Ontario Corporate Filing Services Online
File Corporate Returns, Update Articles, and Manage Important Company Changes
Your Ontario corporation's records should reflect its current legal status and required information. From routine registry returns to significant structural transactions, corporate filings document changes and help companies meet their obligations under Ontario legislation.
Ontario Business Portal helps business owners explore Ontario corporate filing services, identify the appropriate transaction, and understand the information required for submission to the Ontario Business Registry.
Ontario Corporate Filing Options
Ontario Corporate Filing Services
Corporate filings serve different purposes depending on your company's status and the changes being made. Select the appropriate service to address a reporting obligation, update your corporation's governing documents, or complete a formal corporate transaction.
File an Annual Return
Keep your Ontario corporation's registry information current by filing its annual corporate return within the applicable reporting period.
- Annual filing for eligible Ontario corporations
- Generally due within six months of fiscal year-end
- Review of prescribed corporate information
- Separate from the CRA corporate income tax return
- Filing confirmation for corporate records
File an Initial Return
Submit your corporation's initial registry information to meet applicable reporting requirements under Ontario's Corporations Information Act.
- Generally due within 60 days of the qualifying event
- Filing under Ontario's Corporations Information Act
- Registered office and corporate identification details
- Director and officer information where required
- Initial registry reporting for eligible corporations
Articles of Amendment
Make formal changes to your corporation's legal structure, name, share provisions, or other applicable corporate details.
- Amendments to authorized corporate share provisions
- Changes to the corporation's legal name
- Revisions to director number provisions
- Modification of applicable corporate restrictions
- Certificate of Amendment upon approval
Amalgamation
Combine eligible corporations into one continuing corporation through the applicable Ontario amalgamation filing process.
- Short-form and long-form amalgamation options
- Eligibility requirements for participating corporations
- Applicable director or shareholder authorizations
- Preparation of Articles of Amalgamation
- Certificate of Amalgamation upon acceptance
Dissolve a Corporation
Complete the voluntary dissolution process for an eligible Ontario corporation and formally close its corporate registration.
- Review of voluntary dissolution eligibility
- Settlement or appropriate treatment of liabilities
- Distribution or treatment of remaining corporate property
- Required corporate approvals and dissolution articles
- Certificate of Dissolution after successful filing
Revive a Dissolved Corporation
Explore the statutory revival process to restore an eligible dissolved corporation's legal status in Ontario.
- Review of the corporation's dissolution history
- Assessment of statutory revival eligibility
- Identification of required approvals or consents
- Preparation of Articles of Revival
- Certificate of Revival if the application is approved
Simple & Convenient Filing
Complete your corporate filing online
Get It Done In 3 Simple Steps
Identify Your Filing Requirement
Select the corporate transaction you need to complete. Confirm your corporation's legal name, Ontario Corporation Number, current registry status, and any relevant filing deadline.
Prepare the Required Documents
Gather the corporate information, resolutions, approvals, or supporting documents required for the selected transaction. Complete the applicable filing through the Ontario Business Registry or another permitted submission method.
Obtain Your Filing Results
Once the transaction has been processed, obtain the available filing confirmation, certificate, or endorsed articles. Retain the documents with your corporate records and complete any additional steps required by the transaction.
Why Choose Ontario Business Portal for Corporate Filing Services?
Different corporate transactions carry different legal consequences. An annual return updates prescribed registry information, while an amendment changes provisions of a corporation's articles. Amalgamation, dissolution, and revival can have more significant effects on a corporation's legal status.
Ontario Business Portal organizes these filing categories around the
actions business owners need to complete, helping them distinguish
routine reporting from transactions that require formal corporate
approvals.
Understanding the correct document, filing authority, and supporting
requirements can reduce confusion when maintaining or changing an
Ontario corporation.
What You Can Expect From Our Service:
- Clearly identified Ontario corporate filing categories
- Information about annual and initial return deadlines
- Requirements for amendments to corporate articles
- Explanation of amalgamation procedures and approvals
- Guidance on voluntary dissolution considerations
- Information about revival eligibility and documentation
- Clear descriptions of filing outcomes and applicable government requirements
Whether your corporation needs to complete a recurring return or undertake a significant legal change, choosing the proper transaction is essential to maintaining accurate corporate records.
Explore Ontario Corporate FilingsFrequently Asked Questions
What are Ontario corporate filing services?
Ontario corporate filing services involve preparing and submitting documents required under provincial corporate legislation. These include annual returns, initial returns, Articles of Amendment, Articles of Amalgamation, Articles of Dissolution, and Articles of Revival. Each transaction has specific requirements and may affect the corporation’s public record, governing documents, or legal status.
Where do I file documents for an Ontario corporation?
Most Ontario corporate filings can be completed through the Ontario Business Registry. The appropriate filing method depends on the transaction and corporation type. Some applications require supporting documentation, external consents, or additional review before the registry can complete the transaction.
When must an Ontario corporation file its annual return?
Ontario corporations generally must file an annual return within six months after the end of their fiscal year. The annual return is a corporate registry requirement and is separate from the corporation’s income tax return filed with the Canada Revenue Agency.
What happens if an Ontario corporation does not file its annual return?
Failure to meet annual return requirements can leave a corporation non-compliant and may expose it to administrative consequences, including possible dissolution. Directors should review outstanding filings and address overdue obligations rather than assuming the corporation remains in good standing.
When is an Ontario initial return required?
An eligible Ontario corporation generally must file an initial return within 60 days after incorporation, amalgamation, or continuance. The return provides prescribed information to the Ontario government. Extra-provincial corporations may have different filing triggers and requirements.
Is an initial return the same as an annual return?
No. An initial return provides prescribed information following a qualifying corporate event, such as incorporation. An annual return is a recurring filing used to maintain required corporate information. Both are distinct from the corporation’s income tax reporting obligations.
What changes require Articles of Amendment in Ontario?
Articles of Amendment may be required when an Ontario corporation changes provisions contained in its articles, such as its legal name, authorized share structure, restrictions, or the number or range of directors. The amendment must satisfy applicable approval requirements before filing.
How much does it cost to file Articles of Amendment in Ontario?
The Ontario government currently charges $150 to file Articles of Amendment for a business corporation. Additional expenses may apply for a required corporate name search, professional assistance, or service-provider charges. The total depends on the type of amendment and the services selected.
What is corporate amalgamation in Ontario?
Amalgamation is a statutory process that combines two or more eligible corporations into one continuing amalgamated corporation. It generally requires the appropriate approvals and Articles of Amalgamation. Depending on the corporations’ relationship and circumstances, a short-form or long-form amalgamation may be available.
How do I dissolve an Ontario corporation?
An eligible Ontario corporation can apply for voluntary dissolution after satisfying the relevant statutory requirements. These may include addressing liabilities, dealing with corporate property, obtaining necessary approvals, and securing required tax-related consent. Filing Articles of Dissolution is part of the formal process.
Can I revive a dissolved Ontario corporation?
Certain dissolved Ontario corporations may qualify for revival, depending on the reason for dissolution, the time elapsed, and the governing legislation. The application may require Articles of Revival, supporting information, and government consent. Revival is not automatically available in every situation.
How much do Ontario corporate filings cost?
Government fees depend on the transaction. Ontario currently lists $150 for business corporation amendments, $330 for amalgamations, $25 for voluntary dissolutions, and $330 for revivals. Annual and initial returns are generally filed without a Ministry fee. Professional assistance and intermediary charges are separate.
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