Incorporation Services in Hamilton
We incorporate Hamilton businesses. Federal and Ontario incorporation, NUANS name search, investor-ready share structure, complete minute book, Business Number registration, HST and payroll accounts, sole proprietor to corporation conversion. Incorporation from just $35. No hourly billing. 1300+ five-star reviews.
We Incorporate Hamilton Businesses the Right Way from Day One
We incorporate businesses in Hamilton every week: steel fabricators and metal manufacturers in the industrial corridor, construction companies and skilled trades operators on the Mountain, medical clinics near Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University Medical Centre, dental practices in Westdale and Dundas, restaurant operators on James Street North and Locke Street, real estate investors across Hamilton, tech startups at McMaster Innovation Park, life sciences companies in the Ancaster innovation district, retail businesses in Stoney Creek and professional services firms in Waterdown and Flamborough. Every incorporation includes a multi-class share structure, complete minute book, CRA registrations and a tax planning conversation that sets the foundation for paying the lowest possible tax from your first dollar of revenue.
The most common mistake Hamilton business owners make is incorporating after they have already started earning income. A trades operator who incorporates 2 years late at $150,000/year has already paid $48,000 more in tax than they would have as a corporation. We incorporate you before you earn the first dollar so every dollar flows through the corporation at 12.2% instead of up to 53.53% personal. Our service fee is just $35.
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Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation: The Tax Impact for Hamilton Businesses
| Annual Income | Sole Proprietor Tax (Ontario) | Corporation Tax (12.2% SBD) | Annual Savings from Incorporating |
|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 | $18,200 | $9,760 | $8,440 |
| $120,000 | $31,400 | $14,640 | $16,760 |
| $150,000 | $42,300 | $18,300 | $24,000 |
| $200,000 | $62,400 | $24,400 | $38,000 |
| $300,000 | $104,600 | $36,600 | $68,000 |
| $500,000 | $196,900 | $61,000 | $135,900 |
Every Year You Delay Costs You Money: Hamilton trades operators and contractors typically earn $120,000 to $250,000. At $150,000, the annual tax difference is $24,000. Two years as a sole proprietor: $48,000 lost permanently. Our service fee is $35 (government filing fee additional).
Federal vs. Ontario Incorporation for Hamilton Businesses
| Feature | Federal (CBCA) | Ontario (OBCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $273 (Corporations Canada) | $335 to $360 (ServiceOntario) |
| Name protection | Canada-wide. | Ontario only. |
| Operating across provinces | Automatic in every province. | Ontario only. Extra-provincial registration needed elsewhere. |
| Named vs. numbered | Numbered: $273. Named: $273 + $13.80 NUANS. | Numbered: $335. Named: $335 + $13.80 NUANS. |
| Residency requirement | 25% of directors must be Canadian residents. | No residency requirement. |
| Best for Hamilton businesses | Construction companies with projects across Ontario, steel fabricators with national clients, tech startups targeting national markets, manufacturers shipping beyond Hamilton. | Medical professional corporations (OBCA required for MPCs). Dental professional corporations. Businesses with non-resident directors. |
Our Recommendation for Most Hamilton Businesses: Federal Incorporation. Federal costs less ($273 vs. $335), provides Canada-wide name protection and cross-province capability. Hamilton construction companies and manufacturers with projects and clients across Ontario and nationally benefit immediately. Ontario is required for Medical and Dental Professional Corporations. Incorporation Services →
What Our Hamilton Incorporation Service Includes
| Service | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Articles of incorporation | Filed with Corporations Canada or ServiceOntario. Corporation name or numbered company, registered office, directors and share structure. Federal: 1 to 3 business days. Ontario: 1 to 5 days. |
| NUANS name search | $13.80 for named companies. Name availability confirmed. Conflict assessment provided. |
| Multi-class share structure | Class A voting common (founders), Class B non-voting common (family, future employees), Class C preferred (investors, holdco). Critical for Hamilton trades operators and construction firm owners planning LCGE multiplication and family succession. |
| Complete corporate minute book | Articles, bylaws, organizational resolutions, first director resolutions, share certificates, shareholder register, director register, transfer register. |
| Business Number (BN) registration | 9-digit BN with CRA. Required for CRA accounts, banking and government filings. |
| GST/HST account registration | Registered with CRA. Hamilton construction companies must charge HST from day one. SR&ED-eligible tech companies at McMaster Innovation Park benefit from ITC recovery on research expenses. |
| Payroll account registration | RP account with CRA. Required for salary or employees. Common for Hamilton construction, manufacturing, restaurants and medical clinics hiring from day one. |
| WSIB guidance | Hamilton construction and trades businesses require WSIB coverage. We advise on registration requirements and clearance certificate processes for commercial and government projects. |
| Banking setup guidance | Documents your bank requires: articles, minute book extract, BN confirmation and director ID. |
| Initial tax planning consultation | Salary-dividend optimization, RRSP room, HST method, SBD eligibility, M&P rate for manufacturers, SR&ED for tech startups, holdco timeline. Included at no additional charge. |
Hamilton Incorporation from Just $35. Tax Planning Included.
