DIY Incorporation in Ontario (2026): The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating Your Business Yourself
- Natalie Paquette
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Starting a business is exciting—and if you're looking into DIY incorporation in Ontario, you're probably wondering whether you can handle the process yourself without paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in legal fees.
The good news is yes—you can incorporate a business yourself in Ontario.
However, while the filing itself is relatively straightforward, many first-time business owners underestimate the importance of choosing the correct corporate structure, preparing the right documents, and completing the required filings accurately.
This guide walks you through every step of the process, explains common mistakes to avoid, and helps you decide whether DIY incorporation is the right choice for your business.
Can You Incorporate a Business Yourself in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario allows anyone who meets the legal requirements to file Articles of Incorporation online through the Ontario Business Registry or through an authorized service provider.
You do not need:
A lawyer
An accountant
A business consultant
However, you'll still need to ensure your corporation is set up correctly and complies with Ontario's corporate laws. If you are unsure about how to go about setting up your Ontario corporation, getting a service like Launch A Business or help from a lawyer can give you a lot of peace of mind and make the process so much easier.
What is DIY Incorporation?
DIY incorporation simply means completing the incorporation process yourself instead of hiring a lawyer or incorporation service.
You'll be responsible for:
Choosing your corporation name
Preparing incorporation information
Filing Articles of Incorporation
Paying government fees
Creating your corporate records
Maintaining ongoing compliance
Is DIY Incorporation Right for You?
DIY May Be a Good Choice If...
✅ You understand basic business concepts
✅ You have a simple business structure
✅ You're comfortable completing online government forms
✅ You want to save professional service fees
DIY May Not Be Ideal If...
Multiple shareholders
Different classes of shares
Investors involved
Holding companies
Estate planning
Family trusts
Complex ownership
Partnership conversions
Professional advice can save significant costs later if your structure is more complex.
How Can I Incorporate My Business by Myself in Canada?
Although each province has its own incorporation process, the general steps are similar across Canada.
Choose a corporation name.
Decide who the directors will be.
Determine the share structure.
Prepare incorporation documents.
File with the government.
Receive your Certificate of Incorporation.
Create your corporate records.
Register CRA accounts if needed.
This guide focuses specifically on Ontario corporations.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Incorporation in Ontario
Step 1: Decide Whether Ontario Incorporation is Right for You
Ontario incorporation is usually appropriate if:
You primarily operate in Ontario
Most customers are in Ontario
You don't need nationwide name protection
Step 2: Choose Your Corporation Name
You have two choices.
Numbered Corporation
Example: 1234567 Ontario Inc.
Advantages:
Faster
No NUANS search
Lower chance of rejection
Named Corporation
Example: ABC Landscaping Ontario Inc.
Advantages:
Better branding
Professional image
Easier marketing
Requirements:
Distinctive
Not misleading
Meets Ontario naming rules
Do You Need a NUANS Report?
Yes for named corporations.
A NUANS report compares your proposed name against existing corporations and trademarks.
The report is valid for 90 days.
Common Naming Mistakes
Too similar to another business
Missing legal element
Descriptive only
Includes prohibited words
Trademark conflicts
Remember - your Ontario corporation needs and Ontario NUANS report.
Step 3: Decide Who the Directors Will Be
Ontario corporations require at least one director.
You'll need:
Legal name
Address
Consent to act
Directors have legal duties under the Business Corporations Act.
Step 4: Decide on Your Registered Office Address
Every Ontario corporation needs:
Registered office in Ontario
Physical address
Your registered office address can be your home address, but keep in mind that this information will be available publicly.
Step 5: Determine Your Share Structure
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of incorporation.
A simple corporation often uses:
Share Class | Voting | Dividends |
Common Shares | Yes | Yes |
Larger businesses may require multiple share classes.
If unsure, professional advice is recommended before filing.
Step 6: Prepare the Articles of Incorporation
Information required includes:
Corporation name
Registered office
Directors
Share structure
Restrictions (if any)
Step 7: File Through the Ontario Business Registry
Step 8: Receive Your Certificate of Incorporation
If approved, you'll receive:
Certificate of Incorporation
Corporation Number
Official filing confirmation
Keep these documents permanently.
Step 9: Create Your Corporate Records
Remember that your work doesn’t stop after incorporation!
