Introduction
One of the most common questions from entrepreneurs is: what is the real cost to incorporate in Ontario? Understanding the full picture of fees and expenses helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This guide breaks down the costs associated with incorporate company Ontario services at both the provincial and federal level.
Government Filing Fees
The base cost to incorporate in Ontario at the provincial level includes a government filing fee paid to the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery. This fee applies when submitting your Articles of Incorporation to the Ontario Business Registry. Government fees are set by the province and are non-negotiable regardless of which service provider you use.
If you choose federal incorporation instead, a separate fee is paid to Corporations Canada. Federal incorporation also requires extraprovincial registration in Ontario (and any other provinces where you operate), which carries an additional fee.
Business Name Search Costs
If you want a named company rather than a numbered company, a NUANS name search report is required before you can incorporate company Ontario with a specific name. This report has its own cost and must be completed before submitting your Articles of Incorporation. The report is valid for a limited time, so it is important to proceed with filing promptly after receiving it.
If you opt for a numbered company, you can skip the name search entirely, which reduces both time and cost.
Service Provider Fees
Most entrepreneurs use a professional incorporation service to handle their filing. These services charge a fee on top of the government filing costs. The service fee typically covers document preparation, filing on your behalf, and sometimes a digital minute book. The range varies depending on the level of service and the provider.
When evaluating the cost to incorporate in Ontario, it is important to compare what is included in each package. Some providers offer low headline prices but charge separately for items like the minute book, registered office service, or document delivery.
Ongoing Annual Costs
Incorporation is not a one-time expense. After you incorporate company Ontario, there are ongoing obligations to keep in mind. Ontario corporations are required to file an annual return with the government to keep their corporate status active. This involves a fee and must be completed each year. Missing the annual return can result in penalties or the corporation being dissolved.
Additionally, corporations must file corporate tax returns each year with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which may involve accounting or tax filing fees depending on whether you handle this in-house or use a professional service.
Final Thoughts
The total cost to incorporate in Ontario depends on your specific situation — whether you choose a named or numbered company, provincial or federal incorporation, and which service provider you work with. Getting a clear, itemized breakdown before committing to any service will help you make an informed and confident decision.
