Register Business Name in Canada (name vs number)

[@hangwithjay]

This helped me register a name for my numbered corporation. Thanks!

[@RAATAIN]

Hi how it help you? can you plz guide me thanks

[@ronzeta1497]

Thank you for these helpful videos!

[@milkywayandbeyond]

Hi! One question. If I run the name search and the name already exists, do I have to pay the fee again to run another search with a different name until I find a company name that does not already exist?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

While incorporating a business, every entrepreneur has a choice of either naming a corporation or registering it as a numbered company. While naming a company requires additional steps and adds costs to the process (NUANS Search), it also offers certain benefits for the future operations of the company. On the other hand, if you do not have a name handy, then numbered company could be an option. Another question is which protection will incorporating a named company provide to your business name. In this video, we will overview the benefits of each option and will show how to make it in the simplest and most cost efficient way.

[@dr.samirshaikh3363]

What are the documents one should expect at the time of closing from lawyer? And how to make sure that business is on our own name and there are no partners in it? Like ownership? @businessincanada

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@dr.samirshaikh3363Dear Dr. Samir, there are two parts to your question. When incorporating, we would expect to receive articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, business number and various initial documents: resolutions appointing officers and directors, registries and by-laws of the corporation (this is especially true when incorporating with a lawyer). The ownership of the corporation, on the other hand, is determined by your internal documents and CRA tax reporting (T2) - this is the only official place where we provide the information about shareholders of the corporation.i hope this clarifies, please let me know if you have further questions.

[@loganmartin5786]

hi, i currently have a sole proprietorship under my legal name. but want to change to an operating name. i see that i can do this easily on the canada website but am wondering if theres anything i should be aware of after choosing an operating name ( taxes, different bank) etc or anything else other than just selecting my operating name. thanks.

[@lexie25a]

great video, thank you. would you know if the legal protection is the same registering as a numbered company? I.e. if you operate an eccomerce company under a name, which was registered as a numbered company.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

As long as the busienss operates through a corporation, the protection would be identical whether corporation is named or numbered. The difference is between a corporation and Sole Proprietorship.

[@lexie25a]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 thank you

[@AubreyClarkefly]

If I choose a named company can I run multiple businesses as subsidiaries of the named company? If so do I have to have a separate tax number for each of those businesses or can I use the same corporate number? Example. If I am a contract travel agent or Uber driver and want to put everything under my corporation that is a marketing company do I go with numbered or can I stick to name?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Aubrey, With regards to the named company - you can use other names as well. But you have to register them with the Master Business license system in Ontario. Technically, you can use as many as you want - so a separate name for a separate project is possible. The same goes for a numbered company. With regards to the business number - the number is personal for a corporation and you cannot have more than one. So all your invoices and reports will be done under one tax payer number. I hope this answers your questions.

[@briansoper9035]

Thanks for this great video!

[@yingguo5019]

Can you share link to get mbl. I have a numbered corp and I want to get name I reside in Ontario so does my business. I looked everywhere but can’t seem to find anything. A video would be helpful thanks

[@marniewhatif]

Hi! What is involved in getting a company name which I all ready decided what I want, and I just want to have it so no one uses it. I don't have any company yet I basically am wanting to keep my idea on my u tube channel and not be copied and then also if I ever do start my own company just have the name available with out any problems

[@mukulsaroya8547]

I have one question. The nuans search said dont search with inc or corp behind your proposed name. I got the nuans report. Now when i register for the business, system wants me to use inc or corp in the back of the name but then it says there is a mismatch in the name. Did I miss any steps?

[@projectlinkservices7849]

If I register a number company and years later what to have a name instead of a number company. Is this possible are there fees or penalties involved and is this considered a bisnesse changing is name for example dominion to metro

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

There are two options: 1. you can simply register a business name under your numbered corporation. In this case, your corporation's "name" will not change, it will remain the number, but you will have an additional certificate confirming that certain name belongs to that numbered company. This is usually a cheaper options and you can have multiple registraitons under one corporation. 2. You can apply for amended articles of incorporation in which you will change the corporation's name from a number to a word. This would be a more expensive and complicated process. there are no penalties for both options, only the registration fees that you pay

[@projectlinkservices7849]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thank you for that. Do I need a physical address to register a number company. If so what provice would be best to set up a head office that will suffer the least amount of taxation on profits earned. If I do not need a physical address and a p.o. box will suffice, is there a provice that I can operate from that cooperations pay lesser tax in, or are cooperations all tax on earrings the same across Canada.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@projectlinkservices7849 You need a physical office (not a PO BOx) in the province where you want to register your business. There is a slight difference from one province to another with regards to the corporate income tax, but it is only with regards to the Canadian owned corporations.

