The Government of Ontario has launched a new online program to help make managing your business and non-profit corporation easier. This program is the Ontario Business Registry and it will allow you to do over 90 transactions online.
These transactions include:
- Looking up information for a business or not-for-profit
- Registering a new business
- Dissolving an existing business
- Incorporating a business
- Filing notices
- Filing annual returns (due after October 18, 2021)
- Applying for a license as a foreign corporation
- Filing a declaration of partnership
- Updating business information
For a full list of services, you can visit the ServiceOntario website.
Learn more about Koroll & Company’s business advisory service.
How to access your Ontario Business Registry information
To access your information online, you will need a company key, which is similar to using a PIN at the bank.
If you are registering your business for the first time, your company key will be sent to you upon completing your registration. If you have a business that was registered or incorporated before October 19, 2021, you will have to have your key sent to you.
To get your company key, go to the ServiceOntario website.
- Enter your registered business name, Ontario Corporation Number or Business Identification Number (this is the same as your 9-digit Tax ID number).
- Once you have entered one of these three pieces of information your business should appear in the Results section. Click on your business and a new page will open.
- Verify that the Company Information is correct. Pay special attention to the address on file.
- If this information is correct, type in your Contact Information and click Submit.
Once you have submitted your information, the company key will be sent to the email on file or, if there is no email, it will be sent to your business address. That is why it is critical to verify your Company Information, especially your address, before hitting submit.
If the address in your Company Profile is wrong, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-361-3223. If you get a busy signal, wait and try again later. Double check that the information online is the same as the information they have in their system.
If your address is still incorrect you will have to reach out to one of their authorized search providers to update your information. There are currently 2 authorized service providers.
You can easily update your information through one of their online accounts. Signing up for an account is free but you will have to pay to update your address. The fee through ESC Corporate Services is $38. Once you have updated your address, you can try to apply for the company key again. Wait until the address updates on the ServiceOntario website before submitting your request.
Once you have your company key, you will need to create a One-key ID and a ServiceOntario Account. If you already have these accounts, you can simply login. Once you have signed up or logged in you will be able to access your Ontario Business Registry account.
If you would prefer to have your accountant or lawyer complete transactions, you can choose to do so. According to ServiceOntario, the following professionals are allowed to transact on behalf of your business or non-profit.
- Lawyers and paralegals governed by the Law Society of Ontario
- Chartered Professional Accountants governed by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
- law clerks filing under the direction and guidance of a lawyer governed by the Law Society of Ontario
- members of OAPSOR (Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Records) who regularly file with the ministry on behalf of corporations and other entities, law firms and accounting firms
Unlike other online services, your accountant or lawyer cannot transact through the Ontario Registry System, though this is a feature that ServiceOntario is working on. Instead, they will complete transactions by mail or through one of the authorized service providers. For them to do this, they will need your company key.
For more information on the new Ontario Business Registry or for help gaining access to your account and completing transactions, please contact us today.
