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INCORPORATE IN ONTARIO TODAY
Incorporate In Ontario Online Today
From $49.99+fees
Incorporating in Ontario is simple with the help of Ontario Business Central. Whether you are creating a named or numbered Ontario Corporation, we make it easy to get your business up and running quickly. It only takes a few simple steps to complete your incorporation using our online form.
What Are The Benefits of Incorporation?
Name Protection
- Name protection exclusively for that exact business name
- Exists in the jurisdiction where you are registered
- Protects your brand as much as possible without completing a trademark
- Potential legal ability to pursue action against conflicting business names
Liability Protection
- Own entity, separate from those who are shareholders or owners
- Peace of mind if the business has risk of liability
- Allows you to keep your personal wealth removed from the business as much as possible
- Provides separation from the risks and responsibilities for those who are shareholders or owners of the business
Tax Advantages
- Corporations have their own tax account and responsibilities
- Lower tax rate than individual and provides the ability to split income, and defer taxation
- Corporations are able to invest in real estate, stocks, bonds and other investment opportunities separate from the individuals who own the business
- Provides an open door to venture capital opportunities
What About Federal Incorporation?
The primary difference between Provincial and Federal Incorporation is the name protection.
Provincial incorporation only protects your name in the province that you are registered in.
Federal incorporation protects your name Canada wide!
This is the best in name protection outside of filing for a trade mark
What is Required to Incorporate in Ontario?
- Registered office address for the corporation
- Directors full names and addresses
- Share structure - Options available for one or two classes of shares Custom share structure also available
- Select the legal ending for the corporation name
Who Can be a Director For an Ontario Incorporation?
- People who are the age of majority (18+)
- No bankruptcy proceeding
- No criminal history
- Individuals who are not Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents can incorporate in Ontario
Steps of the Incorporation Process
Ordering Page
- Choose between a numbered or named corporation
- Select Optional Preliminary Search to check the availability of your name
- Choose .ca or .com domain if desired
- Select your time frame. Same-day rush available
- Select your Share Structure
- Optional add-ons such as draft copies, trade names, corporate supplies and tax accounts
Provide Incorporation Details
- Provide Name and Address of Owner/Director
- Provide Business Name
- Provide Corporate Details if Applicable
- Provide Add-on Details if Applicable
- Click to Agree With the Terms and Conditions
- Enter the Business Address
- Enter a Description of Your Business Activity
Payment Information
- Review Order Details
- Enter Billing & Contact Information
- Credit Card Payment Including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit
- Click on Box “I Am Not a Robot”
- Select “Complete Order”
That's It! We Make Registering a Business as Easy as 1 2 3!
What Happens Next?
Now Our Work Begins!
- You will receive a confirmation email with the details you have provided for your incorporation
- For named corporations, we check your business name for availability and email you any names that may be of concern
- We then send prepared incorporation documents for your review, approval and signature
- Once confirmed, we complete your incorporation with the federal examiners
- Once the incorporation has been accepted, we email the completed documents to you directly
Incorporate In Ontario Online Today
This video will provide you with the information needed to start your business and file your Ontario Corporation online within minutes.
How to Incorporate Your Business in Ontario >>>
What our clients say about us
donald wingell
4 months ago
Kelly White
7 months ago
It was very easy to renew my business license online. An agent followed up with me immediately by email when she noticed an address discrepancy on my application. It was easily resolved. Prompt, professional and friendly service.
Gazelle Ghajar
6 months ago
Awesome company to work with. Website is easy to navigate into finding what you need, online forms are simple to fill in, and the request was processed and confirmed within the afternoon! Very impressed with their service and will be using again for my husband's business come January.
Incorporation Learning Centre
Advantages of Incorporating +
- Ability to Raise Capital: A corporation may be able to obtain its own investments or credit.
- Adding Operating Name/s: If you wish to use your business name without the legal ending for such things as signage or if you want to operate more than one business, you can add additional business names under your existing corporation.