[@hbbjs]

Hi Eugene... Dumb question here. If I incorporated a federal company in Ontario - do I need to register it again for the provincial incorporation? I felt a bit dumb for incorporating a new restaurant using federal incorporation because we are only operating in Ontario...

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Actually, not so dumb question. It is indeed confusing process. Overall, during federal incorporation you were offered to register in ON (for free), if you used this option - then you are already registered, and you were supposed to receive your Ontario registration number 3-5 days after the federal incorporation was completed. If you bypassed this stage during the incorporation, you must apply for an extra-provincial registration with Ontario govt, without it you will not be able to file for tax reporting... And you are correct, Ontario incorporation seems a bit more suitable for a local restaurant, but actually it really doesnt matter which type of corporation you use for the operations, and since you saved 200 on federal incorporation, it makes perfect sense....

[@VanessaFerbeek]

I plan on opening multiple separate daycare centres with different names only under the same ownership, should I open with a business number and different names for each centre? Is that possible or practical?

[@aimeezhao8669]

Thanks for the videos. I have registered federally as a numbered company. However, I came up with a word name recently. How my question relates to your video is... if I register federally as a numbered company, I have gotten a Nuans report and name pre-approval and I plan to do this business in Ontario, where should I go to register this word name for my existing federal company. Thank you!

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Aimee, The answer to your question depends on what are you looking to achieve. Option one is to change the name on the Articles of Incorporation - this is a more complicated process and will require the submission of the amended articles of incorporation. Since you've registered federally - this will be done federally as well. Option two - simpler, cheaper and applicable for Ontario only, is to register a Master Business License in Ontario. This will result in the company retaining its numbered name and having MBL with the proposed name registered for it. This process is done through the Ontario MBL services. Both options are available and equally justifiable...

[@MuhammadSalmanSalat]

Thank you so much. I had this very question for some time. Didn't know where to find the answer

[@onefreddymorales]

Great video !! question, once you get a Master Business Licence, can one get a hst number with it? and how?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Freddy, I do not recalling answering your post, so apologies if I repeat myself. There is a difference between MBL and HST registration. MBL you register only if you want to operate under a business name other than your personal name. This does not automatically trigger HST registration. For HST registration you must call CRA (or do it in writing, see my video for the BN topic) - 18009595525, and ask them to register for the HST.

[@onefreddymorales]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 thanks thanks. I have a HST number for myself, and wondering, could I use that for my new business name? I the HST number back in 2017, and stopped using it mid 2018. DO you think I need to get another one for this new business name?

[@vanslover9240]

Thank you for your videos, what is your advice for my case: The name we chose in our partnership obtained a found registration, that one registered in 2017 has a registration number but no business number, in addition to that we obtained our commercial number (we are in Alberta ) Thanks again.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Vans, first of all, I do not see a question... What is the problem/difficulty with the described situation? As a registered partnership, you should have a business number for reporting purposes only, partnership does not pay taxes, it transfers them directly to the partners. To obtain a number you should call CRA 1800-959-5525. In case the partnership did not file its tax reports for the past 3-4 years - I would strongly suggest to discuss the situation with a local accountant and see if it even makes sense to disturb the waters now, or maybe let it die and start your business anew as a properly structured corporation/partnership.

[@shonpjohn28]

I have a Canada Inc number company. For branding purpose, I now want to name it. What's the process to get it done?

[@sigreuter1400]

What is my procedure to form a numbered company in bc. Canada. Any help or sites would be appreciated

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Sig,, that is simple - just use this link to file the articles of incorporation, each of the BC forms has explanations and directions how to fill them in... good luck. www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/managing-a-business/permits-licences/businesses-incorporated-companies/incorporated-companies#incorporate

[@medstories9898]

Thanks for the great informative video, I really like your videos and topics. I have couple of questions as mentioned hereunder: 1) In Ontario, what is the difference between a "named company/incorporation" and a "numbered incorporation with named master business license (MBL)"? Please advice on the benefits of both and which one is recommended? If one numbered incorporation has multiple MBLs, then could each numbered incorporation with named master business license have it's own bank account associated with MBL, or is the bank account associated with the numbered incorporation? 2) In Ontario, if one numbered company/incorporation has 2 master business licenses for different projects/businesses and later partners decide to sell one project/business, could they transfer one master business license from numbered company/incorporation (which will still have other one master business license) to someone else who has their numbered company/incorporation? 3) In Ontario, if one numbered company/incorporation have 2 master business licenses for different projects/businesses, can each individual master business licenses get it's own HST numbers after calling CRA?

