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Starting a business in Ontario: register a name, GST/HST and licences

Where to register a business name in Ontario, the steps in order, federal registrations and where to find grants.

Where to register

Business names and incorporations in Ontario are handled by the Ontario Business Registry (ServiceOntario). Register online through the Ontario Business Registry: you create an Ontario.ca login and an Ontario Business Account. A registered business name is not a licence to operate, and the provincial business number is different from the CRA business number.

Official page: register a business ↗

The steps, in order

  1. Choose a structure: sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation. It changes your personal liability, your taxes and your paperwork; for anything beyond a very small activity, talk to an accountant or lawyer.
  2. Check and register the name with the registry above, if your province requires it for your structure.
  3. Get a federal business number from the CRA if you will have employees, charge GST/HST, or file corporate tax. Your province's registry may obtain it for you.
  4. Register for GST/HST when you must: generally once your taxable revenue passes $30,000 in a single calendar quarter (then you register within 29 days of that sale) or over four consecutive calendar quarters; you can register earlier by choice. Use our sales tax calculator for the rates in your province.
  5. Check licences and permits: your municipality, your trade or sector, and workers' compensation if you will have employees.
  6. Keep your books and pay on time: self-employed people file their income tax by June 15 but still pay by April 30 (see our tax filing guide).

You will also need online accounts for the CRA and your province: see government online accounts. Looking for grants, loans and programs? Use the business programs finder.

Procedures only: fees, forms and waiting times change, so the official page is the authority. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Quebec has its own rules: see AtlasQuébec.

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