Where to Register a Business in Ontario: A Quick and Easy Guide
One of the first steps in starting an Ontario business is to register the business.
Business registration is a legal requirement for most businesses in Ontario, and it can be a complex process if you’re not familiar with all the steps involved. In this article on where to register a business in Ontario, we’ll guide you through the registration process, including what documents you’ll need and how much it will cost.
Key Takeaways
- Business registration is a legal requirement for businesses in Ontario (unless you are operating the business under your exact legal name)
- You can register your business online through the Ontario Business Registry, by email, or in-person.
- The cost to register a business in Ontario ranges from $60 (for a sole proprietorship) to $335 for a co-operative corporation
Understanding Business Registration in Ontario
In Ontario, you must register your business with the government unless you are operating a sole proprietorship under your exact legal name.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when registering your business in Ontario:
- Business Structure: Before you register your business, you need to decide on a business structure. The most common business structures in Ontario are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your business.
- Business Name: You will also need to choose a business name. Your business name should be unique and not already registered in Ontario. You can check if a name is available using the Ontario Business Registry.
- Business Registration: Once you have chosen your business structure and name, you can register your business online. You will need to provide information about your business, such as its structure, name, and address. You will also need to pay a registration fee, which varies depending on the type of business you are registering.
- Business Number: After you have registered your business, you will receive a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This number is used to identify your business for tax purposes. You will also need to register for a GST/HST account with the CRA if your business is going to collect GST/HST.
- Business Permits and Licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain permits and licenses from various government agencies. For example, if you plan to sell food, you will need to obtain a food handler’s permit from your local health department. Make sure to research any permits and licenses you may need before you start operating your business.
Where to Register a Business in Ontario: Online, By Email, or In-Person
If you’re starting a business in Ontario, you’ll need to register it with the government. There are several ways to register your business, including online, by email, or in-person. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
Online Business Registration
The easiest and fastest way to register your business is online. You can register your business using the Ontario Business Registry, which is a secure online portal that allows you to register your business and pay the registration fee using a credit or debit card. You’ll need a working email address to complete the registration process, and the registration fee will depend on the type of business you’re registering.
To register your business online, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Business name and address
- Type of business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or co-operative)
- Business activities
- Contact information for the business owner(s)
Once you’ve submitted your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your business registration number. You can use this number to access your business profile and make changes to your registration as needed.
Registration by Email
If you prefer to register your business by email, you can do so by downloading the appropriate registration form from the Ontario government website and submitting it by email. You’ll need to provide the same information as you would for online registration, but you’ll need to pay the registration fee by mail or in-person.
To register your business by email, follow these steps:
- Download the appropriate registration form from the Ontario government website.
- Complete the form with your business information.
- Print and sign the form.
- Scan the signed form and email it to the Ontario government email address provided on the form.
- Pay the registration fee by mail or in-person using a cheque or money order.
Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your business registration number.
In-Person Business Registration
If you prefer to register your business in-person, you can do so by visiting a ServiceOntario centre. There are over 300 ServiceOntario centres located throughout Ontario, so you should be able to find one near you.
To register your business in-person, follow these steps:
- Visit a ServiceOntario centre with the appropriate registration form and payment.
- Complete the form with your business information.
- Pay the registration fee using cash, debit, credit, or cheque.
- Submit the form and payment to the ServiceOntario representative.
Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your business registration number.
Documents Required for Ontario Business Registration
Before you can register your business in Ontario, you will need to gather some important business registration documents. Here is a list of the documents you will need to provide for business registration:
- Business Name Registration Form: This form is used to register your business name. You will need to provide the name of your business, the type of business you are registering, and your contact information.
- Articles of Incorporation: If you are incorporating your business, you will need to provide articles of incorporation. This document outlines the purpose of your corporation, the number of shares you will issue, and the names of your directors.
- Partnership Agreement: If you are registering a partnership, you will need to provide a partnership agreement. This document outlines the terms of your partnership, including how profits and losses will be shared and how decisions will be made.
- Business Number (BN): You will need to obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This number is used to identify your business for tax purposes.
- HST Number: If your business will be collecting and remitting HST, you will need to obtain an HST number from the CRA.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, you will need to obtain workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance provides protection for your employees in case of a workplace injury.
- Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the type of business you are registering, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits. You can check with the Ontario Business Registry to see what licenses and permits you need.
Make sure to have all of these documents ready before you start the registration process. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient registration process.
Cost of Business Registration in Ontario
The cost of business registration in Ontario depends on the type of business you’re registering. In the table below we cover the current cost to register every type of business in Ontario:
Cost 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 |
Post-Registration Steps
Congratulations! You have successfully registered your business in Ontario. Now that you have completed the registration process, there are a few more steps you need to take to ensure that your business runs smoothly:
Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits to operate legally. It is important to research and understand the regulations that apply to your business and obtain the necessary permits and licenses.
Register for HST
If your business is going to make more than $30,000 in revenue in a year, you need to register for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). You can register for HST on the CRA website. Once you are registered, you will need to charge HST on your sales and remit the tax to the government.
Understand Your Tax Obligations
As a business owner, it is important to understand your tax obligations. You will need to keep track of your business expenses and revenues and file your taxes accordingly. You can get more information on tax obligations for businesses on the CRA website.
Consider Business Insurance
Protecting your business with insurance is a smart move. There are different types of business insurance policies available, including liability insurance, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. It is important to assess your business needs and choose the right insurance policy to protect your business.
Get Funding
This is where Ontario Business Grants comes in!
There are hundreds of grants, loans, tax credits, and many other types of funding available for Ontario entrepreneurs. You can learning about your funding options with our guide to Ontario Small Business Funding.
Renewing Your Ontario Business Registration
As a business owner in Ontario, you are required to renew your business registration every five years. If you fail to renew your registration, your business may be dissolved. Renewing your business registration is a simple process that can be done online through the Ontario Business Registry.
To renew your business registration, you will need to log in to your ServiceOntario account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the ServiceOntario website. Once you are logged in, you can renew your business registration by following these steps:
- Select “Renew Business Registration” from the list of available services.
- Enter your business identification number (BIN) or your business name and click “Search”.
- Review the information about your business and make any necessary changes.
- Confirm your business details and select your preferred method of payment.
- Pay the renewal fee using a credit card or Interac Online.
It is important to note that if you have any outstanding fees or fines, you will need to pay them before you can renew your business registration.
Wrapping Up
Registering your business in Ontario is a straightforward process that can be completed online, by email, or in-person. Remember to have all the necessary information and documentation ready before starting the registration process!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for registered businesses in Ontario?
To search for registered businesses in Ontario, you can use the Ontario Business Registry search, which is a free online database. You can search for businesses by name, registration number, or by the name of the owner.
The Registry also provides access to basic information about businesses including the business’s complete name, previous names the business has operated under, type of legal structure, incorporation date, Ontario corporation number, and the location of the main office (city, town, or municipality).
What is a Master Business License and how do I obtain one?
A Master Business License (MBL) is a legal document that proves you have registered your business with the Ontario government. You can obtain an MBL by registering your business online through the ServiceOntario website. The MBL is a one-time registration and is valid for five years.
Is it necessary to register a business to be self-employed in Ontario?
If you are self-employed and operating under your own name, you do not need to register your business. However, if you are operating under a business name, you are required to register your business with the Ontario government. Registering your business provides legal protection and allows you to open a business bank account, obtain business licenses and permits, and apply for financing.
