Incorporate Ontario Corporation

Incorporating your Ontario corporation is the first step in your entrepreneurial journey. But most of the traditional process for incorporating is like wading through a sea of paperwork. What if there is a faster, simpler way to achieve your entrepreneurship journey goal?

RegiCorp, an Ontario Business Registry official intermediary, allows you to incorporate your business entirely online. Whether you want to incorporate a named or numbered Ontario corporation,. Our business registration system makes it easy to get your business up and running quickly. It only takes a few simple steps within minutes to complete your incorporation using our online form. What does this mean:

  • First, you do not need any kind of printed forms or in-person visits to our office. Complete the entire process from the comfort of your own home or office.
  • By using the online process, you can save valuable time and focus on your other business activities. The online system is designed for efficiency, allowing you to incorporate your business within minutes. You just need to enter your basic information, and that’s it.
  • Our online website helps you minimize errors by providing answers to all your questions in our FAQs section. If needed, you can chat, call, or email us at any time. The interactive platform guides you through each step, ensuring you provide the necessary information correctly.

What you need to get started your Ontario Corporation Online?

There are several key requirements to successfully incorporate Ontario Corporation in Ontario. Firstly, you need to decide on a corporate structure that best suits your business needs, whether it’s a numbered company or a named corporation. A director, regardless of Canadian residency. Ontario exempt residency requirement for director(s)

  • A unique and available business name within Ontario. For name reservation you need an Ontario Name Reservation Report. Our Ontario corporation Package includes unlimited name search beforehand to ensure your chosen name complies with Ontario Name regulations.
  • You must need all directors and shareholders information handy. Including: Directors full names, residential addresses, and citizenship details.
  • Ontario Corporation’s Registered office address and it must be in Ontario. Where official documents can be sent by Government or other interested parties.
  • You must select share structure for your corporation. Currently we offer 3 types of Shares structure:
        • One share class
        • Two classes of shares
        • Custom share class structure

You must need information for any restrictions on share transfers.

  • Corporation’s by-laws
  • A valid debit or credit card: Payment fees are associated with online incorporation.

What are the Benefits of Incorporating Ontario Corporation?

Limited Liability:

  • it protects your personal assets from business debts and liabilities.
  • Company is distinct from its owners and directors.
  • your personal belongings like your house or car are generally shielded from creditors.

Tax Flexibility:

  • corporate tax rate might be different from the personal income tax rate. Lower tax rate than individual.
  • ability to deduct certain business expenses before profits are taxed.
  • Like individual, Corporations have their own tax account and responsibilities.
  • It has right, like a human, to invest in real estate, purchase shares and bonds from other corporations

Perpetual Existence & Name Protection:

  • Unlike a sole proprietorship, owner or directors dies can not expired its lifespan. Even if ownership changes or founders pass away.
  • Once name is incorporated, no one can take your name.
  • Corporation has legal ability to pursue action against conflicting business names or can sue against other.

What’s the difference between provincial and federal incorporation in Ontario?

Provincial incorporation is suitable for businesses operating mainly within Ontario, offering simpler compliance and cost-effectiveness. Federal incorporation gives the right to operate under the same name across Canada but involves more complex regulatory compliance.

Director Requirements for Ontario Incorporation?

At least one director is required for incorporation:

  • Director must be at least 18 years old
  • Not bankrupt history
  • No criminal history
  • Sound mind.
  • Any Individuals either Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents or not.

Steps of Incorporating Ontario Corporation with RegiCorp

Provide Full Details of Incorporation:

  • Select Corporation type: numbered or named corporation.
  • Enter Your Proposed Corporation Name
  • Select your timeline. 1 hour Rush service available
  • Provide Full Name and Address of Owner/Director/Incorporator
  • Select your Share Structure: 3 types share structure are available.
  • Enter the Business Registered Address
  • Enter main of Your Business Activity

Payment and Checkout:

  • Review Order Details in summery section.
  • Enter Billing & Contact Information
  • Debit or Credit Card Payment Information
  • Submit Order

 Post order Processing Steps:

  • After submitting order, you will get same invoice with details.
  • We’ll assigned a dedicated Agent to complete your full order.
  • Agent will co-ordinate our in-house lawyers, accountant to complete their part.
  • Agent will reserve your corporation’s name with full compliance.

FAQs on Incorporate Ontario Corporation

How long does it take to incorporate online in Ontario?

With RegiCorp your Ontario online incorporation can be completed within minutes and you will get all registration documents in less than 1 hour.

Do I need a lawyer to incorporate online?

RegiCorp make incorporation process smooth without any difficulties. when you register your corporation with RegiCorp you do not need any lawyer.

Can I incorporate federally instead of provincially?

Yes, you can choose to incorporate federally through our Federal Corporation Package.  This offers benefits like operating across provinces without additional registration, but also involves a different process and fees.

