Register Your Business

🔍 Trusted & Experienced
Incorporation Ontario takes pride in its thorough and compliant review process, ensuring every detail of your business formation is accurate and error-free.

🌟 Empowering Entrepreneurs
Choosing Incorporation Ontario means more than just a service—it’s a blend of flexibility and expert support. You get the independence of a DIY approach with the confidence of having professional guidance when needed. We offer an affordable, comprehensive, and human-centered solution for today’s entrepreneurs.

👥 Personalized Attention
At Incorporation Ontario, every client receives dedicated attention. Our team brings professional care to your business, offering support through phone, live chat, or email. Your success is our priority.

⚡ Super Express Service
Experience our rapid incorporation services. Our experts aim to complete your filing in as little as two business hours—often even faster—delivering your incorporation documents in record time.

💲 Affordable Pricing
We understand the financial challenges of new entrepreneurs and have designed an affordable pricing structure to ensure cost isn’t a barrier to your business goals. At Incorporation Ontario, we offer a cost-effective solution for all your incorporation needs.

Here’s a rephrased version:

• Brand Protection: A company name cannot be registered in Ontario if it’s already taken, providing some level of brand protection.
• Limited Liability for Owners: A corporation or cooperative is a separate legal entity from its owners, which means directors have limited personal liability for the company’s debts. Shareholders are not responsible for the corporation’s obligations.
• Continuous Existence: A corporation or cooperative can continue to operate beyond the lifetime of its founders, with ownership being transferable.
• Investor Appeal: Corporations are often more attractive to investors due to limited liability and the ease of transferring shares.
• Tax Benefits: Many corporations benefit from lower tax rates, including holding companies and professional corporations.
• Capital Access: Both corporations and cooperatives can issue securities to raise capital.
• Enhanced Credibility: Incorporation can enhance a business’s credibility with partners and customers.
• Independent Credit Rating: Corporations establish their own credit rating, independent of the owners’ personal credit, making it easier to obtain corporate credit.
• Employee Benefits: Corporations can offer stock options and retirement plans as part of their employee benefits, which can be an attractive incentive for talent.

We’ll have your Ontario business incorporated in no time—just 30 MINUTES!

1. Selecting a Business Name:
   Your business name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered names in Ontario. You can either choose a custom name or have the government assign a numbered name. If you’re registering a named corporation, a NUANS report is required (available through our incorporation packages). Note that some incorporation types have specific naming rules. If any issues arise with your proposed name, we will provide guidance and suggest alternative options that meet the requirements.

2. Roles of Incorporators, Directors, Officers, and Shareholders:
   When incorporating a business, you must define the individuals who will serve as directors, officers, and shareholders, along with their respective roles. At least one individual is required to act as an incorporator, director, and shareholder—one person can hold all three positions. Officers are considered employees of the corporation. For Not-For-Profit organizations and Co-Operatives, a minimum of three directors is mandatory.

3. Registered Office Address:
   Every business must have a registered office address, which can be a commercial or residential location. If you don’t have an accessible address in Ontario, you can use our Address & Mail Forwarding Service for registration purposes.

4. Initial Return Filing:
   All Ontario corporations are required to file their initial return within 60 days of incorporation. Failure to do so will result in the corporation being marked as non-compliant in the corporate registry, which could lead to government dissolution of the business.

No, there are no residency requirements to incorporate in Ontario. Directors can reside in either domestic or foreign jurisdictions. Incorporators must be individuals or registered businesses within Ontario.

The key distinction lies in their primary objectives and how they manage profits:

• For-Profit Organizations:
  These businesses are created with the primary goal of generating profits for their owners or shareholders. Their focus is typically on earning revenue through the sale of goods or services, rather than prioritizing community or societal benefits.

• Not-For-Profit Organizations:
  These organizations are established to achieve specific organizational objectives, rather than to make a profit. Their operations often focus on social welfare, civic improvement, sports, recreation, or other non-commercial purposes. Unlike for-profit businesses, they don’t have shareholders or owners who receive dividends or profit distributions.

In simple terms: An operating company runs a business by performing day-to-day activities, while a holding company owns and manages investments without actively participating in business operations.

• Operating Company:
  An operating company is responsible for carrying out regular business activities to generate revenue. It owns assets, incurs liabilities, and engages in activities such as manufacturing products, providing services, or employing staff. These companies are involved in direct transactions with customers and manage the overall operations needed to keep the business running.
• Holding Company:
  A holding company owns investment assets like shares, real estate, intellectual property, or stakes in other companies. Its primary purpose is to control and manage these investments without participating in active business operations. A holding company often acts as a parent organization to one or more subsidiary operating companies. For instance, if a holding company owns shares in an operating company, it effectively becomes a shareholder, controlling decisions and profiting from the operating company’s success without direct involvement in its daily activities.

• Asset Protection and Risk Mitigation:
  A holding company structure acts as a safeguard by protecting the assets of active businesses from potential creditor claims or legal disputes.

• Tax Optimization:
  Holding companies offer various tax benefits, including income splitting, capital gains exemptions, and tax-deferred transfers of dividends between companies.

• Greater Business Flexibility and Control:
  Having a holding company with multiple subsidiaries allows for more efficient management, providing greater control and adaptability in business operations.

• Succession Planning and Wealth Management:
  Holding companies play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transfer of assets and wealth to future generations, making them valuable for long-term family and business planning.

• Tax Deferral and Reduction:
  Holding companies can help reduce or delay corporate taxes through strategic financial arrangements.

• Access to Low-Interest Loans:
  These companies can facilitate low-interest financing options for subsidiaries, along with discreet and cost-effective purchasing opportunities.

In Ontario, regulated professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and other licensed practitioners have the option to form a professional corporation. These corporations must comply with specific guidelines set by their respective regulatory bodies during both formation and ongoing operations. It’s important to note that incorporating as a professional corporation does not shield individuals from personal liability for malpractice; professionals remain personally accountable for their actions. Although the corporation’s activities are limited to practicing the profession, it can also perform tasks that are directly related to its practice. There are key differences between professional corporations and standard business corporations, particularly in terms of their structure, activities, and liability.

A Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) is a business structure that allows real estate professionals in Ontario to conduct their business through a corporation. The real estate professional becomes the “controlling shareholder,” which grants them authority over the corporation’s operations and decision-making.

• Advantages of a PREC:
  Forming a PREC can offer financial benefits, such as increased flexibility in managing income, which may result in tax savings. However, the extent of these benefits depends on the specific financial situation of the individual.

• Purpose and Role of a PREC:
  A PREC’s primary function is to provide real estate services on behalf of a licensed brokerage. It acts as an extension of the real estate professional, facilitating transactions through the brokerage. It’s important to note that a PREC cannot function independently as a brokerage and must operate within the licensing framework.

Cooperatives are unique business organizations in which ownership and operations are managed collectively by their members. They are founded on democratic principles, ensuring that each member has an equal voice in decision-making, regardless of their financial investment. Cooperatives are formed to serve a variety of purposes, including consumer services, producer support, community development, education, sustainability, and technological innovation. The specific function of a cooperative is determined by the shared goals and needs of its members.

A well-known example is Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), a retail cooperative specializing in outdoor gear and clothing. MEC operates exclusively for its members, providing them with quality products while fostering a community-focused business model.

We provide three types of post-incorporation and ongoing maintenance services to support your business.

Please explore our packages for Business Registry by Non-Residents to find the best solution for your needs.