How Do You Change Your Business Address in Ontario?
Original Publish Date: Dec 29, 2015
A long-term successful business will likely change its address several times throughout the course of the years and decades it operates.
Whether you run your small business out of your home and have recently moved, have had to move your storefront due to a rental or leasing agreement, or you have had to downsize or upsize, you might be dreading the hassle of an Ontario business address change. But don’t worry! Below is a simplified guide to changing your business’s address.
If you currently have a Business Name Registration, formerly a Master Business License, you can simply update the address by filing an amendment to the current registration.
How to Change Corporation Address in Ontario
Changing a corporation’s address in Ontario involves a structured process to ensure all records are updated accurately and promptly. Begin by filing a Notice of Change (Form 1) if your corporation is based in Ontario. This form allows you to update the head office address, add or remove directors, or change officers’ positions.
For corporations headquartered elsewhere but operating within Ontario, use Form 2 Notice of Change to update the address. It is crucial to submit these changes within 15 days of the change occurring to comply with provincial regulations. Ensure you provide the new address and other relevant corporation information. You can choose to file manually, which can take up to nine weeks, or electronically via the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) for faster processing.Â
Additionally, updating your business address with the Canada Revenue Agency and on platforms like Google My Business is essential to maintain accurate public and tax records. Following these steps ensures your business address change in Ontario is handled efficiently and compliantly.
Notice of Change
When changing the address of a corporation or the director(s) of the corporation, it is the responsibility of the director(s) of a corporation to notify the Province of Ontario of any changes by filing the Notice of Change (Form 1).
When the corporation’s home jurisdiction is outside of the Province of Ontario but the corporation resides within Ontario, a Notice of Change (Form 2) is required.
A director is required to notify the Province of any changes within 15 days of said change(s). To do so, you must fill out and submit a Notice of Change (form 1).
Along with changing the address of the head office, this form is also used to add or remove directors and officers, or to change the officers position within the corporation such as President or Treasurer. Apart from the obligation to notify the Province of a corporation’s address change, it is important to keep these records up to date for legal, tax, and banking purposes.
How To File A Notice Of Change
You can file a Notice of Change form either manually or electronically. To file manually, you must download a blank Form 1 Notice of Change and fill it in. You then mail the documents to the Province of Ontario. This process can take a very long time.
We do not recommend this system as there is no guarantee that the Province has received the information or made the changes you requested. While there are no fees to file manually, the timeframe for the Province to update your corporate record is typically a lengthy nine weeks.
When you file electronically, your corporate records are updated within only a day or two and you receive a receipt of the changes you made. The fee is generally worth paying for this expedited process.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
When handling an Ontario business address change, businesses often face delays and compliance issues. To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Manual Filing Delays: Manual submissions can take up to nine weeks. Opt for electronic filing through the Ontario Business Registry (OBR) for faster processing.
- Incomplete Forms: Ensure all sections of Form 1 or Form 2 are accurately completed to avoid rejections.
- Missing Deadlines: Changes must be reported within 15 days. Promptly submit your Notice of Change to comply with provincial regulations.
- Incorrect Information: Double-check details to prevent errors in the corporate records, crucial for legal, tax, and banking purposes.
Following these tips will help you efficiently change your corporation address in Ontario and manage your business address change in Ontario smoothly.
Steps of the Notice of Change Process With Ontario Business Central
Step 1: Ordering Page
Begin by deciding if you want to include an optional Profile Report with your order. This official document from Ontario shows the updated information that banks may require as proof of the changes.
Step 2: Provide Corporate Details
Next, provide the necessary corporate details:
- Enter the corporate name.
- Describe your business activity.
- Indicate if the corporate address is changing.
- Include any director changes, if applicable.
- Provide the information for the individual authorizing this change.
Step 3: Payment Information
Finally, enter the payment details:
- Provide the credit card holder’s details (the card does not need to belong to the person filling out the form).
- Enter the credit card information.
- Confirm that you are not a robot, and then complete the order.
- Following these steps ensures a smooth and efficient Ontario business address change process.
Each year, an Ontario corporation is now required to file an Ontario Annual Return. If an Annual Return is due to be filed, the Notice of Change updates can be submitted at the same time.
Ontario Annual Return
On October 19, 2021, the Province of Ontario brought in new legislation requiring each Ontario Incorporation, Amalgamation or Continuance into Ontario to file an Ontario Annual Return on the anniversary date of the incorporation, amalgamation or Continuance into Ontario. Previously, these businesses would file an Annual Return with the corporate tax filing with Canada Revenue Agency. This has been removed and now all Ontario Annual Returns are filed directly with the Province.
Finalizing Your Business Address Change
After you’ve gone through the legal steps of how to change your company address on a business license, don’t forget about the online and offline changes that need to be done as well. Things like changing the contact information on your website, updating the Canada Revenue Agency, changing your Google My Business address (so your new location shows up in Google Maps and other similar searches), and updating your letterhead, cheques, or other similar items.
The small effort it takes to change your business address is well worth ensuring that your clients, patients, or customers will be able to easily find you in the future.
Business Name Registration/Master Business Licence Amendment
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
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Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
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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.
