Registering Your BusinessForms of Business Organization
Prior to registering a business, you will need to decide the form of business organization. From a legal perspective, there are three ways in which a business may be formed: sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietor is an individual who is fully responsible for all debts and obligations related to his or her business. A creditor with a claim against a sole proprietor would normally have a right against all of his or her assets, whether business or personal.
Partnership
A partnership is an agreement in which two or more persons combine their resources in a business. In order to establish the terms of the business and to protect partners/shareholders in the event of disagreement or dissolution of the business, a partnership/shareholders agreement should be drawn up. Partners share in the profits according to the terms of the agreement.
Corporation
A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners which is made up of shareholders. No shareholder of a corporation is personally liable for the debts, obligations or acts of the corporation. Directors, officers and insiders can bear some liability for their involvement with the corporation.
Business Registration
Ontario Business Connects is a government initiative to simplify and streamline registration, renewal and reporting processes for Ontario businesses. The Ontario Business Connects website provides business clients with the opportunity to register or renew their business, change their business information, apply for provincial and federal programs and subscribe to business information services.
There are three ways to use Ontario Business Connects Services:
 On-line Federal/Provincial Services
Workstation Service Locations in Durham
Private Sector Services
Small businesses and local entrepreneurs can now complete electronic applications for up to 8 government programs in one location using Business Registration On-line. This convenient and easy-to-use website enables businesses to register or apply for the following Provincial and Canada Customs and Revenue Agency programs:
Business Name Registration/Renewal
Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit (Provincial RST)
Employer Health Tax (EHT)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST)
Payroll Deductions
Corporate Income Tax
Import/Export Account
There is a fee for business name registration or renewal, payable by American Express, MasterCard or Visa only. You will receive your Master Business Licence immediately for a business name registration. For a business name renewal, you will receive your Master Business Licence in the mail within 2 weeks.
The Ministry of Government Services also offers information sheets and forms for searching and registering your business name and articles of incorporation.
Ontario Business Connects services are available through a network of over 150 locations across Ontario. Ontario Business Connects has 4 locations in Durham. There are currently 2 types of service locations offering electronic registrations: (1) Dedicated self-help workstation locations and (2) Internet-based self-help workstations.
Services for small business, incorporation, business search/registration and filing are available through Private-Sector Providers under contract with the Ministry of Government Services. These private-sector companies also offer a variety of customized value-added assistance to clients.
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