- Director Flexibility: Since the corporation has its own identity, it is not affected if directors, officers, or shareholders of the corporation change as long as the minimum director/s remains. This is also beneficial for estate planning as the corporation continues to exist after the shareholders die.
- Grants/Venture Capital: A corporation may have the opportunity to gain financial assistance.
- Hold Investments: A corporation may hold its own assets including stocks, bonds, and real estate investments.
- Incorporation Never Expires: Once you have completed the incorporation, there is no requirement to re-register or renew the incorporation. The incorporation is continual throughout time, as long as you wish for it to be active.
- Limited Personal Liability: A corporation has its own identity separate from the people who are involved in the business.
- Name Protection for Business Name: The name that you choose for your corporation becomes protected upon completion of the Articles of Incorporation within the jurisdiction of incorporation. If someone, after you have incorporated, decides to use the same name, the name will be refused. If someone registers or incorporates a similar name, you may be able to proceed with a name change to the infringing business name.
- Overall Flexibility: With a corporation, you can change whatever is required over time including the name of the corporation, directors, officers, shareholders, share structure of the corporation, and minimum and maximum number of directors.
- Potential Tax Advantages: There may be tax advantages to incorporation. A corporation in most cases has lower tax levels than any individual tax bracket.
- Separate Identity: The shareholders of the corporation are not liable for default, obligation, or liability that the corporation has incurred unless the shareholders give personal guarantees.
Disadvantages of Incorporating+
- Costs: The initial costs for a corporation are higher than other options available for businesses, which is approximately $600.00.
- Paperwork: Having a corporation means more paperwork in most cases. Not only are you required to maintain personal records for yourself as a shareholder, you are also required to maintain the records for the corporation.
- Tax Filing: Since a corporation has its own identity, it also has to file its own tax returns. The individual shareholder must file his/her personal tax return along with a secondary tax return for the corporation.
What is Required When Incorporating? +
The first decision is whether to incorporate a numbered or named incorporation.
Numbered Incorporation
The Province of Ontario will provide a 7 digit number from your submission when you select a numbered corporation with the word Ontario and a chosen legal ending.
Example: 1234567 Ontario Inc.
Often a numbered corporation is selected when
- The name of the business will not be advertised, such as a real estate property holding company.
- Multiple businesses will be registered as operating names and a generic corporate name is suitable.
- In a franchise situation where a corporation is required but the business name is protected by the franchise provider.
Named Incorporation
This is when you wish to advertise a business name for your corporation.
Example: ABC Holdings Inc.
Often a named corporation is selected when
- Naming the corporation is important for advertising.
- Name protection is important where no one can use the same name within the same jurisdiction.
Choosing a Legal Ending
There are a number of options available for the legal ending of your incorporation including Inc., Incorporated, Ltd., Limited, Corp., or Corporation. You may choose whichever ending suits you or sounds preferable with your business name.
Additional Information Required for Incorporation:
- head office address
- legal names of directors (please provide as listed on photo ID, such as Driver’s Licence)
- address/es for directors
- share structure (we provide the options of either 1 or 2 classes of shares or you can provide your own)
Who Can Be a Director of an Ontario Corporation? +
- individuals who are 18 years or older
- individuals who have not filed for bankruptcy (if bankruptcy has been filed, please speak to your trustee about your ability to incorporate)
- individuals who have no criminal record
- Ontario no longer requires a director of the corporation to be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. A foreign resident may now incorporate on his or her own.
How long does it take to process? +
Ontario Business Central guarantees same day service Monday through Friday on Ontario Incorporation orders placed before 3:00 pm. We also have rush services available with a 2 hour turnaround time for a numbered corporation and a 3 hour turnaround time for a named corporation.
Choosing a Corporate Name +
Choosing a corporate name for your business can be one of the most difficult things to do. To make it easier for you, we break it down into three primary elements:
Distinctive Element: This is usually the first word identifying something about your business and what you wish to convey.
