If you are planning to incorporate your business, then you are on the right track. Limited liability, great planning opportunities and tax advantages are just a few reasons why a lot of people incorporate a business. Below you will find more details about corporations. Please select one of the options to continue: | ||
Learn about incorporating in Ontario
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Learn About Incorporating a Business in Ontario
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Step 1 - Advantages of Incorporating your business.
A corporation is a unique legal entity and it is separate from the people who own its shares.
Advantages:
1. Limited personal risk. The greatest advantage
of incorporation is the limited liability that it confers on shareholders
with respect to debts, obligations and liabilities of the corporation.
2. Number of Owners. Incorporated companies can
potentially have an unlimited number of different owners. If the
business has or is planning on having a number of owners, incorporation
is preferable. First, it is easier to transfer ownership in the
business, as all the owners have to do is acquire or sell their
shares in the company. In addition, owners/shareholders
are only liable to the extent of their shareholdings. They are
not liable for any other owner’s personal debt or to their
creditors as may be the case in a partnership.
3. Government Grants. Some government grants and
programs are only offered to incorporated businesses.
4. Ability to raise capital. The ability to issue
various classes of shares with preferences as to dividends, redemption
or convertibility and to utilize bonds or debentures greatly enhances
a corporations ability to obtain funds for expansion or development.
5. Employees. Corporations can offer shares to
their employees as a form of profit sharing incentive thereby sharing
in the profits and performance of that corporation without affecting
control. The performance of the company therefore affects all and
is an incentive for employees to improve performance and thus improve
the value of their shares and the profits the company produces.
6
. Possible tax advantages. Small Canadian controlled
private corporations are taxed at approximately half the regular
rate on the first $500.000 of active business income in each year.
A corporation also has additional tax planning and income splitting
arrangements available.
7
. Continuous existence & ownership is transferable. The
death or withdrawal of a shareholder does not affect the existence
of the corporation, which enjoys perpetual succession.
8. Ability to hold title to real estate and enter into contracts. A corporation can own real estate and sign contracts under corporate name.
Step 2 - Choosing the right corporate name.
Choosing the right name for your new business is an important decision. You want a name that will draw potential customers, help clients identify your company and build your business image. A name that is easy to remember and provides information about the products or services you offer is always a good choice. Choose a distinctive name to stand out from your competitors. Make sure the name is not misleading or confusing in its description of the goods or services you will provide.
Numbered Corporation
The first step is to decide
if you will have a name for the corporation or use a "numbered
company".
There is no requirement for the corporation to have a name. You
can incorporate a company using a number; for example "22563331
Ontario Inc.".
Upon successful registration the Registrar will assign the next
sequential number to the corporation as part of its name. A corporation
incorporated in this way is a "numbered company".
Named Corporation
Most
people prefer to have a name for their corporation: to give it
a unique identity, to avoid confusion with other corporations,
and to give a general idea of the nature of the business to be
carried on by the corporation.
Step 3 - Check availability of the proposed corporate name
Name search
Before making a final decision on
your corporate name and ordering forms or stationery, you may want
to know if someone else is already using the name. You can do a Preliminary
name search that will allow you to check up to
3 names for $15 plus tax. A more accurate NUANS
search would be advisable if you want to be absolutely sure
that your name is not used by someone else. You
can order a NUANS here. The cost is $39.95 plus tax
per each name you search. Please note that
a NUANS search is mandatory for incorporating a business in Ontario.
Once you have selected a particular name you can perform a name search in advance, or to simplify the process, you can do the name search as part of your application form.
| Order Preliminary Search | Order NUANS Name Search |
Step 4 - Information required to register your corporation.
To register your corporation in Ontario, you will need to provide:
- Name and address of the business.
- Fresh NUANS report - less than 90 days old
- Description of the business activity.
- Name and address of each Director.
- Name and address of each Shareholder.
Please note that you need a minimum of 1 Director and Shareholder. One person can hold both positions.
