Do all businesses have to register their business name?
Almost all businesses in Canada must register their business name in their respective provinces or territories except for sole proprietorships that use only the owner's legal name with no additions. All other forms of business ownership, including partnerships, must register their business names.
What are the steps that I need to take to register my business name?
The basic procedure to register a business name for a sole proprietorship or partnership is to conduct a business name search, fill out the appropriate business registration form, and pay your fee. The procedure to register a business name for a corporation is more involved. Besides conducting a name search and getting a NUANS report, if you wish to set up a named corporation, you will also have to prepare Articles of Incorporation, a cover letter and an incorporation application to go along with your fee.
How often must I renew my business’s name?
You must renew your business’s name it every five years; however, you can renew a registration within 60 days after it expires.
What are the steps that I need to take to register my business’s name?
In order to complete registration of your business name, you will need to provide the name and address of the business where legal papers can be served, as well as the name and home addresses of each partner where a partnership has 10 or fewer partner. You will also need to provide a description of the business activity being performed; and a valid email address if you are registering via email.
If I register my business name, does that mean that I have exclusivity to the name?
No it does not. Registering your business name does not mean that you have exclusivity. That will require you to trademark your name. While the Business Names Act does not prohibit you from registering a name that is the same or similar to others, you may find yourself in a lawsuit. That is why it is best to conduct a names search first to make sure that no one else is using the name that you want.
Where do I go to register my business name?
You can register your business name online, mail, or register in person.
To register online, you can register with the following services:
- Service Canada’s Business Name Registration Service
- Service providers Cyberbahn, ESC Corporate Services Ltd, and OnCorp Direct Inc. or
- CRA’s Business Registration Online Service
Does every business in Canada require a business license to operate?
No, it will depend on where you live and the nature of your business. Every province and municipality within a province will have their own regulations. Biz Pal and the City of Toronto are tools that can help you find out whether you need a business license to operate your business.
What ID and documentation will I need to get a business license in Canada?
You will need the following to receive a business license in Canada
- a business location/address;
- a copy of provincial business name registration
- Two pieces of government-issued identification:
o proof of work status, such as a Canadian Passport or Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Work Permit, Canadian Birth Certificate; and
o a valid photo ID such as a Driver's License, Photo Identification Card, Canadian Passport. Note that Health Cards are not accepted.
Where can I find out whether my profession requires a professional certification to operate?
Certain types of home-based businesses, such as daycare centers, hairstyling, legal services, or financial advisor services, require state or federal professional licensing or certification. Contact The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials to obtain a list of all occupations or businesses that require professional licensing.
Do all businesses require a business number?
Not all businesses require a business number. Registration is mandatory if your business makes $30,000 or more per year. You can register your business with Business Registration Online.
A number is necessary if you require:
- GST/HST
- Payroll
- Excise
- Corporate income tax
- Import/export account
What do I need to do to get a Masters Business License?
If you are operating a sole proprietorship, you will receive a Masters Business License when you register for a business name. Your business name must be renewed every five years as it will expire. Please note a Master Business License is not issued for registration of a business name for a Partnership/Limited Partnership or for an Ontario Limited Liability Partnership, Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Partnership or Extra-Provincial Limited Liability Company.
Will I need a vendor’s permit or sales tax permit to operate my business?
If your business sells goods, whether online or not, you may be required to have a Sales Tax Permit, sometimes referred to as a Vendor’s Permit. In Canada, businesses are obligated to register and collect Goods and Service Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) if they are selling over $30,000 CAD in the last four quarters.