Examples:
- Johnsons, Mike's, John Smith (personal or family name)
- Quick, advanced, professional, accurate (dictionary word, separating you in some capacity from competitors)
- Bizchat, Prolette, Tonzons (coined or made up word)
Descriptive Element: This provides what products or services relate to your business. It is much easier for clients to find you when your business name includes what you are providing.
Examples:
- Bar & Grill
- Carpet Cleaning
- Investments
- Music Studio
Legal Element: Choose whichever legal ending suits you or sounds best with your business name. The options are listed within the website.
What is a NUANS Report? +
A NUANS report is a mandatory 7 page report required when incorporated within most jurisdictions in Canada. It is very important that you order the NUANS report specific to the jurisdiction within the Province or Territory where incorporating. The report provides a listing of small businesses, corporations, and trademarks that are similar to the name you wish to incorporate.
A pre-search is commonly completed. This is a search of the proposed business name to see if it is available prior to ordering the 7 page NUANS report. If a name is not available, additional names may be provided.
The Ontario pre-search and NUANS report are preselected for you within our incorporation packages.
The NUANS report is provided to the Provincial examiner with the Ministry of Government Services for review and acceptance along with the incorporation documents.
What is the Initial Notice? +
The Initial Notice is a single mandatory filing that is due within 60 days after the completion of the incorporation. This document filing verifies the details of the incorporation along with the provided officer positions for the individuals within the corporation. Most commonly held positions include president, secretary, and treasurer but there are many more positions available. This is an optional item within our incorporation packages, but it is highly recommended. If the Initial Notice is not filed, the Province will cancel the corporation for non-compliance.
What Are the Different Roles Available in a Corporation? +
1. Shareholders (or Stockholders) Privately held and maintained
- Role: Shareholders are the owners of the company. They hold shares, which represent ownership in the corporation.
- Responsibilities: Shareholders have the right to vote on certain company decisions, such as electing directors. They may also receive dividends, which are a portion of the company's profits.
2. Board of Directors Required on Articles of Incorporation and updated when changed
- Role: The board of directors is elected by the shareholders and oversees the overall direction and governance of the corporation. They act on behalf of the shareholders.
- Responsibilities: The board makes high-level decisions for the company. This includes appointing executive officers, determining company policies, and ensuring the company meets its objectives. They also oversee the management of risks and ensure legal and ethical compliance.
3. Officers Required to be Listed Publicly and updated when changed
Officers are high-level executives appointed by the board of directors to manage the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Common officer roles include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): The CEO is typically the highest-ranking officer in the company. They oversee the entire operation of the corporation and implement strategies set by the board.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The CFO manages the company's financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and risk management.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): The COO oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the company.
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO): These roles manage the company's technology infrastructure and strategies.
- Other Officers: Depending on the corporation's needs, there might be other officers like Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), etc.
4. Employees Privately held
- Role: Employees are the individuals hired by the corporation to perform specific tasks and roles. They don't have a direct say in corporate governance but are essential for the company's operations.
- Responsibilities: Employees carry out the tasks required for their specific job roles and contribute to the corporation's objectives.
5. Corporate Secretary Listed Publicly available and Updated When Changed
- Role: The corporate secretary ensures that the corporation complies with standard legal and regulatory practices. They may also be responsible for maintaining corporate records and communicating with shareholders.
- Responsibilities: Organizing board meetings, recording minutes, maintaining company records, and ensuring legal compliance are typical tasks for a corporate secretary.
What is the Difference Between One, Two or Multiple Classes of Shares? +
One Class of Shares:
When a corporation has only one class of shares, typically referred to as "common shares," all shareholders have the same rights and privileges. Here are the characteristics:
- Equal Rights: Each share typically grants the shareholder one vote in corporate decisions that require shareholder input, such as electing the board of directors.
- Dividends: If the corporation distributes dividends, each share receives an equal portion.
- Liquidation: In case the company gets liquidated, shareholders are entitled to receive assets proportionally, after all debts are settled.
