What are the ongoing filing requirements for an Ontario corporation?
Ontario corporations must file an annual return with the Ontario Business Registry every year. This is not the same as your corporate income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency — it is a provincial filing that updates the public record with current information about your directors, registered office, and other basics. There is a fee and a filing deadline tied to your anniversary date of incorporation. Failing to file can lead to the corporation being dissolved.
Federally incorporated corporations have a similar obligation to file an annual return with Corporations Canada.
Beyond the annual return, corporations must keep a minute book — a binder or digital record containing the articles of incorporation, bylaws, resolutions, share ledger, register of directors and officers, and other statutory records. Under the Business Corporations Act, this must be maintained at the registered office and is subject to inspection by shareholders.
Annual corporate income tax returns are due within six months of the corporation's fiscal year end, and tax balances are due much earlier (generally within two or three months depending on the situation). HST returns are filed based on your filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annual).
Key takeaways
- Annual returns to the Ontario Business Registry are required each year (different from tax returns).
- A minute book must be maintained with current corporate records.
- Corporate tax returns are due within six months of fiscal year end; balances are due sooner.
- Failure to file can result in dissolution of the corporation.