Cost to Register a Business in Ontario: A Complete Breakdown for Entrepreneurs
If you’re looking to start a business in Ontario, one of the first things you’ll need to do is register your business. But how much does it cost to register a business in Ontario?
The cost of registering a business in Ontario can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of business you’re registering and the services you choose to use. In this article, we’ll break down the costs associated with registering a business in Ontario, so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- You’ll need to register your business in Ontario if you plan on operating a sole proprietorship under a name other than your own, or if you plan on operating as a corporation, partnership, or cooperative
- The exact cost of registering a business in Ontario will depend on the type of business you’re registering and the services you choose to use
- The cheapest type of business to register in Ontario is a sole proprietorship ($60), while the most expensive type of business is a co-operative ($335)
- There are a number of strategies you can use to reduce business registration costs, including registering online, choosing a simple business structure, and using a business registration service such as Ownr
Do I Have to Register My Ontario Business?
In most cases, the answer is yes, you do need to register your business with the Ontario government.
The only case in which you do not need to register your business is if you operate your business using your exact name. Otherwise, it is a legal requirement to register your business.
Here are some reasons why you should register your business (even if you’re operating under your name):
- Taxes: Registering your business is necessary to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This BN is required to file taxes and to collect and remit HST/GST.
- Liability Protection: Registering your business can help protect your personal assets from business liabilities. If you operate as a sole proprietorship, you are personally liable for any business debts or legal issues. Registering your business as a corporation or a limited liability partnership (LLP) can help protect your personal assets.
- Access to Funding: Registering your business can make it easier to access funding from banks and other financial institutions. Lenders are more likely to lend money to a registered business than an unregistered one.
Cost Factors for Registering a Business in Ontario
When you’re registering a business in Ontario, there are a bunch of cost factors to consider. Here are the most important ones:
#1: Business Name Search and Registration
Unless you’ll be operating a business under your exact name, you’ll need to search and register your business name. The current cost to search a name for an Ontario-based business is $8.
#2: Business Structure
The cost of registering your business will depend on the structure you choose (for a complete breakdown of the cost to register each type of business, see the “Cost to Register…” sections that follow)
For example, the cost to register a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or limited partnership online is $60, while the cost to register a corporation online is $300.
#3: Business Number Registration
You’ll need to register for a Business Number with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) if you plan to hire employees, collect GST/HST, or import/export goods. The cost to register a Business Number with CRA is free.
#4: Other Costs
Other costs to consider when registering your business in Ontario include:
- Business licenses and permits
- Trademark registration
- Professional fees for lawyers, accountants, or business registration services
Current Cost to Register Every Type of Business in Ontario
There are four major types of business in Ontario:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership (three types of partnership: General; Limited; and Limited Liability)
- Corporation
- Co-Operative
In the following sections we list the current cost of registering each type of business, including registering online, by email, or by mail.
(Note: these costs will be checked and updated once per month, on the first Monday of each month.)
Table of Costs to Register a Business in Ontario
Here’s a summary table of the costs to register a business in Ontario:
| Business Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Sole Proprietorship | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| General Partnership | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Limited Partnership | $210 | $210 | $210 |
| Limited Liability Partnership | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Corporation | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| Co-operative | N/A | $335 | $335 |
Cost to Register a Sole Proprietorship in Ontario
If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship, the process to register is relatively straightforward and can be done online, by email, or by regular mail.
To register a sole proprietorship in Ontario, you will need to pay a registration fee of $60. This fee covers the cost of registering your business name and includes a Master Business License (MBL) that you will need to operate your business.
In addition to the registration fee, you may also need to obtain other licenses or permits depending on the nature of your business. For example, if you’re planning to sell alcohol or tobacco, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Similarly, if you’re planning to operate a restaurant, you’ll need to obtain a food service permit from your local health department.
It’s also important to note that registering a sole proprietorship in Ontario does not provide any legal protection for your personal assets. As a sole proprietor, you and your business are considered the same legal entity, which means that you are personally responsible for any debts or liabilities incurred by your business.
Cost to Register, Renew, or Cancel a Sole Proprietorship in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| New Registration | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Renewal | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Amendment/Cancellation | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register a Corporation in Ontario
There are three types of corporation in Ontario:
- Business corporation. This is the most common, regular type of corporation.
- Extra-provincial corporation. This is a regular corporation that has been incorporated outside of a province but is conducting business within that province. For example, you might register your corporation first in British Columbia, then decide to also do business in Ontario. You would then have to register an extra-provincial corporation in Ontario.
- Not-for-profit corporation. This is a type of organization that is incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. Unlike a for-profit corporation, its primary aim is not to generate profit for shareholders.
- Co-operative corporation. This is a type of business entity that is owned and controlled by its members, who use the co-operative’s services or buy its goods.
Below we list the cost to register, amend, and dissolve a regular, extra-provincial, and not-for-profit corporation in Ontario (we cover the costs of a co-operative in a section below).
Cost to Register, Amend, or Dissolve a Business Corporation in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| Amendment | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Dissolution | $25 | $25 | $25 |
Cost to Register, Amend, or Terminate an Extra-Provincial Corporation in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $330 | $330 | $330 |
| Amendment | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Termination | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register, Amend, or Dissolve a Not-for-Profit Corporation in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $155 | $155 | $155 |
| Amendment | $130 | $130 | $130 |
| Dissolution | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register a General Partnership in Ontario
A general partnership is a business structure where two or more people share ownership and management of a business. In Ontario, the cost to register a general partnership is relatively low compared to other business structures.
