Cost of Incorporating a Business in Ontario (2026 Guide)
One of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask when starting a business is:
“How much does it cost to incorporate a business in Ontario?”
While incorporation is a relatively straightforward process, the total cost can vary depending on how you set up your corporation and whether you work with a professional.
This guide explains the government fees, additional costs, and professional services involved in incorporating a business in Ontario so you can understand what to expect.
Government Fees for Incorporating in Ontario
The primary cost of incorporation is the government filing fee.
As of 2026, the Ontario government fee to file Articles of Incorporation is approximately $300 when filed electronically through the Ontario Business Registry.
This fee establishes your corporation as a legal entity recognized by the province of Ontario.
If you file through a third-party service provider or professional advisor, this government fee is typically included in the total cost of incorporation.
NUANS Name Search Cost
If you want a custom business name, you must conduct a NUANS (Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search) report before incorporating.
A NUANS search ensures your chosen name is not already being used by another business.
Typical NUANS search costs:
$40 – $60 for the report
If you instead choose a numbered corporation (for example, 1234567 Ontario Inc.), a NUANS search is not required.
You can learn more about this process in our article What Is a NUANS Search and Why Do You Need One?
Professional Incorporation Services
While it is possible to incorporate on your own, many entrepreneurs choose to work with a professional to ensure the process is done correctly.
Professional incorporation services may include:
Preparing Articles of Incorporation
Structuring share ownership
Completing the NUANS search
Registering the corporation with the government
Setting up your CRA Business Number
Typical professional service fees range from:
$300 – $800+ depending on the service provider.
Working with a professional can help prevent mistakes that could cause problems later, particularly when setting up the corporation’s share structure.
Total Typical Cost to Incorporate in Ontario
Most small businesses can expect to pay somewhere in the following range:
Government Incorporation Fee~$300
NUANS Name Search$40 – $60
Professional Setup (optional)$300 – $800
Estimated total cost:
Approximately $350 to $1,100 depending on how you incorporate.
Additional Costs After Incorporation
Incorporating your business is only the first step. After your corporation is created, there are several additional financial considerations.
These may include:
Bookkeeping
Corporations are required to maintain accurate financial records.
Professional bookkeeping services help track:
Business income and expenses
GST/HST obligations
Financial performance
Corporate Tax Filing
Unlike sole proprietorships, corporations must file a T2 corporate income tax return every year, even if the corporation did not generate income.
Proper tax preparation ensures compliance with CRA requirements.
Business Banking
Most banks require corporations to open a separate business bank account.
This helps maintain separation between personal and corporate finances.
Is Incorporating Worth the Cost?
For many entrepreneurs, the benefits of incorporation outweigh the initial costs.
Potential advantages include:
Limited liability protection
Potential tax deferral opportunities
Greater credibility with customers and lenders
Easier expansion and investment opportunities
However, incorporation is not always necessary for every new business.
If you are unsure whether incorporating is the right choice, you may want to compare structures in our article:
Sole Proprietorship vs Corporation in Canada
When Should You Incorporate?
Many entrepreneurs start as sole proprietors and later incorporate when their business grows.
Common reasons businesses incorporate include:
Increasing profits
Liability concerns
Expansion plans
Hiring employees
You can learn more about the timing of incorporation in our article:
When Should You Incorporate Your Business?
Can an Accountant Help With Incorporation?
Yes.
Many accountants help entrepreneurs incorporate their businesses and ensure everything is set up correctly.
Working with an accountant can also provide additional benefits such as:
Proper share structure planning
Tax strategy advice
CRA account setup
Financial system setup
This helps ensure your business starts with the right financial foundation.
Need Help Incorporating Your Business?
At A.B.T PRO Inc., we help entrepreneurs start their businesses quickly and correctly.
Our incorporation services include:
Ontario and federal incorporation
NUANS name search
CRA Business Number registration
Guidance on business structure
Tax planning for new corporations
Our goal is to make the incorporation process simple, efficient, and compliant so you can focus on growing your business.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a business in Ontario is a relatively affordable process that can provide important legal and financial advantages for entrepreneurs.
While the basic government fee is approximately $300, the total cost may vary depending on whether you choose a custom business name and whether you work with a professional advisor.
Understanding the costs involved can help you make informed decisions as you start and grow your business.
