Incorporate or register a business in Canada
Don't guess your legal structure — set it up the right way
Whether you need a simple sole proprietorship or a federally incorporated company, we handle the legalities, tax registrations (HST and payroll), and corporate structuring so you can focus on growth.
Who this is for
The hustling freelancer (sole proprietor)
You want a simple, low-cost setup to test your business idea, bill clients under your own name or a trade name, and report income on your personal tax return.
The scaling entrepreneur (incorporated)
You want to protect your personal assets, optimise your taxes, build corporate credit, and present a highly professional image to big clients and investors.
The e-commerce & retail founder
You sell products online or in-store, handle physical inventory, face higher liability risks, and need robust legal shielding from the start.
What I do for you
Custom corporate structuring
We analyse your current income, liability risks and growth projections to determine whether a federal or provincial corporation fits best.
Name search & NUANS reports
We run official Canadian NUANS searches to ensure your desired corporate or trade name is unique, legally available and compliant.
Articles of Incorporation & bylaws
We draft and file your legal corporate documents, issue initial shares, and create your minute book so the business is legally airtight.
CRA tax registrations (HST/payroll)
We set up your Business Number with the CRA, register your GST/HST account, and establish payroll accounts if you plan to hire.
Trade name & trademark registration
Want to operate under a different brand name without creating a new company? We register your Master Business Licence and trade name seamlessly.
Ongoing corporate tax strategy
We don't just file your paperwork. We connect you with corporate tax strategies to split income, use the Small Business Deduction, and minimise taxes.
When is it better to choose solo vs corporation?
When to choose a sole proprietorship
- Testing phase: you are trying out a business idea with low overhead and want to see if it generates consistent traction.
- Low legal risk: your business does not involve physical safety risks, large financial contracts, or manufacturing products.
- Net income under $50k–$80k: if the business makes just enough to cover your personal living expenses, incorporating provides little tax benefit because you will have to withdraw all the money anyway.
When to choose a corporation
- High net revenues: you are earning more than you need to live on. Excess profit can be left inside the corporation to be taxed at the low corporate rate and reinvested.
- High risk or liability professions: construction, manufacturing, medical services, SaaS or software, and financial advising face significant legal liability and require a corporate shield.
- Raising capital or hiring: you need to issue equity shares to investors, or attract senior people with stock options.
Sole proprietorship vs corporation in Canada
| Feature | Sole proprietorship | Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | You and your business are the same legal entity. | The corporation is a separate, distinct legal entity. |
| Liability exposure | High. You are personally responsible for all business debts, lawsuits and liabilities. Personal assets — home, car — are at risk. | Limited. Shareholders are generally not personally liable for company debts or legal lawsuits. |
| Taxation rate | Business income is added to your personal income and taxed at marginal personal rates, up to 53% depending on province. | Taxed at lower corporate rates. If eligible for the Small Business Deduction, the active rate is roughly 9% to 12.2%. |
| Setup cost & maintenance | Very low cost, minimal annual paperwork. | Higher upfront cost; requires annual corporate tax filings (T2) and minute book updates. |
| Loss utilisation | Business losses can be used to offset your other personal income, for example from a day job. | Losses remain trapped inside the corporation to offset future corporate profits. |
What is a trade name (Operating As / Doing Business As) and how do you use it?
A trade name — also known as a DBA (Doing Business As) or O/A (Operating As) — is a registered name that a person or corporation uses to conduct business under a name other than their legal name.
- For sole proprietors: if your legal name is John Smith, you can register the trade name Smith Digital Marketing. That lets you open a business bank account, accept cheques, and market yourself under that brand without creating a corporation.
- For corporations: if your legal corporation is 1234567 Ontario Inc. or Apex Holdings Ltd., you can register a trade name like Global Tech Solutions. That lets one corporation run multiple brands or storefronts under a single legal and tax structure.
Important: registering a trade name does not grant trademark protection or exclusive ownership of the name across Canada. It simply allows you to legally advertise and bank under that name.
How much does it cost?
Sole proprietor setup
From $99
Perfect for solo founders. Includes business name search, Master Business Licence registration, and CRA GST/HST account setup guidance.
Full corporate incorporation
Custom quote
Total corporate package including NUANS name search, Articles of Incorporation, federal or provincial filing, digital minute book, share issuance, and CRA Business Number setup.
Full breakdown on the pricing page.
Trusted business registration specialists across Canada
Navigating the Canada Business Corporations Act and provincial regulations can be overwhelming. A minor mistake in your Articles of Incorporation, or registering for the wrong tax accounts, can mean costly corporate restructuring down the road.
We simplify the process. Corporate legal and tax specialists ensure your business is structured correctly from day one to minimise taxes, protect personal assets, and stay compliant with the CRA — so the paperwork is handled while you build the vision.
Business setup FAQ
At what income does incorporating make sense?
There is no single threshold — it depends on how much you leave in the business, your liability exposure and your growth plans. Many owners find it worth modelling once net income is consistently in the low six figures.
Federal or Ontario incorporation?
Ontario is simpler and cheaper if you operate provincially. Federal gives stronger name protection across Canada and suits businesses expanding into other provinces.
How long does it take?
An Ontario incorporation can often be completed within a few business days, with CRA program accounts opened shortly after.
Should I incorporate right away?
Usually not on day one. Incorporation makes financial sense once the business consistently earns more than you need to draw out personally, because the advantage comes from deferring tax on profits left in the company. Before that point a sole proprietorship is simpler, cheaper, and lets early losses offset your other income. The right moment is a calculation, not a milestone.
What CRA accounts will I need?
A Business Number to start with, then HST once you are required to register, and a payroll account if you will have employees — including yourself, if you are incorporated and taking a salary. We set these up together so they are consistent with each other and with how you actually intend to operate.
Does registering a trade name protect it?
No. A trade name registration lets you legally operate and bank under that name, but it grants no trademark protection and no exclusive right to it across Canada. If the brand matters, trademark registration is a separate step — and one worth taking before you invest heavily in the name.
Let's sort this out properly
Book a free consultation and I'll tell you exactly what your situation needs.