[@LaveRip]

This has been excellent resource, a question tho, can i run two separate business's under one corporation number? example- bob's firewood and bobs coffee shop- can both revenues be collected under a single number?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Turbs, overall the answer is "definitely yes". Always look around you and you will find lots of examples to your question - Starbucks Coffee Shop and Starbucks coffee beans/mugs etc. Always remember to differentiate between your business name and the name of your products/services. If your business (company) operates under a certain name, it could have multitude products and services names differently - no registration is needed for this (except for the trademark if you want to protect the name). A different situation is when you want to operate essentially two separate businesses with different names, but under one corporate entity - this is also possible by using the Master Business -License - and then you will be operating two businesses under one business number and one corporation. I hope this helps and clarifies the picture.

[@LaveRip]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Absolutely. What you are doing here is incredibly helpful, on behalf of your viewers, thank you!

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@LaveRip Thank you for your warm words.

[@ellenmacpherson4690]

If I register my sole proprietorship provincially does it change my tax situation or do I simply file a T1 as normal?

[@ibhadeerua3844]

Hi sir, I was wondering if it is possible to change from a named company to a numbered company without the $200 fee? Thank you.

[@charlitosilvio7233]

I live in Quebec and I registered a numbered inc at the federal level. However I want to open a business bank account and I see banks asking for the company name, and I don't have one. I wish I could have registered a name... my understanding is that a numbered inc. won't allow you to do business by displaying a name or a brand. I would like to change that. Would a master business license like in Ontario exist for Quebec?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Hi Charlton, I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. Probably this is something relating to the Quebec laws and regulations, since in Ontario you can easily operate your company as a numbered one and open a bank account as well. I think that there is a system of additional names registrations in Quebec, please see here: www.registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca/en/demarrer/definition-et-regles.aspx

[@sureshbiswal7292]

How to search Bytown Group in Canada Ontario register number

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Hi Suresh, in Ontario you have to use the services of a third party provider, I use these guys: www.eservicecorp.ca/ , run the search with them. I tried to look for Bytown Group, but there is no such registration. There is 170 entries with "Bytown" though...

[@just4livin]

I registered my company as a sole proprietor, I am the only employee for right now but I would like to incorporate for the added protection due to covid-19 and possible future expansion. How do I go about getting my existing company that is registered with an Ontario master business license under the new corporation? Is it best to name the corporation something else other than it is named under the current master business license name? Would a numbered corporation be best? Please help

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Murine, you can incorporate and transition your business and business name to the new corporation (there is the process for it). If you already operate under an existing business name, I would not go with the numbered company but with the same name as your existing business.

[@supersasquatch]

If I register a numbered Canada inc contact, can I use it for both management consulting and chemical imports from China for creating health products destined for online retail selling?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Hi, In general, the answer is yes. What your company can or cannot do is defined in it's articles of incorporation. I usually advise not to limit company's activities to any specific types and leave this area open - this will allow your company to work in any kind of operations including those mentioned in your question. This is also how many Canadian businesses work and develop new activities - first they would operate under one corporate entity to review the viability and feasibility of the new project and once proven, they will move it into a separate legal entity. On another note, please keep in mind that sales of many health related products require special license from the Ministry of Health - NPN (National product number). Good luck.

[@supersasquatch]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thank you so much for the great information, in Quebec Inc they try to force you into a single for of activity when you sign on to the req

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@supersasquatch I know that in some jurisdictions you have to limit your operations to certain activities. This is not the case in Ontario though. I was previously involved in a couple of registrations in Quebec, but since they work in a completely separate legal system, I cannot offer any further assistance. Anyway - good luck with your business, and if you come to Ontario - feel free to reach out should you require any help.

[@supersasquatch]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 I'm already considering making the move and I'm already considering transacting with you, I'll keep you posted, merci

[@josephbartels7527]

Do named companies also have a numbered company associated with them?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Of course. Every company has a corporation number - its "ID" with the registrar in the province of incorporation. Corporations also have Business Number (issued by CRA), which should not be confused with the corporation number.

[@alexandrefernandes8070]

Very nice video If let's say to see the viability of the business, I register a named (other than personal name) sole proprietorship and decide to incorporate after I find the business is growing well, can I use the same name I used for my new corporation which I used to register as a sole proprietor?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Alexandre, yes you can use the name. The incorporation will require preparation of an additional form that allows the corporation to use your SP name, and undertakes not to use the name as a sole proprietor anymore. That being said, please keep in mind the taxable consequences of this transition - be operating your business as SP, you creare certain assets and value to the business, if you wait too long, they will become substantial and then the transfer of the assets to your new corporation might result in creation of a tax liability. Good luck with your new business.