Step 5 - Registered Corporate Address
Any Corporation located in Ontario must have an Ontario registered address. Many Corporations often use a separate corporate registered address to keep important government correspondence separate from other corporate correspondence. This is even more important if you have a home-based business, because this allows you to maintain an increased level of privacy. Corporate records are a matter of public record. Would you want strangers coming to your home? That is why we have a solution to keep your address private.
Business Development Centre provides all services related to a corporate registered address, including receiving mail and packages, notification and mail forwarding. We also provide a registered address for the receipt of government filings, legal papers and act as a local contact for government agencies.
We also forward such documents and correspondence to the corporation. The cost for Corporate Registered Address service is $249.00 for one year, plus applicable taxes and an account activation fee of $35.
You can order a Corporate Registered Address here or select this option on the Incorporation order form.
Order Corporate Registered Address
Step 6 - Filing Articles of Incorporation and Initial Return
Incorporation of the business is done by completing a document called Articles of Incorporation that is then delivered directly to the appropriate government department.
Once your application for Incorporation is approved, you will receive the official Articles of Incorporation.
Articles of Incorporation consists of a legal document that confirms registration of your corporation with the Ontario government. Articles of Incorporation are valid in perpetuity.
You can view a sample of the
Articles below.
Articles of Incorporation - PDF or Image
Filing Initial Return
Initial Return is a mandatory document that
must be filed within 60 days after incorporation. You can
request the filing as a separate service or as part of the incorporation
process. However, if you request filing of your Initial Return
together with the Incorporation, you stand to save
as much as 50% of the
service fees for filing the return, because we would do everything
at the same time.
Step 7 - Corporate Minute Book, Seal and Share Certificates
A corporate minute book and registers are very useful organizational tools that project a professional image of any new corporation. Revenue Canada, a lawyer or any other authority would request to view your minute book in case they have any issues with your corporation. For that reason alone, you should have your minute book ready and updated at all times. |
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View this
quick video to learn more about the Corporate Minute Book.
Both kits come with the award-winning mark-maker embosser, Standard 10 tab set, Corporate Information Summary, a Directors Register, List of Officers, Shareholders Register, Securities Registers and Transfer Registers for Shares, Warrants and Debts, five sheets of blank paper and one set of ten Share Certificates. The contents of these packages are predetermined so as to simplify the ordering process.
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The
Legacy Kit features a high quality leatherette cover
with gold detailing and is provided with an accompanying brass
minute book plate that permanently adheres to the spine for
easy identification. The functional 3-ring binder and slipcase
format fits standard 12" shelving units. This quality
register comes in a burgundy colour.
The
Attaché Kit is a stylish, modern approach to
organizing a corporation’s papers that appeals to image
conscious legal firms
and their clients. A high quality black vinyl cover, brass
name plate and sturdy well-designed construction provide
the lawyer or entrepreneur with a presentation package that
reflects the professionalism of his or her firm and client.
The Attaché
kit comes with the award-winning Mark Maker Embosser in its
own section of the case and a built-in handle for convenience. 
The mark-maker
seal is an award-winning embosser which seals your
most important deals and records at the office or at home.
It is ideal for identifying legal documents, notary seals publications
and books. Features include: Lifetime Warranty, Brass Index
Plate, and an Easy-to use Wide-Grip handle that makes a perfect
impression each and every time. This corporate seal fits perfectly
inside our Attaché Kit package. Step 8 - Apply for HST, Payroll, Import/Export and WSIB Accounts
- HST - Any business that generates more than $30,000 in annual taxable sales has to register for HST
- Payroll - Any business that has employees must register for a Payroll account
- Import/Export - If you are planning to trade with other countries, this account would be very helpful
- WSIB - This account is mandatory if you are going to have employees. This account is also mandatory if you operate a business in the construction industry, even if you have no employees.
You can request all or any of the above tax accounts during the registration process. Simply check the appropriate check-box on the application form.
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Step 9 - Corporate Trade Names
What is a Trade Name?
A trade name is any name under which you do business other than the current legal
name on your corporate registration record. If you would like to use any name
other than your corporate name you must register a trade name.
