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Registering
How to register a business?
If you plan to operate a business in Ontario, open a business bank account, and/or advertise under a business name, you will need to register your business name.
The Process to Register your business in Ontario is done ONLINE.
There are two ways you can register your business in Ontario:
Option 1 – OWNR
If you would like to register a sole proprietorship or a corporation, one option is to use a licensed platform called OWNR. It is a very user-friendly platform that can help you register your business in minutes. Complete with 30 free business name searches, exclusive discounts and offers for your business, and dedicated customer support to guide you every step of the way.
Use OWNR to receive 20% off your business registration, incorporation, or managed corporation plan today. Managed corporation plans also include unlimited access to OWNR’s legal agreement library.
When registering through OWNR, your account will be given a Company Key that can be used to access the Ontario Business Registry to make any changes to the company if needed in the future.
When registering with OWNR you will be prompted to book an appointment with a financial institution to open a business bank account. If you click the option “Open an account in-branch” this will skip that step and allow you to proceed with the registration.
Click here to register your business through OWNR today!
Note the following link will take you off the London SBC website
Partnerships cannot be registered through OWNR.
Option 2 – Ontario Business Registry (Through Service Ontario)
The first step is to create a My Ontario account. Ensure you have a valid email address for confirmation purposes and make sure that you keep all your login credentials secure for future use.
- The cost to register or renew a sole proprietorship or partnership is $60.
- The cost to incorporate your business through this platform is $300.
- The cost to add an operating name to a numbered corporation is $60.
- (If you require a named corporation, you will need to have completed a NUANS name search before incorporating. The name search costs $13.80 and can be completed (insert link to NUANS here). You will have to include “Inc.” “Ltd.” or “Corp.” in your name search even though the NUANS website will say not to.)
- Note: Only VISA, VISA/Debit, Mastercard, or Mastercard/Debit are accepted payment methods, and an email is required for all forms of registration).
An Ontario Business Licence is valid for 5 years. If you had a licence which is older then 5 years (and more than 60 days past the expiry date) then you will have to register a new licence. If your licence is less than 5 years old and you need to renew it, you will have to request what is known as a Company Key on the Ontario Business Registry. This Company Key is a code that once requested is sent to you either by email or postcard which will allow you to claim your licence and tie it to a new My Ontario Account. Once the old licence is tied to the new account you will be able to pay the $60 to renew your previous licence. (As this process tends to cause some confusion, it may be easier to let your previous licence fully expire and just register again under a new business licence with the same name).
Click here to take you to the Ontario Business Registry website to register online.
Note: the following link will take you off the London SBC website
Business Number
These processes register your business for a Business Identification Number (BIN) (or an Ontario Corporation Number (OCN)) and not a Business Number (BN). A business number (BN) is your single account number for dealing with the federal government regarding taxes, payroll, import or 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). For more information, contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525.
Learn More About Registering a Business
Business Name Registration
A Business Name Registration, previously known as Master Business Licence (MBL), is a registration statement document from Service Ontario, that allows business owners to legally operate their business under the designated name. Any brands you see advertising publicly, can only legally do so in Ontario by registering for this licence.
It includes the registration and expiry dates, as well as a Business Identification Number. It can also be used as proof of registration for a business name at financial institutions. A Business Name registration is required to be renewed every five years. It is the registrant’s responsibility to keep the information on the registration up-to-date and to renew the registration on time. The Branch does not issue reminders.
Penalties for Not Registering
Under the Business Names Act, fines of up to $2,000 can be levied against individuals and up to $25,000 for corporations failing to register or registering false or misleading information.
Registration of Similar or Identical Names
The Business Names Act does not prohibit the registration of identical names. Still, if you decide to use a name that is the same or confusingly similar to that of an existing business, it could result in a lawsuit. The person registering the name also assumes full responsibility for any risk of confusion with an existing corporation, business name, or trademark.
The registrant of a business name who has suffered damages because someone else has registered the same name, or one that is deceptively similar, can take legal action through the courts. The Business Names Act entitles you to recover compensation for damages suffered and provides for a court order cancelling the registration that was the cause of the action.
Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search (NUANS)
One of the most comprehensive searches of company names and related information is called a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search). This search includes registered trademarks, registered business names (which include trade names) and incorporated company names. The NUANS can be conducted through their website located at www.nuans.com.
Additional Business Registrations and Licences
The Service Ontario website will also provide information and access to additional registrations you may require for your business, such as Employer Health Tax and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Depending on the type of business you start, you may also require registrations and licensing through your federal and municipal governments. Information on federal registrations can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website www.cra-arc.gc.ca. These may include registrations for HST, Import/Export Accounts and Payroll Deductions. Some municipalities also require additional licences, taxes and have specific zoning requirements. For information on the city of London requirements, visit the website www.london.ca.
BizPal
BizPal is a one-stop website that provides simplified online access to information on registrations, permits and licences you may need to start and run your business. This unique partnership among federal, provincial, and local governments is designed to help you find all requirements in one location. Visit www.bizpal.ca, input the information for your business and a list of permits, registrations and licences will be generated.