[@alexandrefernandes8070]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thanks for the input. Do you mean at the time of transition that the tax implications will be on me as a sole prop or on the corporation? This is to understand where I end up paying more, as I know that the personal tax brackets are much higher than corporate tax

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@alexandrefernandes8070 Alexandre, correct with the personal tax brackets… The implication might go either way, depending on how you make the transaction and who "gains" in it. This is why the best way is to make the move as soon as possible. If you are past that stage already, then a good CPA with the knowledge of a corporate taxation and shares transactions would be your best friend (and myself of course)…

[@rahulsolanki353]

If we have registered a numbered company because we cannot decide a name for now, can we apply to change our corporations name in the future when a name is available?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Rahul, Yes. There are two options to achieve your goal: 1. You file amended articles of incorporation and change the name from numbered to an actual name. This will cost you as much as to register a new corporation (so rarely advised). 2. You register an operating name (in Ontario - Master Business License), which costs less and the process is more straightforward. With both options you will be allowed to operate under your prefered name. I personally know numbered companies that exist since 1998, have huge business operations with 50-60 Mil sales per year and still operate under a MBL.

[@janicemeighan1847]

Do Provincially registered names for sole proprietorships expire? Hmmm.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

The registration of a name is made through Master Business License. The MBL has expiry date, usually 5 years. It is your responsibility to follow up and apply for renewal.

[@kashifsaleem9512]

Hi, I am new in Canada and want to register incorporation related to telco/IT but I am also running logistics business so what would be the recommended way? Either open single numbered incorporation for both companies or open one incorporation for telco/IT company and second for logistics company I need name for logistic company for sure. can I give multiple name against numbered incorporation?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Hi, both options are viable. I would usually suggest to open one company (to save on costs), and register a Master Business License (in in Ontario). This way you will have 2 names - one of the corporation, and another "operating as". One you use for your IT business and another for logistics. BUT! Once both business take off and prove themselves as self-sustainable, I would strongly suggest to separate them into two entities to limit the liabilities and legal exposures. By then, hopefully, you will also have more $ to spend on corporate organizations.

[@sultanmahmud6160]

Hi, after registering a number corporation is it possible to change to the name corporation afterwords? Please advice. Thank you.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Sultan, yes it is possible and there are actually two ways of doing it: 1. You can literally change the name of the corporation, but it will require filing Articles of Amendment, which will cost the same as a new incorporation (you will also need to run a NUANS search for the proposed name). Some people would do it, but rarely and I do not see much benefit in this approach. 2. You can register and operating name (in Ontario it is called Master Business License) which will be in addition to the company's numbered name. This costs only $60 and is valid for 5 years. You can also register multiple names if you need to... and no need for NUANS search.

[@jashangill8506]

Hlo My question is i hv federal corporation and my company with i work is in ontario and I’m living in nova scotia? I have ontario address on corporation now, what shouls be the right steps to do ? Should I register on both sides? How can be do that?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Hi Jashan, regularly, you have to register your corporation in every province where it has a place of business - office, employees, warehouse etc. So if your corporation mainly operates in Ontario, it does not matter where you are located - Ontario registration is enough. But if your company operates in NS, where you are located, then 1. you should make an extraprovincial registration in NS for your federal corporation; 2. why did you register the corporation in Ontario, what was the reason for it?

[@jashangill8506]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thank you for your reply, as I'm truck driver, and i work with Ontario company, and as i was living there when i registered first with federal corporation and now i moved to nova scotia , but working with same ontario company that have truck routes to nova scotia, so i moved here now, so , should i change address on corporation or is it fine to just register there because company is from there? Thank you

[@jashangill8506]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 and also company's main business is in Ontario just have truck routes to another provinces or to USA

[@armandodemichele1420]