What if I want to change my corporation’s information after incorporating?

You can make changes to your corporation’s information after it incorporated, such as the directors or share structure, through our notice of changes with additional filing fee.

What is initial Return?

Initial return is a legally required filing that need to file with Ontario Government after a company is first Registered. Typically, it needs to be submitted within 60 days after incorporation. The main purpose of the initial return is to Inform the government of the corporation’s existence and its basic details.

The initial return usually contains the following information about the corporation, such as:

      • Company name and registered office address
      • Names and contact details of directors and shareholders.
      • Share structure and initial issuance of shares.
      • Bylaws (depending on the jurisdiction)

                  File Initial Return

 

What Roles should I choose for my corporation?

A corporation has various roles and it depend on the necessity of a corporation and it make sure smooth operation and success of a corporation.

These roles can be broadly categorized into the following groups:

  • Executive Officers:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): CEO is the highest-ranking officer responsible for the overall management and direction of the corporation. They, set the strategic vision, oversee day-to-day operations, and make critical decisions for the company’s growth and profitability.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): CFO manages the corporation’s financial activities, including budgeting, cash flow, financial reporting, and investment decisions.

Chief Operating Officer (COO): COO oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring efficient execution of strategies and efficient production of goods or services.

  • Board of Directors:

Directors: These individuals are elected by the shareholders and are responsible for overseeing the corporation’s overall management and strategy. Among Board of directors there are President, Treasurer etc. They appoint officers, approve major decisions, and ensure the corporation operates in the best interests of its shareholders.

  • Employees:

Responsibilities: Employees are basically hired to perform various tasks and functions within the corporation for daily activities. Employee are hired depending on their skills and positions. They are responsible for the execution of their assigned duties under the guidance of the corporation’s officers.

Rights: Employees have rights as defined by their employment contracts and labor laws, including wages, benefits, and a safe working environment.

What share class structure should I choose?

For company’s needs corporation issue different kind of share. Companies can issue different classes of shares with varying rights and privileges for shareholders.

Let’s explore the difference between one, two, and multiple classes of shares:

  • Standard Share class (One Class of Shares Common Stock):

This is the simplest and most common structure. All shareholders hold the same type of shares, referred to as common shares. Each share typically carries one vote, granting shareholders voting rights on company decisions during shareholder meetings.

  • Advanced Share Class (Two Classes of Shares, Class A and Class B):

In this structure the company issues two distinct classes of shares (Class A and Class B) with different rights and voting power.

Class A shares typically have greater voting power, allowing the shareholders (often founders or key personnel) to maintain significant control over the company’s direction despite owning a smaller portion of the company.

Class B shares might offer limited voting rights or no voting rights at all, but they may come with higher dividend payouts.

  • Customize Share Class (Multiple Classes of Shares):

It is a more complex class share for a corporation. Basically, when company issues more than two classes of shares they choose Customize Share Class. Each share has a unique set of rights and privileges. These classes can be further customized with varying voting power, dividend preferences, and other special rights like liquidity provisions or conversion features.

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

 

Share Structure Table

 

 

How do I choose a name for my Ontario corporation?

If You want to Incorporate Ontario Corporation , you can opt for a numbered name, which the government assigns, or a named corporation where you choose a unique name. For a named corporation, you’ll need to conduct a NUANS search to ensure the name isn’t already in use.

Can a non-Canadian be a director of an Ontario corporation?

There are no restrictions to be a director of an Ontario Corporation. A non-Canadian or foreigner can be a director. Unless specified in the corporation’s by-laws.

What is Minute Book and why I need it?

A Minute Book is a formal record-keeping document or collection of documents that is used by corporations to compile important legal and administrative records. It can be Physical or Virtual. A physical minute book is a binder that contains corporation documents and records.

minute books can vary, they typically include:

  • Articles of incorporation and any amendments
  • Corporation Bylaws
  • Minutes of all board and shareholder meetings
  • Shareholder Agreements
  • Any Resolutions
  • Copies of all forms filed with the government.
  • Ledgers of directors, officers, shareholders
  • Ledgers of share transfers

A Corporate minute book is not just a formality but a crucial tool for any corporation. It is safeguarding your company’s legal interests, fosters transparency, and facilitates smooth operations, making it an essential element of responsible corporate governance.

Post-Incorporation Steps

With your corporation officially formed, there are a few more steps to take care of:

  • Apply for any necessary business licenses or permits.
  • Set up a corporate bank account.
  • Register for provincial and federal tax accounts as necessary.
  • HST: HST is mandatory only if your corporation grosses $30,000 or more within the same fiscal year
  • WSIB: WSIB (workplace safety and insurance board) has been established by the Province of Ontario to protect employees (workers) in the event of injury while on the job.
  • Payroll: Payroll is mandatory to set up whenever you begin to hire employees for your business.