These are some important basic principles:
- There is no limit to the number of trade names that may be registered by one corporation.
- Trade names are not "protected" from use by other companies through trade name registration. To protect your name you need to register a trademark.
- You must use your corporate name together with the trade name on all contracts and legal documents. (ABC Limited O/A Flowers for You)
- Trade names have to be ordered separately from the Incorporation process.
Step 10 - Incorporation Packages and fees
Business Development Centre provides complete incorporation services for Ontario Corporations. The process requires approximately 3-4 business days. However, we do have a rush service available. For an additional fee we can have your corporation registered the same day we receive your order. There are some conditions, so ask us for complete details. Your documents can be delivered anywhere in Canada.
Professional Package - Ontario Incorporation (All Inclusive and Most Popular)
>>This is a full incorporation package for Ontario Corporation. This package includes Corporate Minute Book, Corporate Seal and Share Certificates. You should use this package if you are planning to start and run a solid business for a long time.
Our Fee $149.00Preparation of the Articles of Incorporation IncludedReview of the Articles IncludedFiling of the Articles IncludedNuans Name Search $59.95 Analysis of the Nuans Search Report IncludedArticles of Incorporation $14.95 Corporate By-laws $14.95 Corporate Minute Book $85.00 Corporate Seal $54.00 Share Certificates $20.00 Government Filing Fee $300.00 Electronic Access Fee:* $60.00 Shipping & Handling $15.00 Taxes $61.47 Total - including government fees and taxes $834.32 * We have listed Electronic Access Fee separately in these packages in order to save you $39.00 in HST tax. We hope that you will appreciate saving this money. The total filing fee is still $360. Standard Package - Ontario Incorporation
>>This is a standard incorporation package for Ontario Corporation. Please note that this package does not include corporate minute book and accessories. You should use this package if you are planning to use the corporation for a specific purpose and know how to manage corporate records.
Our Fee $149.00Preparation of the Articles of Incorporation IncludedReview of the Articles IncludedFiling of the Articles IncludedNuans Name Search $59.95Analysis of the Nuans Search Report IncludedArticles of Incorporation $14.95Corporate By-laws $14.95Government Filing Fee: $300.00Electronic Access Fee:* $60.00Shipping & Handling $15.00Taxes $40.80Total - including government fees and taxes $654.65* We have listed Electronic Access Fee separately in these packages in order to save you $39.00 in HST tax. We hope that you will appreciate saving this money. The total filing fee is still $360. Basic Package - Ontario Incorporation
>>This is an absolutely minimum package required to register an Ontario Corporation. You should use this package only if you are fully aware of the corporate rules and regulations.
Our Fee $99.00Preparation of the Articles of Incorporation IncludedFiling of the Articles IncludedArticles of Incorporation $14.95 Nuans Name Search $39.95 Government Filing Fee: $300.00 Electronic Access Fee:* $60.00 Shipping & Handling $15.00 Taxes $29.76 Total - including government fees and taxes $558.66 This package is available online only. * We have listed Electronic Access Fee separately in these packages in order to save you $39.00 in HST tax. We hope that you will appreciate saving this money. The total filing fee is still $360.
Step 11 - What to expect after registration
Here is what you will get once your application is approved:
- You will receive an Official Registration Certificate issued by the Ontario government.
- You can view a sample of the Certificate here - PDF or Image
- This certificate will entitle you to operate your Corporation in Ontario.
- If you apply for tax accounts (and you should), you will receive documentation directly from appropriate government departments that administer those accounts. We will also provide you with account numbers where applicable.
- When you select a Professional Package, we will provide a Corporate Minute Book with a Corporate Seal and Share Certificates.
Incorporate Your Business Now
Congratulations! You are now ready to incorporate your business. Simply select the appropriate link below to be redirected to the application form.
- Incorporate Your Business in Ontario
- Register a Trade Name for your Corporation
- Order a Minute Book Kit
- Order Preliminary Name Search
- Order NUANS Report
You will be directed to our secure server for submitting your
application.
