How much does it cost to incorporate in Ontario?

The government filing fee for incorporating an Ontario corporation varies depending on whether you apply online through the Ontario Business Registry or use paper forms; online filings are generally faster and less expensive. Federal (CBCA) incorporation has its own filing fee through Corporations Canada.

The government fee alone does not tell the full story. Doing a named incorporation requires a NUANS name search report, which has its own cost. Numbered corporations avoid this step but require a trade name registration if you want to operate under a business name.

Beyond government fees, the realistic costs for a proper incorporation include legal fees for a lawyer to prepare and file articles, draft bylaws, prepare the initial resolutions and organizational minutes, set up the share register, and establish the minute book. Legal fees vary significantly by law firm, location, and complexity of the share structure. Simple incorporations with a straightforward share structure cost less than multi-class structures with shareholder agreements and family trusts.

Ongoing annual costs include the provincial annual return fee, corporate tax return preparation (by an accountant, which costs more than a personal return), and minute-book maintenance. Before incorporating, weigh these recurring costs against the benefits at your current revenue and risk level.