Pick the Right Business Structure

Your company registration decision between sole proprietorship, partnership, or incorporation has permanent tax consequences. Incorporating gives you access to the Small Business Deduction at 12.2% combined federal-Ontario on the first $500,000 of active income. Registering as a sole proprietor means every dollar is taxed at your personal marginal rate — up to 53.53%.

Run a NUANS Name Search First

Before completing your company registration, a NUANS name search confirms your proposed business name does not conflict with an existing corporation or trademark in Ontario or federally. Filing company registration documents with a conflicting name leads to rejection, wasted government fees, and delays. We review NUANS results before you commit to any name.

Register Your CRA Business Number Immediately

Your company registration must include applying for a CRA Business Number right away. The BN is required for corporate tax filing, HST collection, payroll remittances, and import/export accounts. Delaying your CRA registration after company registration means you cannot collect HST legally, cannot file your first T2 return on time, and risk compliance gaps.

Register for GST/HST at the Right Time

You must register for a GST/HST account once your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any rolling four quarters. Late company registration for HST means you owe tax on past sales without having collected it from customers. CRA can assess HST retroactively with interest. We monitor your revenue during company registration planning so HST registration happens at the optimal point.

Set Up Payroll Accounts During Registration

If your company will have employees, register your CRA payroll account as part of your company registration process — not months later when you hire your first worker. Late payroll registration delays remittances for CPP, EI, and income tax deductions. CRA charges 10% penalties on repeat late remittances plus daily compound interest from the first missed deadline.

Choose Federal or Provincial Registration

Federal company registration through Corporations Canada provides nationwide name protection and the ability to operate in every province. Ontario-only company registration is faster and less expensive if your business operates within one province. We assess your expansion plans so your company registration avoids unnecessary re-registration fees and duplicate filings later.

Prepare Your Minute Book at Registration

Your company registration should include preparing a complete minute book with articles of incorporation, bylaws, director resolutions, and share certificates from day one. CRA, banks, and investors request these corporate records regularly. An incomplete minute book after company registration creates compliance issues and delays financing applications when you need capital.

Design a Flexible Share Structure

Your company registration share structure should include common shares, preferred shares, and multiple classes from the start. Adding share classes after company registration requires articles of amendment and additional government fees. A properly designed share structure at registration supports future income splitting, estate freezes, and investor participation without costly restructuring.

Transfer Existing Assets Tax-Free

If you are converting a sole proprietorship to a corporation, ITA section 85 lets you transfer business assets at tax cost during company registration and defer capital gains entirely. Without filing the section 85 election alongside your company registration, CRA treats the transfer as a sale at fair market value — creating an immediate and avoidable tax bill.

File Your First Annual Return on Time

After company registration in Ontario, your first annual return is due within six months and annually by your anniversary date. Missing this company registration compliance deadline results in penalties and can lead to involuntary dissolution by the Ontario Business Registry. We calendar every post-registration deadline so your company stays in good standing from the start.