FILE ANNUAL RETURN
FOR ONTARIO
FOR ONTARIO
- Add/Remove Directors
- Change Addresses
- Update Corporate Details
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Ontario Annual Return
This form allows for filing the Ontario Annual Return which is now required once a year. This applies to either Profit or Non-Profit Corporations. At the same time you can update any address or director information.
For filing the Annual Return for a Federal Corporation, please click this button
What is the Ontario Annual Return?
As of May 15, 2021, there has been a change to Annual Filings under the Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA) for every Ontario Incorporation (both Profit and Not For Profit), Ontario Amalgamations, and Filings, where an existing corporation has either continued in Ontario or has registered as an Ontario Extra Provincial Licence.
Historically, the corporation would file an Annual Return as part of the corporate tax return filing each year through the Canada Revenue Agency. This requirement has been terminated by the federal government and in its place, the Annual Return is to be filed with the Province of Ontario.
This provides the opportunity for the corporate records listed with The Ministry of Government And Consumer Services (MGCS) to be up-to-date each year starting October 18, 2021.
What is required to file an Annual Return in Ontario?
The Annual Return in Ontario is to be filed on the anniversary of the date the entity established in Ontario.
The information required is as follows:
- The Corporate Name
- The Ontario Corporate Number (OCN)
- Company Key (Optional)
- Year of the Annual Return
- Official Email address (this email address should remain viable for communication indefinitely
- NAICS Code (selection if not yet provided or NAICS Code if already listed)
- Name of Person Authorizing the filing
If the business has any new information including the registered office address, change in directors either adding, removing, ceasing or modifying, these details can be updated when filing the Annual Return.
If the corporate details remain the same, you can simply select that there are no changes and skip to the Name of Person Authorizing the filing.
Annual Return - There are no changes to the corporate address, directors or officers information
This provides the ability to by-pass any information requirements when there are no changes to the corporation from what was previously reported and filed through either a previous Annual Return or Notice of Change.
If the corporate address or any information related to the individual directors or officers has changed since the last filing, you will be required to update the information that has changed.
Any information that remains the same does not require any interaction on your part.
Do I need a Company Key?
The Company Key was introduced in Ontario on October 19, 2021 and is a 9 digit number exclusive to your entity. Unless you have incorporated, amalgamated, continued into Ontario or have completed an Extra Provincial Licence after October 19, 2021, you will not receive the company key without requesting it directly from the Province of Ontario.
If your corporate address is not up to date, you can file a Notice of Change to update this record before applying. The corporate address for your corporation must be up to date as when the company key is requested, the code is mailed to the corporate address on file.
You may also carry on with your Annual Return filing without the requirement of the Company Key if you wish.
However, if you would like to obtain it, ensure your corporate address is current. You can apply with the Province directly to obtain your Company Key.
If you have already obtained your 9 digit code, you simply provide the number as part of your application submission.
Certain entities including Ontario Business Central who have been provided an Intermediary status with the Province of Ontario, can submit requests for the Annual Returns with or without the Company Key.
What is the NAICS Code?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a new system introduced in Ontario as of October 19, 2021. Previously, businesses were able to provide their own wording related to the business activity or description. The NAICS codes bring clarity and commonality to the different industries or business types across Ontario. This coding is in partnership with many jurisdictions throughout Canada, United States and Mexico.
This may sound complicated but it is actually fairly simple. We provide a listing of business industries or activities that you can scroll through to find listed business activity that matches your specific business. When you find a match,, you simply click on it to update.
Sometimes there is a further layering or determination that is required beyond what you have provided and we may email you a more specific listing to select from.
Once your industry has been determined, there will be a 6 digit code that you can use any time you are requested to provide your NAICS Code moving forward. If you have already established your NAICS code in a previous filing, you simply provide the 6 digits and move forward with the application.
Who can Authorize the Annual Return Filing?
- Director
- Officer
- Other Individual
A current director or officer can provide their name and details as part of the Annual Return filing. As submission takes place, we will be able to confirm that the person listed as a director or officer is listed as a current individual listed on the corporation.
Often a third party who is not a current director or current officer will file an Annual Return on behalf of the corporation. This is a standard practice as historically an accountant or bookkeeper would have completed this filing as part of the corporate tax return submission with the Canada Revenue Agency.
In the event another individual is filing on behalf of the corporation, specific information is required by this party, the information required is as follows:
- First, Middle and Last Name
- Individual email address
- Address
- Certifying this information to be true
What if the Annual Return is not filed?
The Province of Ontario, like all jurisdictions that have the Annual Return requirement, takes the deficiency very seriously.
Failing to file a required Annual Return could lead to the corporation being cancelled for non-compliance by the Province of Ontario. It is very important as you celebrate another year of accomplishment with your business, that you take a few minutes to file the mandatory Annual Return in Ontario.
When your filing has been completed, Ontario Business Central will maintain a copy and if requested, send a secondary copy to the Official Email address as provided in the application.
We will also send a reminder email notification of your Annual Return requirement each year as a friendly reminder on the anniversary of your business.