How to Register a Company Name in Ontario

Registering your business in Ontario requires five simple steps.

Registering a business name in Ontario is a fairly straight-forward process.

Things You'll Need

• basic information about your business

Instructions

1. Choose a business name. If you decide to use your own name---with no additions to it (such as & Sons)---for your business, then you do not need to register it.

2. Decide how you would like to register your business name:
   1. Through ServiceOntario's website (see ontario.ca/en/services_for_business/STEL02_039990)
   2. In person at a ServiceOntario center. For a list of locations, see ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT04_020859
   3. By mail. You can search for a copy of the necessary form here: forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf?opendatabase&ENV=WWE

3. You will likely want to search to see if someone else is using your chosen business name. A search of the Companies and Personal Property Security Branch will tell you if anyone has registered the name and where they are located. You can search the business name at the same time as you register the business. As of 2010, the fee for this service ranged from $8-$26, depending on the report you require. You can search for business names online from Monday to Friday between 8:30a.m. and 6:30p.m.

4. Register your business name and obtain your Master Business License. You'll need to provide some basic information about your business: its name, location and a description of the primary business activity.

   In 2010, the fee is $60 to register online, and $80 to register in person or by mail. Service times vary as well. An in-branch registration will be immediate, by mail will take six to eight weeks, and online, you will receive your Master Business License in the mail within ten business days. You can also request an electronic version.

5. Register for any other licenses you may need. You can register for GST/HST when you register your business. You may also apply for the Retail Sales Tax, Employer Health Tax and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

References

• ServiceOntario Services for Businesses: Business Name Search, Registration and Renewal

Resources

• ServiceOntario: Information About Business Name, Limited Partnerships and Corporate Searches
• Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services: Registering Your Business Name in Ontario