How To Make Incorporated Company Changes in Ontario
Originally Published June 6, 2016
Managing a corporation involves regular updates. Whether it’s a simple address change, altering your corporate structure, such as the share structure, or completing a corporate name change in Ontario. These changes are handled through Ontario Articles of Amendment or related filings. This process is available for both Not For Profit Corporation as well as For Profit Corporations.
While the process may seem complex, Ontario Business Central offers simple, same-day electronic filing. Here’s everything you need to know about making changes to your business information in Ontario.
What Are Articles of Amendment?
Articles of Amendment are required when making major updates to a corporation. These include:
- Changing the corporate name
- Modifying the corporation’s structure
- Adjusting the minimum or maximum number of directors
To update your corporation’s name to a new corporate named company, you’ll need to submit a NUANS report with the reservation number. This makes sure the name isn’t already in use and complies with public record requirements.
If you are changing your named corporation to the number of your corporation, this process only requires you to provide the legal ending you would like to use.
To change the corporation’s structure, you will need to provide the full details of the change to the corporation including any restrictions on business activity, classes of shares, rights and privileges to the shares, any restrictions on share transfers and any other provisions.
Adjusting the minimum and maximum number of shares is the overall number of directors allowed within the corporation. The most common number of directors consists of a minimum of one director with a maximum number of ten directors giving the corporation the ability to expand and include a larger number of directors on the board.
Ontario Business Central can easily file your articles of amendment in Ontario and supporting documents for you without delays.
Please note, this will not update your Articles of Incorporation, you will receive a supplementary document called the Articles of Amendment in lieu. This also will not change your Ontario Corporation Number (OCN).
The Role of the Ontario Business Registry & Company Key
The Ontario Business Registry simplifies filing processes for corporations and provides tools like the Company Key. This unique code is essential for filing directly with the province. However, obtaining a Company Key can take weeks.
The Company Key is required to file Articles of Amendment and was provided with the original incorporation of your corporation.
Common Corporate Changes & Filing Requirements
Corporate Name Changes
Rebranding or restructuring often involves a corporate name change. To change business name in Ontario, you’ll file Articles of Amendment along with a NUANS report.
After the name change is approved, remember to:
- Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update your business number (BN) and CRA program accounts.
- Update your bank accounts and order new checks and business cards.
Structural Changes
Changes to the corporate structure, such as modifying share classes or voting rights, also require Articles of Amendment. If you need to adjust the minimum or maximum number of directors, it is included under the same filing.
Address Changes & Director Updates
To change your registered office or update the address of directors, officers or changing owners, you’ll file a Notice of Change.
If you’re wondering how to change ownership of a corporation in Ontario, ownership is based on shares. A notice of change updates the corporate director records to show the new owners, but does not change any shares held or a shareholder agreement.
Once completed you may wish to order a corporate search report or profile report to show the changes made.
How to File Corporate Changes
Online Filing
The quickest way to file your updates is through Ontario Business Central. We offer same-day processing for Articles of Amendment for Ontario corporations. Your changes are reflected in the Ontario Business Registry without delays.
Email or Mail Filing
Filing directly with the province via email or mail is an option but comes with longer processing times—typically 7 to 15 days, or more during busy periods.
FAQs About Making Corporate Changes in Ontario
How Do I Change My Corporation’s Name in Ontario?
To change your corporation’s name, you must file Articles of Amendment and provide a NUANS report to ensure the new name is available. The NUANS report is included in our easy online application to file Articles of Amendment in Ontario.
Can I Update My Corporation’s Information Without a Company Key?
Ontario Business Central requires the company key to be included in your submission for Articles of Amendment. If you do not know or remember your Company Key, we can get the key for you at minimal cost.
What Should I Do After Updating My Corporation’s Name?
After a corporate name change, notify your financial institutions, the CRA, and other stakeholders. Update your CRA program accounts and order new business materials.
What Changes Require a Special Resolution?
Certain changes, like altering the corporate structure or director limits, may require approval through a special resolution to keep you within the business corporations act. It is also important to keep your corporate documents in a safe, handy place. Many include the updated documents within their corporate minute book.
Why Use Ontario Business Central?
With over 30 years of experience, Ontario Business Central has helped thousands of businesses navigate corporate updates efficiently. Whether you’re filing Articles of Amendment or updating your registered office, our expert team is here to help.
If you are a Sole Proprietor or have a Master Business Licence, we also offer services to update Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships and Trade Names through Business Name Registration Amendments.
Update your corporate information with ease. Start Your Filing Today.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
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Ontario Business Central Inc. is not a law firm and cannot provide a legal opinion or advice. This information is to assist you in understanding the requirements of registration within the chosen jurisdiction. It is always recommended, when you have legal or accounting questions that you speak to a qualified professional.
