28 February 2026
How to Register a Corporation in Canada: 2026 Guide
Whether you're launching a startup, expanding an existing business, or protecting personal assets, learning how to register a corporation in Canada 2026 guide–style is the crucial first step. Federal incorporation costs as little as $200 online through Corporations Canada, while B.C. provincial incorporation is $350 plus a $30 name approval fee. This guide walks you through every step—from choosing between federal and provincial incorporation, to naming your corporation, filing articles, setting up CRA accounts, and meeting ongoing compliance requirements.
Why Incorporate?
Incorporation creates a separate legal entity that limits your personal liability, enables income splitting through dividends, provides access to the small business tax rate (11% combined in B.C. on the first $500,000 of active income vs. up to 53.5% personal), and enhances credibility with clients, banks, and partners. Whether you choose federal or provincial incorporation, this register a corporation in Canada 2026 guide covers the complete process.
Step 1: Federal vs. Provincial Incorporation
The first decision is whether to incorporate federally under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) or provincially under your province's corporate legislation:
Federal Incorporation
- Name protection across all of Canada
- Operate in any province (must register extra-provincially)
- Credibility for national or international business
- Director residency: at least 25% must be resident Canadians
- Additional cost to register in each province you operate
Provincial Incorporation (B.C.)
- Name protection within B.C. only
- Simpler process, fewer ongoing federal requirements
- No director residency requirement in B.C.
- Lower ongoing filing costs within B.C.
- Must register extra-provincially to operate elsewhere
Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Corporate Name
Your corporation needs either a specific word name or a numbered name:
Word Name
A specific name like "Maple Leaf Technologies Inc." Must be distinguishable from existing names.
Numbered Name
A number assigned automatically, like "12345678 Canada Inc." No name search required.
Step 3: Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation
The articles of incorporation define your corporation's structure. Here's what you need to decide:
Directors
Specify the number of directors (fixed or min/max range). Federal: at least 25% must be resident Canadians. B.C. provincial: no residency requirement. Minimum one director.
Share Structure
Define share classes (common, preferred), rights, restrictions, and maximum authorized shares. A simple single-class common share structure works for most small businesses.
Registered Office
Designate a physical address in the incorporating jurisdiction where corporate records are kept and legal notices can be served. Can be your business address or a registered agent.
Business Restrictions
Decide whether to restrict business activities (rare for most small businesses) or allow the corporation to carry on any lawful business. Most articles impose no restrictions.
Where to File
Federal
File online through the CBCA incorporation wizard. Processing is typically same-day for online filings.
B.C. Provincial
File through Corporate Online. Standard processing or priority service ($100 extra) for 1–2 business days.
Step 4: Set Up Your Corporate Records
After incorporation, organize your corporate minute book and records immediately:
Step 5: Register with CRA (Business Number & Program Accounts)
After incorporation, you need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency for the accounts your business requires:
Business Number (BN)
Your 9-digit identifier for all CRA interactions. Often assigned automatically within 45 days of incorporation, or register online through CRA Business Registration Online.
GST/HST Account (RT)
Mandatory once revenue exceeds $30,000 in a single quarter or over four consecutive quarters. Register within 29 days of exceeding the threshold. Voluntary registration is allowed before that.
Payroll Account (RP)
Required before your first payroll. Register before paying any employees. You'll remit CPP, EI, and income tax deductions through this account.
Corporate Income Tax (RC)
Your corporation must file a T2 return annually—even if no tax is owed. The corporate tax account is typically set up when your BN is issued.
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Keep business and personal finances completely separate. You'll typically need:
Step 7: Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Incorporation is just the beginning. To stay in good standing and avoid penalties, your corporation must meet these ongoing obligations:
Annual T2 Return
File with CRA every year, even if the corporation had no income. See our Corporate Tax Deadlines guide.
Annual Report (B.C.)
File with BC Registry Services. Confirms directors, registered office, and other details. Failure to file can lead to dissolution.
GST/HST Returns
File based on your revenue level and assigned filing frequency. See our GST/HST Filing Deadlines guide.
Payroll Remittances
If you have employees, remit CPP, EI, and income tax deductions monthly. Late remittances attract penalties of 3%–10% plus interest.
T4 / T5 Information Returns
Issue T4 slips for employee compensation and T5 slips for dividends paid to shareholders.
Corporate Tax Instalments
If tax payable exceeds $3,000, you must pay in advance. See your instalment obligation in our Corporate Tax Deadlines guide.
Cost Summary
Incorporation Cost Breakdown
| Item | Federal | B.C. Provincial |
|---|---|---|
| Government filing fee | $200 | $350 |
| Name search / approval | $30–$75 (NUANS) | $30 |
| Numbered company (no name search) | $0 | $0 |
| Extra-provincial registration (B.C.) | $380 | N/A |
| Priority processing (B.C.) | N/A | $100 |
| Typical total (named company) | $230–$275 | $380 |
Note: These are government fees only. Professional fees for legal and accounting assistance (minute book setup, share structure advice, tax planning) are additional but highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Register Your Corporation?
This register a corporation in Canada 2026 guide covers the essentials, but every business has unique needs. J. Wang Chartered Professional Accountant helps entrepreneurs incorporate, set up CRA accounts, design tax-efficient share structures, and establish proper bookkeeping from day one—so you start on the right foot.
Schedule Your Incorporation Consultation
Let's discuss the best incorporation structure for your business and get you set up properly from the start
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