Overview
Registering a business in Ontario involves several steps and costs, which vary depending on the type of business you are registering. The process includes selecting the appropriate organizational structure, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting it either online, by mail, or via email. Understanding the fees, payment methods, and applicable timelines can significantly smooth your business registration process. This guide offers comprehensive information about the costs associated with registering a business in Ontario, including details about service times, fees, and accepted payment methods for various types of corporations and business entities.
Accepted methods of payment
Online
Registering a business online is often the most convenient and quickest method. Payments for online submissions can usually be made by credit card, debit card, or through electronic funds transfer. Online registration platforms are designed to be user-friendly and secure, ensuring your payment information is protected. In addition to security and ease, online payments allow for faster processing times, often reducing the time it takes to get your business registered compared to traditional methods. The Government of Ontario’s online portal provides comprehensive guidelines and assistance to help you navigate through the registration process.
By mail
If you prefer or need to register your business by mail, several payment options are available. You can generally pay by cheque or money order, made payable to the Minister of Finance. It’s essential to include all necessary documentation and ensure your payment method is correct to avoid delays. Registering by mail may take longer due to transit and processing times. However, it remains a viable option, especially for those who may not have access to online methods or prefer more traditional approaches.
By email
Email registration can be an efficient alternative, especially for business entities that already have digital versions of required documents. Payment methods commonly accepted for email submissions include credit card or electronic funds transfer. When registering by email, it is crucial to ensure that all your documentation is accurately completed and attached. Any discrepancies or missing information can lead to delays, which can ultimately impact the timeline for your business registration.
Our service standards and fees
Business Corporations Act: service times and fees
Under the Business Corporations Act, registering a business corporation typically involves specific fees that can vary. As per the latest rates, the standard fee for incorporating a new business online is $360, with expedited processing available at higher costs. Service times can range from a few hours to several days, depending on whether you opt for regular or expedited services. It’s always recommended to consult the official guidelines for the most current fees and service times.
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010: service times and fees
For entities registering under the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010, the fees and service times also vary. The standard cost to incorporate a not-for-profit corporation is typically around $155. Service times can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documentation and the selected processing speed. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Co-operative Corporations Act: service times and fees
The Co-operative Corporations Act details specific requirements and fees for registering a co-operative business. The standard fee for this type of registration is approximately $100. Service times for co-operative corporations can vary, with typical processing times ranging from one to several weeks based on the accuracy and completeness of the submission.
Corporations Act: service times and fees
Under the Corporations Act, the fees for registering different types of corporations can differ. The typical fee for incorporating a general business corporation is about $360, similar to the Business Corporations Act. Service times are influenced by the completeness of the documentation and whether the standard or expedited service is chosen. Processing can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Extra-Provincial Corporations Act: foreign corporation service times and fees
Registering a foreign corporation under the Extra-Provincial Corporations Act involves additional fees and varying service times. The registration fee for foreign corporations is typically around $330. Service times usually range from several days to a few weeks, based on the processing method and completeness of the submitted information. Expedited services are available at an additional cost.
Corporations Information Act: service times and fees
The Corporations Information Act mandates specific fees for filing various corporate information documents. The standard fee for filing these documents is around $25. Service times can usually vary, often taking from a few days up to several weeks for processing, depending on the volume and completeness of the information submitted.
Business Names Act: registration and filing service times and fees
Under the Business Names Act, registering a business name generally costs around $60 to $80. This fee includes the initial search and registration of the business name. Service times can range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the method of submission and the completeness of the documentation. Expedited services may be available at an additional fee.
Limited Partnerships Act: registration and filing service times and fees
The Limited Partnerships Act specifies particular fees for registering limited partnerships. The standard fee for this registration is approximately $210. Processing times vary but generally take from several days to a few weeks, depending on the accuracy of the submission and the selected processing speed.
Corporate Search: products and service times and fees
Conducting a corporate search to obtain information about existing corporations typically involves a fee. The cost for these searches can range from $8 to $26, depending on the depth and type of search required. Service times for corporate searches usually range from instantaneous for online searches to several days for more detailed reports.
Business Name, Limited Partnership (BNLP): search products service times and fees
Search services for business names or limited partnerships (BNLP) commonly involve a fee that ranges from $8 to $26, similar to corporate searches. The service time for these searches often depends on the method of search—online searches are quicker, typically providing results within minutes, while more detailed searches may take longer.
Applicable acts and regulations
Various legislative frameworks govern the registration of businesses in Ontario. These include the Business Corporations Act, Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010, Co-operative Corporations Act, Corporations Act, Extra-Provincial Corporations Act, Corporations Information Act, Business Names Act, and Limited Partnerships Act. Each of these acts has specific mandates, regulations, and requirements that businesses must comply with. Understanding these laws can help you determine which category your business falls into and what specific steps and fees are involved for that category. It is advisable to consult legal or professional guidance to ensure you fully understand the requirements of the applicable acts and regulations. Compliance guarantees smoother processing and can save time and resources.
Contact us
For more information or assistance with registering your business, you can reach out to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services or the official business registration portals provided by the Government of Ontario. Their contact details, including emails and phone numbers, are usually available on the official websites. Reaching out can provide guidance and clarification on any questions you might have regarding the registration process, fees, and documentation requirements. Engaging with customer service representatives can also help you address specific challenges or obtain additional resources, ensuring a smoother registration experience for your business.
Lessons learned
Registering a business in Ontario involves understanding the appropriate steps, fees, and timelines as governed by various acts and regulations. Here’s a summarized look:
| Method | Payment Options | Service Times | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Credit Card, Debit Card, Electronic Funds Transfer | Few hours to several days | $60 – $360 |
| By Mail | Cheque, Money Order | Several days to weeks | $60 – $360 |
| By Email | Credit Card, Electronic Funds Transfer | Several days to weeks | $60 – $360 |
| Business Corporations Act | Various | Few hours to several days | $360 |
| Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 | Various | Few days to several weeks | $155 |
| Co-operative Corporations Act | Various | One to several weeks | $100 |
| Corporations Act | Various | Few hours to several days | $360 |
| Extra-Provincial Corporations Act | Various | Several days to weeks | $330 |
| Corporations Information Act | Various | Few days to several weeks | $25 |
| Business Names Act | Various | Few days to weeks | $60 – $80 |
| Limited Partnerships Act | Various | Several days to weeks | $210 |
| Corporate Search | Various | Instant to several days | $8 – $26 |
| BNLP Search | Various | Minutes to several days | $8 – $26 |
