When creating a new company in payroll, you'll be asked to provide two types of names. Each serves a different purpose—one is for internal use, while the other appears on official documents.
Display name (for internal use)
The Display name is entered during company setup and is used only within your payroll dashboard. It helps you identify the business internally and does not need to match the company’s legal name.
You can use any label here—such as a nickname, brand name, or business shorthand.
Legal business name (for official reporting)
The Legal name is found under Business settings > Details and should reflect the company’s official registered name. This is the name that will appear on:
-
T4 slips
-
Records of Employment (ROEs)
-
Payroll summary reports
-
Government filings and remittances
Using the correct legal name ensures compliance with CRA and other regulatory bodies.
Summary
|
Field |
Purpose |
Where it's used |
|
Display name |
For internal reference only |
Payroll dashboard |
|
Legal name |
For official documentation and filings |
ROEs, T4s, reports, CRA submissions |
Make sure the legal name matches the registered business name to avoid issues with reporting or remittances.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide tax, legal, benefits, financial, or HR advice. Since laws and regulations are subject to change and may differ by location, please consult a legal or HR professional for personalized guidance.