Articles, share structure, minute book, BN, HST, payroll. Everything you need. Government filing fee additional.
Hamilton Incorporation: Real Client Results
General Contractor, Hamilton Mountain
A Hamilton general contractor earning $220,000 as a sole proprietor was paying $70,200 in personal tax. We incorporated federally ($35 service fee + $273 government filing), set up 3 share classes, registered for HST, payroll for 6 crew members, filed T5018 for 12 subcontractors, and implemented a 60/40 salary-dividend split. Annual tax savings: $40,600. RRSP room created: $48,000. Non-voting shares issued to the spouse for LCGE multiplication. The federal incorporation allowed the contractor to bid on projects in Niagara, Kitchener and London without extra-provincial registration.
Steel Fabricator, Industrial Corridor
A Hamilton steel fabrication company with $480,000 in revenue had been operating as a sole proprietor for 3 years. We incorporated, performed a section 85 rollover to transfer $165,000 in fabrication equipment tax-free, set up payroll for 9 staff, claimed Immediate Expensing on $78,000 in new welding and cutting equipment, and registered for HST. The M&P rate (25% combined) applied to qualifying manufacturing revenue above SBD. Section 85 saved $14,800. Annual savings: $44,200. CCA at Class 43 (30%) on all manufacturing equipment.
Family Physician, McMaster Area
A Hamilton family physician earning $290,000 was operating as a sole proprietor. We incorporated a Medical Professional Corporation under the OBCA, applied for the CPSO Certificate of Authorization, set up 3 share classes (including non-voting for the spouse), registered for BN and payroll for 3 clinic staff, and implemented salary-dividend optimization. Annual tax savings: $50,400. RRSP room: $62,400. The MPC was authorized in 18 business days. Incorporation Services →
Restaurant Owner, James Street North
A Hamilton restaurant owner on James Street North had been a sole proprietor for 2 years with $155,000 in net income and $42,000 in kitchen equipment. We incorporated, performed a section 85 rollover, set up payroll for 10 staff, registered all CRA accounts and implemented salary-dividend optimization. Section 85 saved $5,800. Annual savings: $27,600. We recovered $3,400 in previously unclaimed ITCs on equipment and renovation costs from the prior 12 months.
How Hamilton Incorporation Works at Gondaliya CPA
Consult
Free consultation: federal vs. Ontario, share classes, WSIB requirements, T5018 obligations, professional corporation needs. Tailored to your Hamilton business.
Incorporate
Articles filed, minute book prepared, share structure set up, corporate documents delivered. Federal: 1 to 3 business days. Ontario: 1 to 5 days.
Register
BN, HST, payroll and program accounts registered with CRA. Professional corporation regulatory applications filed.
Plan
Tax planning: salary-dividend strategy, RRSP room, HST method, SBD, M&P rate, SR&ED eligibility, holdco timeline, LCGE multiplication.
Hamilton Incorporation Pricing
| Service | Our Fee (including HST) | Government Fee | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal incorporation (numbered) | From $35 | $273 | Articles, 3+ share classes, minute book, BN, HST, payroll, banking guidance, tax planning consultation. |
| Federal incorporation (named) | From $35 | $273 + $13.80 NUANS | Everything above + NUANS search and conflict assessment. |
| Ontario incorporation (numbered) | From $35 | $335 | Same deliverables. Filed with ServiceOntario. |
| Professional corporation (medical, dental) | From $200 | $335 + regulatory fee | OBCA with restricted practice clause. CPSO/RCDSO application. |
| Sole proprietor to corporation conversion | From $500 | Government fee additional | New corp + transfer of operations. Section 85 rollover ($1,500 to $2,500 additional). |
Bookkeeping Clients Receive Incorporation FREE: Hamilton business owners who sign up for monthly bookkeeping ($100/month) receive incorporation at no service charge (government filing fee only). Bank reconciliation, HST filing, monthly financials and the T2 filed FREE every year. Book Free Consultation →
Types of Corporations for Hamilton Businesses
| Corporation Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Operating corporation (opco) | Every active business: construction, steel fabrication, manufacturing, restaurants, retail, tech, professional services. | Standard corporation at 12.2% SBD rate. Start here. |
| Holding corporation (holdco) | Business owners with retained earnings exceeding $200,000. | Tax-free dividends from opco. Creditor protection critical for Hamilton construction companies with operational liability. Estate planning. |
| Medical Professional Corporation (MPC) | Physicians in Hamilton (McMaster, Hamilton Health Sciences). | OBCA required. CPSO Certificate of Authorization. Hamilton physicians earning $290,000 save $50,400/year. |
| Dental Professional Corporation (DPC) | Dentists in Hamilton (Westdale, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Ancaster). | OBCA required. RCDSO Certificate of Authorization. Associate buy-in via preferred shares. |
| Multi-shareholder corporation | Construction partnerships, trades co-owners, manufacturing joint ventures, tech co-founders at McMaster Innovation Park. | Multiple share classes. Shareholder agreement. Founder vesting for startups. LCGE multiplication across all shareholders. |
Our Hamilton Office
We serve Hamilton clients from our local office. In-person and virtual consultations available. We serve clients in Downtown Hamilton, Westdale, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Flamborough, Hamilton Mountain, James Street North, Locke Street, Barton Village, East Hamilton and all Hamilton neighbourhoods. We also serve clients throughout the Greater Hamilton area including Burlington, Grimsby and Binbrook.
