How to Register a Company With the Government of Ontario

Register your company with the Government of Ontario.

Companies in Ontario are registered through the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. You can register your company online. Providing information on your business, such as type, size and name, is required to register. In addition, you can only register a company name that isn't already registered and you will be provided with a service to make sure of this. Once registered, you will be given a business identification number, and this will last five years.

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of business you will run. Document whether it will be a sole proprietorship, partnership or cooperation; this is a requirement for registration.

2. Search for business names already registered. You can do this through the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services website (see Resources). As of 2010, the cost for a detailed report is $8 and $16 for a certified business names report.

3. Go to Service Ontario's Business Name and Renewal website and follow the instructions to register your company's name. As of 2010, the fee to register your business is $60. Provide documentation of the name, your legal name and contact information. You must also answer questions in regards to whether or not you will hire employees and how much your annual payroll will be.

Tips & Warnings

• Renew your registration every five years through Service Ontario. You must pay any applicable fees and submit up-to-date documentation on the state of your business, such as financial and employee data.

References

• Service Ontario: Business Name Search, Registration, and Renewal

Resources

• Service Ontario: Business Name Search
• Service Ontario: Business Name Registration and Renewal