Incorporate Your Business in Ontario
Incorporating can protect your personal assets, open up tax planning and make your business easier to finance and sell. Filing the articles online takes minutes. Setting the company up properly, with the right share structure, by-laws and records from day one, is what saves you money and arguments later.
Ellahi Law incorporates Ontario and federal corporations for start-ups, professionals, real estate investors, franchisees and family businesses.
Fixed fee: $899 + HST
Plus government charges: the Ontario filing fee for articles of incorporation is $300, and a NUANS name search report is needed if the company will have a name rather than a number. The fee covers one Ontario business corporation with a standard share structure. We'll confirm everything included in your engagement letter before we start.
What's included
- A conversation about structure: numbered or named company, Ontario or federal, who the shareholders and directors should be, and whether a holding company makes sense. We work with your accountant on tax questions.
- Name search (for a named company) and advice on the results
- Articles of incorporation filed with the Ontario Business Registry
- Share structure suited to your plans, including classes for family members or future investors where appropriate
- General by-law and organizational resolutions of the directors and shareholders
- Registers of directors, officers, shareholders and individuals with significant control
- Share certificates issued to the first shareholders
- A complete minute book, organized and ready to maintain
- Business number guidance for registering with the Canada Revenue Agency for HST and payroll
Ontario or federal?
An Ontario corporation is usually the simpler choice for a business operating mainly in Ontario. A federal corporation gives broader name protection across Canada but has its own filings and requirements. We'll explain which suits you before filing.
Starting with partners? Get a shareholder agreement
If the company will have more than one shareholder, a shareholder agreement is as important as the incorporation itself. It sets out who contributes what, how decisions are made, what happens if a partner wants to leave, becomes ill or dies, and how shares are valued and bought back. Partners who sign one at the start, while everyone agrees, avoid most of the disputes we see later. We quote shareholder agreements separately, and can prepare one at the same time as the incorporation.
After incorporation
Your corporation must keep its records up to date and file an annual return each year. Many clients choose our fixed-fee annual minute book maintenance so that resolutions and filings are never missed. See our Minute Books page.
Thinking of buying an existing business or a franchise? We can incorporate the company that will buy it and act on the purchase. See our Franchise page.
How it works
- A short consultation, by video or at our Scarborough office, to settle the name, shareholders, directors and share structure.
- We run the name search, if needed, and prepare the articles.
- You review and approve; we file with the Ontario Business Registry.
- We prepare the by-law, resolutions, registers and share certificates for signature.
- You receive the certificate of incorporation and your complete minute book.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Ontario processes online filings immediately once everything is in order. The overall timing depends mostly on how quickly we settle the structure and receive your signatures.
Can I be the only director and shareholder?
Yes. An Ontario corporation that is not an offering corporation needs at least one director.
Should I incorporate my rental properties?
It depends on the number of properties, financing, tax and land transfer tax consequences. Speak with your accountant, and we'll coordinate with them before you transfer anything.
Can you set up a holding company as well?
Yes. Many owners hold their operating company's shares through a holding company. We'll coordinate the structure with your accountant and incorporate both together.
Do I need a corporate seal?
No. Ontario corporations are not required to have one, though some clients still like to.
Can you incorporate a professional corporation?
Professional corporations have additional requirements from the regulating body, so we quote these separately.
Next step
Call 416-551-1155 or use the contact form to book an incorporation consultation.