Business Registration
Guidance and support for registering your business the right way, whether that's a sole proprietorship or a BC or federal corporation, along with the accounts you'll need to operate.
Who this is for
Is this service right for you?
- New business owners deciding between a sole proprietorship and a corporation
- Founders ready to incorporate in BC or federally
- Businesses that need a CRA Business Number and related accounts
- Sole proprietors converting to a corporation as they grow
What's included
Here's what we handle
- Discussion of sole proprietorship versus incorporation for your situation
- Name search and reservation support
- Incorporation filing (BC or federal, as applicable)
- CRA Business Number registration
- GST/HST account registration where required
- Payroll account registration where required
- Coordination on minute book requirements, where offered
Process
How we work together
- 01
Discovery conversation
We discuss your business plans, liability considerations, and tax implications.
- 02
Structure decision
Together we confirm whether a sole proprietorship or corporation fits your stage and goals.
- 03
Registration
We handle the name search, incorporation or registration filing, and required CRA accounts.
- 04
Getting started
You leave with the accounts and documentation needed to start operating and invoicing.
Getting started
Documents you'll likely need
To Get Started
- Proposed business name(s)
- Names and addresses of owners or directors
- Intended business activity
- Registered office address, if incorporating
A note on document sharing
Special situations
We also help with
- Converting an existing sole proprietorship into a corporation
- Multiple shareholders with a shareholder agreement in progress
- Federal incorporation for businesses operating in multiple provinces
FAQ
Common questions
It depends on your liability exposure, expected income, and growth plans. A sole proprietorship is simpler to set up and wind down; a corporation offers liability separation and different tax planning options but comes with more ongoing administration. We'll walk through the trade-offs with you.
No. We provide accounting and tax-focused business registration support, not legal advice. Where a matter requires legal counsel — such as a shareholder agreement — we'll let you know so you can involve a lawyer.
At minimum a CRA Business Number, and typically a corporate income tax account. Depending on your activity, you may also need GST/HST and payroll accounts — we help set these up together rather than one at a time.
Related
You may also be interested in
Corporate Tax — T2
T2 corporate returns, year-end financials, and tax planning for incorporated businesses.
Learn moreGST/HST & PST
Registration, filing, and ongoing compliance for federal and BC sales tax.
Learn morePayroll
Payroll processing, remittances, and year-end filings handled accurately and on time.
Learn moreReady when you are
Ready to get started with Business Registration?
Book a consultation and we'll walk through exactly what your situation needs.