How to Register Your Business in Ontario
In order to register a business in Ontario,
you must obtain a Master Business License by registering online,
mailing in your registration, or going to a Service Center in Ontario
to register in person.
According
to the Canadian government website, if you hope to register your
business in Ontario with a different name from your corporation or your
full name, that new name needs to be registered. This new business name
is also called a "trade name" or "operating as" name.
The Cost of Registering a Business in Ontario
The price of registering a business Ontario ranges from $60-$80 and will be valid for a five-year period.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that when you register a
business in Ontario, it does not guarantee the exclusivity of your
business name. If you want to protect your specific business name in
Ontario, you will have to register a separate trademark through the
Trade-Marks act at the federal level.
When you register a business in Ontario
through the Ministry of Government Services, you will be given a Master
Business License with your own personal business registration number.
1. The first step to register a business name in Ontario is to choose your business name.
The name you choose must comply with the Business Regulation Reform Act
of Ontario established in 1997. In order to find out more information
about registering a business in Ontario, you can visit the Canada Ontario Business Services Center website.
2. The next step in is to use the online form available through Service Ontario for quick registration.
This is a user-friendly registration process that allows you to
register your business name, as well as to register through the
insurance and workplace safety board. This will also allow you to apply
for your retail sales tax vendor permit, if that is necessary for your
business.
3. You must also determine if your business name is already taken by searching through the Integrated Business Services Application in both English and French.
4. After that, you can fill out the Integrated Business Services Application form online to register your business as either a partnership, existing corporation, or even sole proprietorship.
5. You also have the option of registering separately with the Business Registration Online program for the federal Canadian Goods and Services Tax.
After you have registered your business, the business
registration name will need to be renewed again in five years. You will
be given the opportunity to renew your business name online and pay the
fee by credit card. If you register your business name in person, you
can pay with check, cash, or money order.
 All of these specific information sheets can be downloaded online to guarantee a simple registration.
From there, you will be given your Master Business License, also known
as the MBL, which will be used as proof of your registration to engage
in all business and tax transactions with the Canadian government.
Points to Keep in Mind
- You can register your business in Ontario online, in person, or via mail.
- It is important to register your business name in Ontario to
adhere to all business and tax requirements of the Canadian government.
- You can search online by business name to find out if your business name has already been taken.
- Your business registration name lasts for five years, and then must be renewed.
Related Resources From A Touch of Business
6 Easy Steps to a Good Business Name
Coming Up With a Good Business Name
Business Name Search – Where Do You Start?
Naming a Company - 8 Tips to Keep in Mind
Related Resources From the Web
Business Name Registration Information
How to Register Your Business Name (Ontario)
How to Choose a Company Name: A 12-Point Test
How to Name Your Business
Video
How to Register or Incorporate a Business in Ontario
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