The proper registration of your business is crucial, and in most cases, mandatory. A business bank account cannot be opened without a business registration number.

Registration of an unincorporated business is a provincial responsibility. Corporations may register either provincially or federally.

Generally, businesses operating in Canada use one of three forms of organization:

1. A proprietorship, which is the simplest form, involving one person. All that is required is a business licence, although a sole proprietorship can operate legally under the individual’s name, even without registration.
2. A partnership, which involves two or more persons, is governed by the Partnership Act of the province. A partnership name must be registered under the Business Names Act by filing a declaration with the Companies Branch at the address below.
3. A corporation or limited company, which is a separate legal entity from its owners.Persons wishing to incorporate a business must file with: Corporate Services Section, Corporate Services Section

Small Business Enterprise Centre, Corporate Services Section Telephone:                         1-800-361-3223

Federal incorporation is effected under the Canada Business Corporations Act by filing articles of incorporation with:

Information and Publication Unit
Industry Canada
Corporations Directorate
365 Laurier Ave., W.,
Journal Tower South, 9th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 1C8

Telephone: 1-613-941-9042, 1-613-941-5789
www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/corporations

To register your business and receive your ‘Business Identification Number’ (BIN), you may go online to Service Ontario. The cost for registration is $80.00.

Business name registration Click Here

What other business information can I change through ServiceOntario and government ministries?

The cost for on-line registration is $60.00 with an extra $8.00 charge if a name search is required. When registering your business you also have the option of applying for your Employer Health Tax and Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) all at the same time. There are no fees involved.

The ‘Business Identification Number‘ – BIN – appears on your ‘Master Business License’

Your BIN # or business registration must be renewed every 5 years. It expires without notice and there is a 60 day grace period in which to re-register. The cost is $60.00.

In 2010 Service Ontario and Industry Canada launched the ‘Business Information Line’. This new toll-free line will allow businesses in Ontario to contact different government departments and ministries through a single telephone number:
(888) 745-8888 or TTY (800) 268-7095 OR Contact us: Business services