Incorporation & maintenance

Fast, lawyer-managed incorporations with a complete digital minute book and clear, upfront pricing. Choose a named or numbered corporation, meet by video anywhere in Ontario, and get back to building your business.

What you get

  • Articles of Incorporation filed via the Ontario Business Registry (OBR).

  • Named or Numbered corporation set-up. For named companies we run the NUANS search and clear the name; numbered companies skip NUANS.

  • Organizational package: corporate by-laws, initial resolutions, director/officer appointments, share issuances, and registers/ledgers.

  • Digital minute book delivered (PDF + editable originals), ready for banks, investors, and due diligence.

  • Beneficial ownership/“significant control” register prepared and added to your records (OBCA requirement to keep on file).

  • Company Key assistance to access your OBR profile for future filings.

  • One round of edits within 30 days.

Optional add-ons:

  • CRA registrations: Business Number (BN) + HST, payroll (RP) set-up.

  • Shareholders’ Agreement (plain-English, customized).

  • Name strategy/brand checks (extra NUANS runs, trademark screening).

  • Annual corporate maintenance (see below).

How the process works

  1. Intake & structure (10–15 min) — owners, share classes, name vs number.

  2. Name check (if named) — Ontario NUANS and conflict review.

  3. Draft & file — Articles submitted through OBR; you receive your corporation number.

  4. Organize the company — by-laws, resolutions, share issuances, registers, minute book.

  5. Delivery & brief — we walk you through the records, next steps, and (if selected) register BN/HST/payroll.

Ongoing corporate maintenance (subscription)

  • Annual resolutions of directors and shareholders.

  • OBR Annual Return filing and updates to directors/officers/registered office. (Ontario corporations file an Annual Return within 6 months after the end of the taxation year.)

  • Registers upkeep (beneficial ownership; land-interest register if you own Ontario real property).

FAQs

Do I need a NUANS report?
Only if you want a named corporation. Numbered corporations don’t require NUANS.

How long is a NUANS valid?
90 days from the report date—incorporate before it expires to avoid re-ordering.

When is the Ontario Annual Return due?
Within 6 months after your fiscal year-end (filed through the OBR). We can calendar and file this for you.

Do I need a CRA Business Number (BN)?
Yes—incorporating requires a BN, and we can register it and any needed program accounts (HST, payroll) for you.

What about professional corporations (PCs)?
PCs have extra rules (shareholders/directors must be licensed members; you can’t practise through a PC until the regulator issues a Certificate of Authorization). We handle the paperwork and coordination.

Why incorporate with Vanguard

  • Lawyer-drafted + banker-ready records from day one.

  • Flat fees, no surprises and fast timelines.

  • Virtual-first across Ontario; we meet on your schedule.

  • Lifecycle support: we can add agreements, equity plans, and compliance as you grow.

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