the system reliable and clear. Online comments (forums, social media) mainly reveal occasional technical difficulties (forgotten passwords, expired certificates) or access difficulties (compatible web browsing). As an indication, some accountants consulted believe that the initial registration period (mailing powers of attorney, etc.) is the most cumbersome step for a small business, especially when the representative changes.

Practical case (fictional): “Électronique ABC inc., a Montreal SME, was incorporated in October 2025. To obtain a clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account, its general manager registered online, providing the NEQ (assigned when the business was created), the invitation code received by mail and the number of the provincial T2 notice of assessment (REF-17) issued a few months earlier. His registration, completed on November 5, was activated instantly because he was the president of the corporation (SA) (ex officio representative) ^[4]. Using this account, he was able to electronically file the company’s first GST return as early as December. In the opinion of ABC inc.’s accountant, the sign-in experience proved ‘efficient and intuitive’, particularly thanks to the centralization of the required services.”

This example illustrates that, for a business already formally established (corporation, SA), registration is quick as long as the correct tax references are available. For self-employed workers, the approach is comparable: a self-employed entrepreneur must provide their SIN and have recently reported it to Revenu Québec; our guide required the number on the individual’s latest notice of assessment ^[31]. In general, even minor confusion arises when the data does not match (e.g., an incorrect NEQ). The guides therefore stress the need to verify this information in the enterprise register or with Revenu Québec before starting.

Prospects for Development and Future Implications

The government authentication landscape is changing rapidly. In Quebec, it extends beyond clicSÉQUR: the government is currently leading the Programme Service québécois d’identité numérique. This project, announced in the early 2020s, aims to build “a trusted digital identity” for individuals and businesses ^[50], to simplify procedures and reduce fraud ^[12]. A key component is the Government Authentication Service (newly deployed since 2022), which, according to the official website, “will gradually replace the clicSÉQUR solution to meet heightened security requirements” ^[11]. In other words, in the coming years (beyond 2026), clicSÉQUR individual/business accounts are expected to migrate to this new platform featuring enhanced authentication mechanisms (typically multiple factors, digital credentials, etc.).

This announced transition will have several effects: on the one hand, it promises standardization and modernization (blockchain, biometrics and digital credentials are being discussed) for government sign-ins. The government states that consent and the protection of personal information will be priorities ^[51]. On the other hand, future harmonization could change procedures: for example, the Quebec government’s business account could be synchronized with a possible federal digital profile (such as the Government of Canada’s “Mon Dossier Connecté”). This would make things easier for businesses active at both the provincial and federal levels by avoiding duplicate identifiers.

Finally, several strategic directions are under discussion:

• Interprovincial interoperability: collaboration with other provinces (British Columbia is a pioneer, cited in the project) could create a shared chain of trust ^[52].
• API connections and integration: more departments are expected to open their APIs to ClicSÉQUR, allowing private accounting software, for example, to communicate directly with My Account.
• Usability and support: unification under a single secure identity (perhaps in the form of a “digital wallet”) will further reduce businesses’ administrative burden.

These developments suggest that, by 2026-2027, Quebec businesses will see their digital obligations evolve: on the one hand, registration with ClicSÉQUR – Entreprises will remain relevant in 2026 for accessing existing services, but on the other, they will need to prepare to adopt the new government solution. Even if ClicSÉQUR continues to operate in parallel (at least during the transition), business administrators would benefit from following announcements by Revenu Québec and the government, because operations such as account creation or tax remittances could migrate to another interface or require new authentication methods.

Issues and risks: Looking ahead, several questions arise. In terms of procedures, training will be the issue: administrative personnel will need to master the new system and understand the validation of digital credentials. The technical challenge will also be significant: ensuring compatibility with existing systems (for example, continuity of former Appliquette or AccèsD services). In terms of trust, businesses will also need to connect to an ecosystem that will strengthen security (2FA, short-lived certificates, etc.), which could require additional resources (e.g., certified administrators). Finally, cybersecurity remains crucial: in 2026, any flaw in the government authentication system would be critical. Hence the government’s emphasis on robustness and data protection ^{[12] [11]}.

Conclusion

Access to online government services for Quebec businesses goes through a centralized digital ecosystem, which in 2026 relies primarily on the clicSÉQUR – Entreprises account. Registration for this account is governed by precise rules: the applicant must be mandated by the business, provide a valid NEQ and electronically formalize registration according to the legal form (corporation (SA), self-employed worker, etc.) ^{[3] [31]}. The registration guide brings these steps together and emphasizes that the procedure is free but formal (signed documents required by mail) ^{[3] [4]}.

Once registered, the business can sign in at any time to Revenu Québec’s My Account for businesses portal, as well as numerous other government services, simply using its ClicSÉQUR identifier ^{[1] [6]}. This unified account considerably simplifies tax and administrative management: income tax returns, remittances, applications and information lookups are consolidated online. Feedback (formal and anecdotal) shows time savings for businesses and improved traceability (since authentication always takes place in two steps, first ClicSÉQUR, then the relevant service section).

Looking ahead, Quebec plans to further modernize this system: the new Service québécois d’identité numérique, a prototype of which is already being deployed ^[11], aims to strengthen security and reduce formalities. The ClicSÉQUR – Entreprises account could gradually be integrated into or replaced by this new infrastructure, with the goal of provincial-federal interoperability. Businesses will therefore need to follow evolving requirements through 2026: the importance of the NEQ and legal authorizations will remain central, but sign-in and proof-of-identity methods will probably evolve with technological innovations.

For now, any business wishing to access Revenu Québec’s online services (and those of other agencies) must use ClicSÉQUR – Entreprises and have its NEQ. Thus, this guide to registering with ClicSÉQUR – Entreprises (with the NEQ requirement and arrangements for Revenu Québec in 2026) provides not only practical instructions, but also an overview of the digital transformation under way. By combining administrative obligations and new technologies, Quebec aims to make tax administration more efficient while securing its digital relationship with entrepreneurs ^{[23] [12]}.

Sources: Official documents from Revenu Québec and the Government of Quebec (online guides, releases) cited above ^{[2] [1] [6] [11]}.