You should also prepare:
Minute Book
Corporate By-laws
Share Certificates
Share Register
Director Register
Officer Register
Initial Resolutions
Step 10: Register CRA Accounts
Depending on your business, you may need:
GST/HST
Payroll
Import/Export
Corporate Income Tax
The CRA will generate your Business Number (BN) once your corporation is registered. You’ll need this BN to generate your other CRA accounts and file your corporate income tax.
How Do I File Incorporation Documents Without a Lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer to file incorporation documents in Ontario.
You simply need to:
Complete the required information.
File Articles of Incorporation.
Pay government fees.
Receive approval.
Where people often run into problems is not the filing itself—but making decisions about share structure, ownership, corporate records, and ongoing compliance. If you’re in need of legal advice, help putting together shareholder or partnership agreements or writing your share structure details, you might want to think about enlisting a lawyer for help.
DIY Incorporation Costs in Ontario (2026)
Expense | Typical Cost |
Government Filing Fee | $300 |
NUANS Report (if applicable) | $0-$50 |
Minute Book | Optional but recommended |
Professional Assistance |
DIY can reduce professional fees, but errors may lead to amendments or legal costs later. Sometimes paying a little more upfront to get professional help can save you costs in the long run - not to mention stress and headaches.
Common DIY Incorporation Mistakes
Choosing the Wrong Share Structure
Changing it later can require legal amendments.
Using a Nickname Instead of Legal Name
Government filings require legal names. Typically, banks also want to see that the names on your documents match the names on the directors’ IDs.
Picking a Name That Gets Rejected
Always verify availability before filing. The easiest way to do this is to pre-search the name for possible conflicts.
Forgetting Corporate Records
The Certificate alone is not your complete corporate record.
Ignoring Annual Compliance
Corporations have ongoing filing obligations.
DIY vs Professional Incorporation
DIY | Professional Service |
Lower upfront cost | More expensive |
More responsibility | Guidance provided |
Greater risk of errors | Reduced filing mistakes |
Learn the process | Saves time |
Best for simple corporations | Better for complex structures |
After You Incorporate
Your corporation isn't "finished."
You should also:
Obtain business insurance
Set up bookkeeping
Issue shares
File annual corporate obligations
Update changes to directors or registered office when necessary
DIY Incorporation Checklist
✔ Choose Ontario incorporation
✔ Decide on corporation name
✔ Obtain NUANS (if required)
✔ Choose directors
✔ Determine share structure
✔ Select registered office
✔ File Articles
✔ Pay filing fee
✔ Receive Certificate
✔ Create corporate minute book
✔ Issue shares
✔ Register CRA accounts
✔ Open bank account
✔ Purchase insurance
✔ Maintain annual compliance
Expert Tips
Keep Your Corporation Simple
Complex ownership structures can always be added later.
Use Legal Names
Government filings require names exactly as they appear on government-issued identification.
Don't Skip Corporate Records
A minute book isn't just paperwork—it helps demonstrate proper corporate governance and can be important during financing, tax reviews, or a future sale of the business.
Consider Future Growth
If you expect investors or expansion into other provinces, think about your long-term structure before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I incorporate my business myself in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario allows individuals to incorporate without hiring a lawyer or accountant by filing the required documents and paying the applicable government fee.
Is DIY incorporation legal?
Yes. Thousands of Ontario corporations are incorporated each year without legal representation.
How long does DIY incorporation take?
Processing times vary depending on the filing method and government processing, but many online filings are completed relatively quickly when submitted correctly.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not always. If you’re confident in completing the filing yourself, it’s possible to do it without a lawyer.
If your corporation has multiple shareholders, investors, trusts, or customized share structures, legal advice is recommended.
Can one person incorporate?
Yes!
One individual can be:
Shareholder
Director
Officer
provided legal requirements are met.
Can I change my corporation later?
Yes.
You can later:
You can even change your Ontario corporation into a Federal corporation, British Columbia Corporation, etc. Pretty much anything related to your corporation can be changed! (and we can help!)
Is a numbered corporation easier?
Generally, yes. Numbered corporations avoid the need for a custom business name and can simplify the incorporation process.
Do I need a minute book?
Ontario law requires corporations to maintain certain corporate records. A properly organized minute book is the common way to keep these records.
Can I incorporate online?
Yes. Ontario corporations are incorporated electronically through the Ontario Business Registry or an authorized intermediary.
Want help getting your Ontario corporation set up? We're here to make it as simple as possible! Reach out today to get started!
And, if you still have questions, we've got answers! Set up a consultation or give us a call!