Resources for Canadian Incorporation
Essential resources, forms, and guides for incorporating your business
Government Resources
Corporations Canada
Federal incorporation services and information
Website: ic.gc.ca
File federal articles of incorporation, search corporate names, and access federal corporate forms.
Canada Revenue Agency
Tax registration and business number services
Website: canada.ca/revenue-agency
Register for GST/HST, payroll accounts, and obtain your Business Number (BN).
NUANS
Name search and reservation services
Website: nuans.com
Conduct name searches and obtain name reservation reports for incorporation.
Provincial Registries
- Ontario: ServiceOntario - Business Registry
- British Columbia: BC Registry Services
- Alberta: Corporate Registry (Alberta)
- Quebec: Registraire des entreprises
- Manitoba: Companies Office
- Saskatchewan: Corporate Registry
- Nova Scotia: Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- New Brunswick: Corporate Registry
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Registry of Companies
- Prince Edward Island: Corporate Registry
Essential Forms and Documents
Articles of Incorporation
Template documents for federal and provincial incorporation. Available from respective corporate registries.
Corporate Bylaws
Sample bylaws to govern your corporation's internal operations and procedures.
Minute Book Templates
Organizational meeting minutes and resolutions templates for your corporate records.
Share Certificates
Templates for issuing shares to shareholders upon incorporation.
Helpful Guides and Checklists
- Pre-Incorporation Checklist: Ensure you have all necessary information before filing
- Post-Incorporation Checklist: Steps to take immediately after incorporation
- Annual Compliance Guide: Ongoing requirements to maintain your corporation
- Tax Planning Guide: Understanding corporate tax obligations and benefits
- Name Selection Guide: Tips for choosing an effective corporate name
Professional Services
While you can incorporate on your own, many businesses benefit from professional assistance:
- Lawyers: Legal advice on corporate structure, shareholder agreements, and compliance
- Accountants: Tax planning, bookkeeping setup, and financial structuring
- Corporate Service Providers: Incorporation services, registered office, and corporate maintenance
- Business Consultants: Strategic advice on business structure and operations
Additional Resources
- Industry Canada: Business information and statistics
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Financing and business advice
- Canada Business Network: Information on starting and managing a business
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office: Trademark and patent information
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Information on hiring employees
Stay Updated
Corporate laws and regulations can change. It's important to:
- Subscribe to updates from your corporate registry
- Review annual return requirements each year
- Stay informed about changes in corporate law
- Consult with professionals when regulations change
Need More Help?
If you have questions about incorporating your business or need assistance finding specific resources, please contact us for guidance.