- No Special Privileges: Since there's only one class, no shareholder has any more or fewer rights than any other shareholder with the same number of shares.
Two (or More) Classes of Shares:
When a corporation has two or more classes of shares, it means there are different types of shares, each with its own set of rights and privileges. Common types include "common shares" and "preferred shares."
- Voting Rights: Different classes might have different voting rights. For instance, one class might grant shareholders one vote per share, while another class might grant multiple votes per share or no voting rights at all.
- Dividend Rights: Preferred shareholders might have a priority over common shareholders when it comes to dividends. This means that if dividends are declared, preferred shareholders receive their dividends before common shareholders. The rate might be fixed or variable.
- Liquidation Preference: In the event the company is liquidated, preferred shareholders might have the right to get their investment back before any distribution is made to common shareholders.
- Conversion Rights: Some classes of shares, often preferred shares, might have the right to be converted into another class, such as common shares, under certain conditions.
- Redemption Rights: A class might have a provision that allows the corporation to buy back the shares at a predetermined price.
Why Have Multiple Classes?
Companies might choose to have multiple classes of shares for various reasons:
- Flexibility in Raising Capital: By offering different types of shares, a corporation can appeal to a broader range of investors, each with different risk tolerances and investment objectives.
- Control: Entrepreneurs or founding members might issue shares with multiple votes per share for themselves to retain control even if they own a smaller percentage of the overall equity.
- Strategic Partnerships or Employee Incentives: Companies might issue a special class of shares with specific rights or restrictions as part of a strategic partnership or as an incentive to employees.
What is Required Post Incorporation and Any Ongoing Obligations? +
1. Initial Notice:
Explanation: Once a corporation is formed, many jurisdictions require the filing of an Initial Notice. This document provides key details about the new corporation, such as its name, registered address, directors, officers, and sometimes even its primary business activities.
2. Notice of Change For Any Updates After the Initial Notice:
Explanation: Corporations are obligated to report any significant changes to the information previously submitted in the Initial Notice. This can include changes in directors, officers, registered office addresses, or the nature of the business and is due within 15 days of any change. Typically, a Notice of Change form is used to update this information, ensuring that the official records are current and accurate.
3. Annual Return Submission Every Year:
Explanation: The Annual Return is a mandatory document that corporations must submit each year. It's a way to update or confirm the information the government has about your corporation. Filing this return often involves providing details about the corporation's directors, officers, share structure, and financial data. Not submitting your annual return can lead to penalties and, in some cases, dissolution of the corporation. The Annual Return is typically required within six (6) months of your fiscal year end.
4. Tax Account Set-Up When Required:
Explanation: Once a corporation is established, it will usually need to set up various tax accounts, depending on its business activities and location. This might include federal and provincial corporate income tax accounts, sales tax accounts (like GST/HST in Canada), payroll accounts, and more. The corporation will need to ensure it complies with all tax obligations, from collecting taxes where required to submitting tax returns on time.
5. Minute Book:
Explanation: A minute book is a binder (or digital equivalent) where corporations maintain essential corporate records. It typically contains the Articles of Incorporation, by-laws, minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings, share certificates, ledgers, and any other important corporate documents. Keeping a well-organized minute book is not just best practice—it's often a legal requirement. It provides a clear record of corporate decisions and helps maintain the corporation's limited liability status.
6. Share Distribution:
Explanation: After incorporation, shares need to be issued to shareholders, which is the method by which ownership of the corporation is determined. This process involves deciding on the number of shares to distribute, the type/class of shares, and their value. Share certificates are then typically provided to shareholders as a record of their ownership. It's vital to maintain an accurate ledger of share distributions and to ensure that all shares are issued in accordance with the corporation's Articles of Incorporation and any shareholder agreements
Do I Need Corporate Supplies - Mnute Book and Seal? +
The minute book is an organizational tool for your new corporation. It provides the by-laws, share certificates, and tabs for officers, directors, and shareholders of the corporation along with other supporting documents. We recommend it if you have partners. The minute book should be updated each time you have a change within your corporation.