I have read the comments and listened to a few videos, very good information, thanks. My question is simple and yet has not been asked. Does one need S.I.N # to open a company? (any type of business such as Inc/sole proprietorship,etc.) I know one needs Social Insurance Number for employment and tax purposes, and so does this mean the business has it's own number?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Armando, thank you for your great question. It was actually partially answered in one of my responses this week, but I will try to summarize everything in this post (and probably will prepare a video as well). 1. Sole proprietorship implies that you are a valid taxable individual in Canada, hence the requirement for SIN. All your income (business included) becomes immediately your personal income for which you must file a tax return every year. 2. Corporation is different - the corporation itself is the taxable person, it has its own "SIN" (business number which is equivalent to SIN). All income generated by a corporation remains its own income until repaid to its shareholders (SH). Not only that, but the law recognizes a situation where all the SH of a corporation will be foreign individuals (or legal entities). In this case, the corporation will be taxed at a higher level of corporate income tax, and will be required to withhold certain portion of the funds it pays to the foreign SH, but it still will be validly existing and operating corporation - so incorporation does not require SIN at all. 3. That being said, while incorporating or operating a company in Canada, you will need someone with SIN (but for a completely different reason) - as you remember, Ontario and Federal corporations acts require that one out of every four directors of a corporation will be a canadian resident/citizen. These individuals will inadvertently have their SIN, but this is coincidental for their position as the directors of a corporation and not a requirement for incorporation itself. I hope this clarifies the situation. In addition, there is one more issue: while you can't operate a SP without a valid SIN, there is nothing in the system that will prevent you from registering a SP and using its registration for your business operations without having a valid SIN - kind of a loophole in the system... Enjoy!

[@armandodemichele1420]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thank you! That's it, the loophole part is exactly what I meant to ask about! I know it is more of a grey area but it is legal, provided that taxes and other such regulations are followed. The type of business activity also plays a role, for example, an investor has different tax bracket than an employee percentage-wise, this means legal tax savings. Please make a video on this topic as I am sure all will be pleased and interested. Thanks again Eugene, bless you!

[@mmk8335]

I resisted a Master Business Licence not to incorporate my business and I need to resister GST Is not the same thing master business license and business number? Are they different?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Dear MM. Your question refers to three separate "things", I'll try to clarify: a. Master Business License (MBL) - has nothing to do with your business number. The sole purpose of MBL is to authorize you to use a business name which is different from your personal name. b. Business Number (BN) is the CRA number assigned to each business entity (corporation, partnership and sole proprietorship). IN a case of SP - this is usually your SIN. For corporations, the BN is being provided separately from incorporation and usually looks like this: 987654321 RC 0001. The BN is provided for each business automatically. c. GST/HST - this is a separate tax program that almost every business in Canada must register once it passes $35K sales per year. Then you must collect % of HST/GST on top of your bills, but you also become eligible to claim back HST/GST amounts paid by you.... You must contact CRA and register for this program, it is not assigned automatically. I hope this clarifies.

[@kaseemamere1626]

I just opened a Numbered corporation paid $200 CND, can i use this as a legal company name to import internationally?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Yes, numbered company means that the name of your company is a number. You will need your business number (the one that was sent to you along with the incorporation in a separate email), and register import/export CRA program by calling CRA business contact number: 1-800-959-5525

[@kaseemamere1626]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 CRA hasn't sent my Business # yet but i got the Numbered Corporation right away. So once i receive my Business #, You said to call CRA to register import/ export program.

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@kaseemamere1626 If you have registered more than 3 days ago, you can just call CRA, they will find your Business number and will assist you. Just call them.

[@jhanvipatodia2303]

Hey! What's the scope of interior designing business or job opportunities in Canada ?

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

I do not know the scope, but you can search on Indeed.ca (hiring platform), and JobBank.gc.ca - this is a government website where you can search for open positions as well as the data for each type of position (wages, statistics and more).

[@jhanvipatodia2303]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 Thank you for replying and also for all the videos they are really helpful👍

[@kevinsahadeo2014]

As a non resident can i incoporate a restaurant business in canada ??

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

Kevin, As a non resident, you can incorporate a business in Canada, but you will require local Canadian director for the registration. Having in mind the type of your business, you will anyway require the presence of the local staff - restaurant manager, cooks etc. - one of those could be your local director. What would be your participation in the business? Usually people open a restaurant to work there - if this is the case, you will need a work permit for working at your restaurant. Another question that you should consider is tax liabilities of your restaurant. Corporation owned by a Canadian resident pays 13% tax on profits, non-resident - 31%... I hope this helps you to make a decision.

[@kevinsahadeo2014]

@@businessincanada-doitright1822 thanks!! this has truly opened up and showed me alot.. thanks for the response .. also if im part owner of the restaurant and the only vook how do i go about obtaining a work permit?? What documents am i required to submit and how long does the process take??

[@businessincanada-doitright1822]

@@kevinsahadeo2014 Kevin, there is a process of applying for a Foreign Worker Permit from the Canadian government through the ownership of a business here, but keep in mind that the process is costly and will take at least 4-6 months to receive the permit (visa). Once received, you usually will get a visa for two years. Please let me know if you are interested, I will connect you with my partners who operate an immigration office in Toronto.

[@prashantmahajan775]

I'm hardworking person please jobs for me

[@andreborger6210]

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