Can you do this yourself?

Nine quick questions. They tell you whether an Ontario corporation you set up yourself is the right route, before you create an account.

Will the corporation's head office be in Ontario? *

Yes No

Why we ask

This service incorporates under Ontario's Business Corporations Act. A head office elsewhere means another province's corporation or a federal one.

Is the business a regulated profession (medicine, dentistry, law, accounting, engineering, architecture, veterinary medicine, chiropractic and the like)? *

Yes No

Why we ask

A professional corporation needs its regulator's certificate of authorization, a name in a prescribed form and shareholding rules. That is a lawyer's job.

Is it a not-for-profit or a charity? *

Yes No

Do you want a federal corporation (Corporations Canada) rather than an Ontario one? *

No, an Ontario corporation Yes, federal Not sure

Why we ask

A federal corporation protects the name across Canada but is registered in Ontario as well; most small businesses choose Ontario. Not sure is fine: ask us.

How many owners (shareholders) will there be? *

One Two to five More than five

Are there outside investors, or partners with unequal shares who will want a shareholders' agreement? *

Yes No

Why we ask

The incorporation itself is the same, but partners usually need a shareholders' agreement (who decides, what happens if one leaves). Our lawyers draft those.

Does any owner or director live outside Canada? *

Yes No

Why we ask

Ontario no longer requires a resident Canadian director, but owners abroad can mean tax and reporting questions worth a lawyer's or accountant's look.

Is the corporation already incorporated (you need the by-laws, resolutions and minute book only)? *

Yes No

Will it have a name, or be a numbered company? *

A name A numbered company Not sure yet

Why we ask

A named corporation needs a NUANS name search report before filing; a numbered company (for example 1234567 Ontario Inc.) does not.

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