Every corporation in Ontario, whether profit or non-profit, must file an annual return each year. It’s a legal requirement and an important part of keeping your corporation in good standing.
At Ontario Business Central, we’ve been helping business owners like you with annual returns for over 30 years. We make the process simple, quick, and stress-free, so you can focus on running your business instead of worrying about paperwork.
Here’s everything you need to know about filing your annual return in Ontario—including when it’s due, what information you need, our fees, and a helpful checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
What is an Ontario Annual Return & Why is it Mandatory?
An Ontario annual return is a yearly filing required for every corporation. It confirms your business information and keeps your corporation active on the record.
If you don’t file your return, your corporation risks being flagged as non-compliant and, eventually, cancelled. Think of it as renewing your car registration—skip it, and you can’t legally drive. Skip your annual return, and your corporation can’t legally continue.
When is the Annual Return Due in Ontario?
Your annual return is due within six months of your corporation’s fiscal year end.
For example:
- Fiscal Year End: December 31
- Annual Return Deadline: June 30 of the following year
Missing the deadline can cause unnecessary problems, so it’s best to mark your calendar and file well before your six months are up.
Ontario Annual Return Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare before filing:
✅ Corporation name
✅ Corporation number
✅ Company key (9-digit code; if you don’t have it, we can obtain it for you)
✅ Current corporate address
✅ Director details (names and addresses)
✅ Year of filing
✅ Any updates you’d like to make (address, directors, NAICS code, email)
✅ Credit card for payment
What Information & Documents Are Required?
When you file annual return Ontario, you’ll need to provide:
- Your corporate name and number (we can look up the corporate number)
- Your company key (required for all corporations since October 2021)
- Up-to-date corporate details (address, directors, etc.)
- A description of your business activity (NAICS code)
- The year of filing
- The authorizing person’s information
You may also request a Corporate Profile Report, which provides official proof of the updates. Some banks require this document to confirm your corporation is in good standing.
How Do I File Through Ontario Business Central?
Instead of navigating government websites, you can file your annual return directly through Ontario Business Central.
We handle everything for you—including obtaining your company key if you don’t already have it. Our service ensures your return is filed accurately and on time, with same-day processing available. We will also send email notification each year to remind you to complete your Ontario Annual Return filing. This takes the burden off of your hands and puts it in ours.
What is a Company Key & How Do I Get One?
The company key is a 9-digit number introduced in 2021. It works like a password, confirming that you’re authorized to make filings on behalf of your corporation.
If you don’t know your company key, you can still place your order with Ontario Business Central. We’ll obtain the key for you and complete your filing.
What Are the Detailed Steps to File Through Ontario Business Central?
We make the process as simple as 1-2-3:
Step 1 – Order Form
- Enter your company key (or let us get it for you).
- Choose if you’d like to add an optional updated Corporate Profile/Entity Report.
Step 2 – Provide Details
- Confirm your corporation name and business activity.
- Select the year you’re filing for.
- Add any updates (corporate address, directors, NAICS code, email).
- Provide authorization details.
Step 3 – Payment
- Enter your payment details.
- Submit your order.
From there, our team prepares a draft for you to review. Once approved, we file it electronically. You’ll receive same-day confirmation by email.
What Penalties Apply for Late or Missing Filing?
The penalties for missing the annual return can be serious:
- Your corporation may be flagged as not in good standing.
- Fines may apply.
- Eventually, your corporation can be cancelled or dissolved.
Reinstating a cancelled corporation can be expensive and time-consuming. Filing on time avoids these risks.
Is This Different From Corporate Tax Filings?
Yes. This is one of the most common points of confusion.
- Corporate tax filings (T2) and T2125 Statement of Business or Professional Activities are submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency. Historically, you would provide the annual return information on your CRA tax forms but that changed in 2021 and moved to the provincial requirements.
- The Ontario annual return is a separate filing that maintains your corporation’s provincial record.
Even if your accountant handles your taxes, you’re still responsible for filing your Ontario annual return.
What Common Errors Do First-Timers Make?
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Missing the six-month filing deadline
- Assuming tax return = annual return (it doesn’t)
- Not having or forgetting to obtain the company key
- Failing to update address or director information
- Thinking non-profit corporations are exempt (they’re not)
Are Reminders or Notifications Provided?
Ontario does not consistently send reminders for annual returns. That means it’s up to you to stay on top of your filing. With Ontario Business Central, we will send reminder emails yearly to help you keep track of when you need to file your Annual Return.
Tip: Set a yearly calendar alert for your due date—or become a client to Ontario Business Central to keep track of the filing so you never miss a deadline.
Our Fees for Filing Your Annual Return
Here’s what you can expect when filing your annual return Ontario through us:
- Ontario Annual Return Filing: $45.10
- Data Extract Fee: $55.00
- Draft Fee: $55.00
- Company Key (if required): $79.00
- Typical Total (with tax): ~$175.26
✅ Same-day processing
✅ Email confirmation
✅ Optional Corporate Profile Report available
Why File With Ontario Business Central?
Filing your annual return Ontario on your own can be confusing, time-consuming, and risky if you miss something. With Ontario Business Central, you don’t have to worry about deadlines, forms, or compliance.
✅ We’ve been helping Ontario businesses since 1992
✅ Over 300,000 business owners served
✅ Same-day processing with email confirmation
✅ We’ll obtain your company key for you if you don’t have one
✅ Quick updates to corporate records in one filing
When you file through us, it’s not just about meeting the deadline—it’s about having peace of mind knowing your corporation is compliant and in good standing.
inquiries@ontariobusinesscentral.ca
Toll-Free: 1-800-280-1913
Local: 1-416-599-9009
Fax: 1-866-294-4363
Office Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Monday – Friday E.S.T.
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.