The Mark Maker Seal is an embossed impression with your corporate name and jurisdiction where you have incorporated. The seal is commonly used when you are doing business transactions. The corporate supplies are listed as an option within our incorporation packages.
How Do I Apply For HST, WSIB, and Payroll? +
These accounts can be set up for free by going directly to the government contacts and websites. We provide you with each of these contacts along with many more to assist you as you begin your business.
HST
HST (harmonized sales tax), formerly GST and PST, is mandatory only if your corporation grosses $30,000.00 or more within the same fiscal year. Until this income is met, HST is optional as is the set up of an HST account. The current tax rate is 13% within the Province of Ontario. When you operate a business and have an HST account, the HST you pay out for business expenses is subtracted from the HST you take in from clients and customers. Each quarter, a tax filing is required to Revenue Canada providing the difference between the two.
Sometimes, it may be beneficial to wait to set up an HST account to offer clients and customers a no tax incentive for your business. Other times, where you have a large number of expenses to set up your business, it may be beneficial to set up an HST account right away.
WSIB
WSIB (workplace safety and insurance board) has been established by the Province of Ontario to protect employees (workers) in the event of injury while on the job. There is also the opportunity for business owners to consider optional insurance available through this program. It is best to contact WSIB directly, providing your specific business practices to see whether or not your employees are required to be covered by the WSIB program, not only to protect your employees but to protect yourself in the event of an injury.
Payroll
Payroll is to be set up whenever you begin employing individuals within your business.
What is a Tradename? +
A tradename is a Master Business Licence (small business) operating under an incorporated company. This may be an option for you if you wish to operate a secondary business name or the same name as your corporate name without the legal ending for such things as signage.
Examples:
ABC Holdings Inc. carrying on business as DE Restaurant (operating a secondary business name)
ABC Holdings Inc. carrying on business as ABC Holdings (for signage, advertising where the corporate legal ending of Inc. does not appear)
1234567 Ontario Inc. carrying on business as ABC Holdings (operating name under corporation)
Important Things to Know About Tradenames:
- they do not have name protection for the business name as your corporate name does
- the registration is attached to your corporation and therefore attached to the same bank account, Revenue Canada, and other tax accounts
- keeps administration to a minimum with the business operating under the same accounts as your corporation
- there is no maximum number of tradenames you can register under your corporation
- limited liability protection as owned by your corporation
Tradenames can be added within your incorporation package with us.
What to Do After Incorporation Has Been Completed +
BN Number
Once your Ontario Incorporation has been completed, you will receive the BN number from Revenue Canada to your corporate head office address. The BN number is similar to your social insurance number as an individual. The BN number is used for all tax accounts with the Federal government including corporate tax, HST, and payroll. Once you have received the BN number, you may go to Revenue Canada's website (we will provide you all of the details) and set up HST and payroll accounts when applicable.
After Setting Up a Completed Incorporation:
- attend a financial institution with the Articles of Incorporation (completed incorporation) and tradename (where applicable) with photo ID of corporate directors
- obtain cheques (often offered by financial institutions and private companies)
- create business cards (ensure you use the full legal name of your business on the business card)
- consider a domain name (if you wish to create a website for your business)
- set up any tax accounts required (once you have received the BN number from Revenue Canada)
- obtain an accountant or bookkeeper
- consider completing a share agreement if it is a partnership business (more than one person)
- fill in your minute book with details of your incorporation including distribution of share certificates to shareholders
- associations - consider joining an association within your industry or business group within your community
Ontario Business Central provides a free bizguide with each completed incorporation. This guide provides relevant information on taxation, organizing your business, dealing with employees, associations, Canadian business support services, and so much more.
Other services offered by Ontario Business Central include Nuans Search and Report and Online Company Incorporation services and more.
Why Use Ontario Business Central?
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