70 Starling Dr, Hamilton ON L9A 0C5
Industries We Incorporate in Hamilton
Frequently Asked Questions: Hamilton Incorporation
Meet Your Experts
Sharad Gondaliya, CPA
Founder & Managing Director
Gondaliya CPA Professional Corporation
Sharad leads incorporation and corporate tax planning for Hamilton businesses. Construction structuring, steel fabrication M&P optimization, section 85 rollovers, salary-dividend strategy and LCGE multiplication.
Vandana, CPA
Senior Accountant
Gondaliya CPA Professional Corporation
Vandana manages bookkeeping, HST and payroll for Hamilton corporations. Monthly financials, T2 preparation, T5018 filing and CRA correspondence for newly incorporated businesses.
What Our Clients Say
1300+ five-star reviews from business owners across Ontario and Canada.
10 Smart Incorporation Strategies That Can Save Hamilton Business Owners Money
1. Incorporate before earning your first dollar to lock in 12.2%
Every dollar earned as a sole proprietor is taxed up to 53.53%. Inside a corporation: 12.2% under the SBD. A Hamilton general contractor earning $220,000 saves $40,600 in the first year by incorporating before the first project. Our service fee is $35.
2. Issue non-voting shares to your spouse at incorporation to multiply the LCGE
The LCGE shelters $1,281,866 per shareholder. Non-voting shares to your spouse at incorporation doubles it to $2,563,732. Costs nothing at incorporation. Saves hundreds of thousands when you sell the business.
3. Use a salary-dividend split from your first pay period to create RRSP room
A 60/40 salary-dividend split on $200,000 creates $72,000 in RRSP room while keeping combined tax lower than salary-only or dividend-only.
4. Register for HST at incorporation and claim ITCs on every tool and material
Hamilton construction companies must charge HST from day one. Registering at incorporation allows ITCs on all startup expenses. A trades operator spending $35,000 on tools and a vehicle recovers $4,550 in ITCs.
5. Qualify for the M&P rate on steel fabrication and manufacturing income
Hamilton steel fabricators, metal workers and manufacturers with income above $500,000 pay 25% instead of 26.5%. The 1.5% savings on $300,000 above SBD: $4,500/year. The first $500,000 is taxed at 12.2% regardless.
6. Claim Immediate Expensing on fabrication equipment
A Hamilton steel fabricator buying $78,000 in welding and cutting equipment or a contractor buying $55,000 in tools gets the full amount as a year-one deduction. Incorporate before the purchase.
7. Use a section 85 rollover to convert from sole proprietorship tax-free
A Hamilton fabricator with $165,000 in equipment who incorporates without a section 85 rollover pays $14,800 in unnecessary tax. The rollover transfers everything at tax cost, deferring the gain.
8. File T5018 on time to avoid CRA penalties and audit
Hamilton construction companies must report subcontractor payments of $500+ on T5018. Missing slips trigger $25/day penalties and a broader CRA audit. We file T5018 for every construction client.
9. Plan for the holdco early because construction cash flow is strong
Hamilton construction companies and fabricators with strong margins accumulate retained earnings quickly. At $200,000 retained, trigger the holdco for creditor protection and estate planning. Passive income above $50,000 in the opco erodes the SBD.
10. Bundle incorporation with bookkeeping and get the service fee waived entirely
Hamilton business owners who sign up for bookkeeping ($100/month) receive incorporation at no service charge (government fee only). Bank reconciliation, HST filing, monthly financials and the T2 filed FREE every year. Incorporation Services →
Hamilton Incorporation from Just $35. Tax Planning Included.
Articles, share structure, minute book, BN, HST, payroll. Everything you need to start your Hamilton corporation. Government filing fee additional. 1300+ five-star reviews.