Incorporation and corporate records guides for BC and Alberta

Often when the business earns more than you need to live on, so some profit can stay in the company and be taxed at corporate rates. It also adds costs, separate books and yearly filings. Our guide on when to incorporate walks through the signs.

Most small businesses incorporate in the province where they operate. A federal corporation must still register in each province where it carries on business. Which fits depends on your plans, and your lawyer can advise on the legal side.

A minute book with its articles, registers of shareholders and directors, and yearly resolutions, plus an annual report or return with the registry and a T2 corporate tax return. BC companies also keep a transparency register. Our minute book page explains each one.

The corporation files its own T2 return and pays corporate tax on its profit. You pay personal tax on what you take out, as salary or dividends. You'll also need a separate business bank account and books for the company.

No. We handle the accounting and tax side and the registry filing, using standard templates. For shareholder agreements, custom share structures and other legal questions, we work alongside your lawyer.

There are three options, from $149 plus government fees: Simple start (one class of common shares, articles, first directors and the filings), Share classes (two or more share classes designed with you, share certificates issued) and Full set-up (adds the central securities register, minute book, first resolutions and registers). GST/HST and payroll accounts are quoted separately. The incorporation page explains what's included and how pricing works.