{"id":992,"date":"2025-01-15T16:33:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T21:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/?p=992"},"modified":"2025-08-07T15:34:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T19:34:35","slug":"cost-incorporate-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ontariobusinesscentral.ca\/blog\/cost-incorporate-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does it Cost to Incorporate in Ontario?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Originally Published: Jan 25, 2018<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a corporation in Ontario? Understanding the cost to incorporate in Ontario<\/a> is an important first step. While the government filing fee is the most obvious expense, other costs can come up along the way. We\u2019ll break down these expenses and show how Ontario Business Central can help make the process easy with our wide range of services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Government Fee to Incorporate in Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The base cost to file Articles of Incorporation with the Ontario government is $300. This fee applies whether you complete the process directly through the province or work with an intermediary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this filling cost in Ontario is only one part of the cost to get incorporated. Several other factors and optional services can impact the overall cost of incorporation in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Costs of Incorporating in Ontario<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting up a corporation in Ontario involves more than just paying the government fee. When exploring how much it is to incorporate in Ontario, it’s essential to consider the total business incorporation cost. Additional costs when starting a business include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preliminary Name Searches & NUANS Reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A critical step in incorporating a business in Ontario is ensuring your desired business name is unique and available. Named incorporations require a NUANS<\/a> (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report. NUANS reports are also mandatory for Federally incorporated businesses. Ontario Business Central offers this service as part of our incorporation packages to help save you time and ensure accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal & Professional Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your business structure is complex, you might need help from a lawyer or accountant to register a business. They can assist with drafting documents like a shareholders agreement and ensure your incorporation meets tax laws. Legal fees can vary widely, starting at a few hundred dollars and reaching into the thousands. These costs are in addition to the incorporation fees in Ontario and depend on the specific services you require.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Annual Returns & Compliance Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once your business is incorporated in Ontario, you\u2019ll need to file annual returns with the Ontario government. While the fee for annual returns<\/a> is relatively small, failure to comply can result in penalties or dissolution of your corporation. This holds true for Federal corporations as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trade Names or Secondary Business Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your corporation plans to operate under a name different from its legal name, you\u2019ll need to register a trade name<\/a>. This comes with a separate fee, which can vary depending on the province. Trade names are valid for 5 years before they need to be renewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporate Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An often overlooked cost when incorporating a business in Ontario is the need for corporate supplies. These supplies are essential for keeping your corporation organized and compliant with legal requirements. A common item is a corporate minute book. It helps organize documents like your articles of incorporation, shareholder agreements, and meeting minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you may need corporate seals, share certificates, and specialized stationery for formal business communications. While these costs are not mandatory to operate, they provide a professional edge and ensure that all necessary records are properly maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Ontario Business Central, we offer high-quality corporate supplies<\/a> tailored to your needs, making it easy to stay on top of your business obligations. Let us help you set up your corporation with everything you need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting Up a Corporate Tax Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Incorporation comes with tax advantages, but you\u2019ll need to set up accounts for HST or payroll<\/a> if they apply to your business. Ontario Business Central can help make this process easier and ensure it\u2019s done correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Related Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n