Table of contents
How to register your business name
Incorporating your business
Regulations, licences and permits
Business number registration
Taxation
Hiring employees
How to register your business name
Business name registration applies to entrepreneurs who want to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership or an operating name (trade name) for a corporation. The name of a new business must be registered if it is different than the business owner’s legal name. For information on how to set up a corporation, see the Incorporating your business section below.
You can complete an optional name search and register your business in the following ways:
- Through ServiceOntario's website
- By mailing an application to the address indicated on the form
The cost to register a business is $60. Your registration is valid for five years, at which time it must be renewed.
Use online:
Register your business online
Incorporating your business
A corporation is a legal entity that separates the business from its owner/operator. You can choose to incorporate federally or provincially. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Provincial incorporation
Incorporating your business provincially allows you to do business under a corporate name in Ontario. Corporate name protection applies in Ontario, and you can open offices/stores within the province.
Contact ServiceOntario:
1-800-361-3223
Ontario business incorporation
Federal incorporation
If you incorporate your business federally, you can open locations within Ontario and/or in other provinces and territories across Canada. If you open offices/stores in different provinces, you will be required to register your business in those locations. Federal incorporation also provides corporate name protection across the country.
Contact Corporations Canada:
1-866-333-5556
How to incorporate a business
Professional corporations
If you are a regulated professional (e.g. healthcare professionals, social workers, accountants) you may be able to provincially incorporate your practice as a professional corporation.
Some key features of professional corporations are:
- Limited liability protection
- Access to external investment funding
- Advantages of corporate tax rules
- Corporate status
Regulated professions can contact the relevant regulatory body and the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery:
1-800-361-3223
Professional corporations
Personal Real Estate Corporations (PREC)
If your are a broker or salesperson registered in Ontario to deal in real estate you may wish to explore the option offered by a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) (not a professional corporation).
Contact the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO):
1-800-245-6910
Personal real estate corporations
Regulations, licences and permits
Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. You can use BizPaL to find the licences and regulations that may affect your business.
Business number registration
Your Business Number is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import/export and other activities. If you plan to hire employees, or if you will be importing and/or exporting products or services, you will need to get a business number.
If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to charge and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.
Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Business taxes
Business number
Taxation
Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may also apply.
Read online:
Taxation guide
E-business and selling to customers outside of Ontario
Hiring employees
It is important that you know your obligations and opportunities when it comes to hiring employees, and familiarize yourself with current labour market conditions.
Some of the things you will want to consider when hiring staff are:
- Recruitment practices
- Payroll
- Tax returns
- Employment standards
Read online:
Employment regulations: Hiring