To register a general partnership in Ontario, you will need to file a registration form with the government. The registration form is called Form 1 – Initial Registration of a General Partnership and can be filed online or by mail.
Cost to Register, Renew, or Cancel a General Partnership a in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Renewal | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Amendment/ Cancellation | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register a Limited Partnership in Ontario
A limited partnership in Ontario is a business arrangement that consists of at least one general partner and one or more limited partners. The general partner has unlimited liability and is responsible for the management and debts of the partnership. Limited partners contribute capital and share in profits but have limited liability, meaning their losses are restricted to the amount they have invested.
Cost to Register, Change, or Dissolve a Limited Partnership in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $210 | $210 | $210 |
| Renewal | $210 | $210 | $210 |
| Change/ Dissolve | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register a Limited Liability Partnership in Ontario
A limited liability partnership (LLP) in Ontario is a type of partnership structure primarily used by professionals like lawyers, accountants, and architects. In an LLP, each partner is personally responsible for their own professional actions but has limited liability for the business debts and negligence of other partners. This structure allows partners to protect their personal assets while engaging in a collective business practice.
Cost to Register, Renew, or Cancel a Limited Liability Partnership in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Renewal | $60 | $60 | $60 |
| Amendment/ Cancellation | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Cost to Register a Cooperative in Ontario
A cooperative corporation in Ontario is a member-owned business entity organized to meet the mutual needs or goals of its members. Unlike traditional corporations focused on profit, co-operatives prioritize member benefits.
Cost to Register, Amend, or Dissolve a Co-operative Corporation in Ontario
| Service Type | Online Cost | Email Cost | Mail Cost |
| Registration | N/A | $335 | $335 |
| Amendment | N/A | $100 | $100 |
| Dissolution | N/A | $0 | $0 |
Professional Service Fees to Consider When Registering a Business
When starting a business in Ontario, you may need to hire professional services to help you with various aspects of the registration process. These services can include legal advice, accounting services, and business consulting.
The fees for professional services can vary depending on the provider, the complexity of your business, and the services required. It’s important to do your research and shop around to find the right provider for your needs and budget.
Here are some typical fees you may encounter when hiring professional services for your business registration:
- Legal fees: Lawyers can help you with legal documents, contracts, and other legal matters related to your business. Fees can vary depending on the provider and the scope of work, but expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 per hour for legal services.
- Accounting fees: Accountants can help you with financial planning, bookkeeping, tax planning, and other financial matters related to your business. Fees can vary depending on the provider and the scope of work, but expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $300 per hour for accounting services.
- Business consulting fees: Business consultants can help you with business planning, market research, and other strategic matters related to your business. Fees can vary depending on the provider and the scope of work, but expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour for business consulting services.
It’s important to note that these fees are just estimates and can vary depending on your specific needs and the provider you choose. Always ask for a detailed quote and make sure you understand the scope of work and any additional fees before hiring a professional service provider.
Additional Costs to Consider When Registering a Business
In addition to the basic registration fee, there are a few other costs that you should be aware of when registering your business in Ontario.
Name Search Fee
Before you can register your business, you need to make sure that the name you want to use is available. To do this, you’ll need to conduct a name search.
Business License
Depending on the type of business you’re starting, you may need to obtain a business license. The cost of a business license varies depending on the municipality where your business is located. For example, the cost of a business license in Toronto can be hundreds of dollars per year, depending on the type of business you’re starting.
HST Registration
If your business is going to be selling goods or services, you may need to register for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). There is no cost to register for HST, but you will need to collect and remit the tax on behalf of the government.
Cost Reduction Strategies When Registering a Business in Ontario
Starting a business can be expensive, but there are several cost reduction strategies you can implement to save money. Here are a few tips to help you reduce your business registration costs:
1. Register online
Registering your business online is typically cheaper than registering in person. The Ontario Business Registry offers an online registration service that is fast, easy, and cost-effective.
2. Choose a business structure wisely
Choosing the right business structure can help you save money on registration fees. For example, registering a sole proprietorship is generally less expensive than registering a corporation. Consider the pros and cons of each business structure before making a decision.
3. Register for multiple services at once
When registering your business, you may be required to obtain additional licenses or permits. Try to register for all necessary services at once to avoid paying multiple registration fees.
4. Use a business registration service
If you’re unsure about the registration process or don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider using a business registration service such as Ownr or Ontario Business Central. These services can help you navigate the registration process and may be able to offer discounts on registration fees.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cost to Register a Business in Ontario
What is the process for registering a corporation in Ontario?
To register a corporation in Ontario, you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery. The Articles of Incorporation include basic information about your corporation, such as its name, address, and the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. You can file your Articles of Incorporation online or by mail.
How do I search for a business name in Ontario?
Before you register your business, you need to make sure that your business name is available. You can search for business names on the Ontario government’s website, or you can hire a private search firm to conduct a more comprehensive search.
What is the process for obtaining a CRA business number for my business?
To obtain a CRA business number for your business, you can register online with the Canada Revenue Agency. During the registration process, you will need to provide basic information about your business, such as its legal name, business address, and type of business. Once you have registered, the CRA will assign you a business number, which you will need to use when you file your taxes and interact with the CRA.
