Is an Ontario annual return the same as a federal annual return?

No, they are different filings. Federal corporations incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act file their annual return directly with Corporations Canada, typically online. Ontario corporations incorporated under the Ontario Business Corporations Act file theirs directly with the Ontario Business Registry, separately from the corporate income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency.

A corporation can be incorporated both federally and provincially, but most businesses choose one jurisdiction. If you are a federal corporation carrying on business in Ontario, you must also register as an extra-provincial corporation with Ontario and maintain compliance in both jurisdictions, which may mean separate filings.

The information required differs slightly between federal and provincial returns, but both capture basic corporate details such as registered office address, director information, and officer information. If your corporation operates in multiple provinces, it is worth confirming which filings apply to you. A corporate lawyer or accountant can help map out all your obligations so nothing is missed.