An Official Intermediary of the Federal and Provincial Government

Ontario Non-Profit Corporation

incorporate in Ontario

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Only $99 + Government Fee

Weโ€™re an official intermediary for the Province of Ontario.

Fast. Simple. Transparent. No Hidden Fees.

Ontario Non-Profit Packages

register non profit ontario

Ontario Non-Profit

Ontario Registered Charity

Ontario Charity Status Application

Ontario Co-operative Incorporation

Benefits of an Ontario Non-Profit Corporation:

Tax Benefits: Non-profit organizations in Canada are automatically exempt from taxes automatically, if the groups qualify under the definition of an NPO in the Income Tax Act. These groups pay no federal, state, or local taxes, which means more of your funds can go directly to your cause instead of going to the taxman. Just make sure you fit the rules under the Income Tax Act.

Limited Liability Protection: Nonprofits gain the advantage of tax-exempt status and protection of directors, officers, and members from personal liability. Personal assets of officers and board members are generally exempt from organizational debt and liability.ย 

Increased Credibility and Legitimacy: Being incorporated as an Ontario non-profit gives your group a serious credibility boost. People, grant providers, and the public are more likely to trust and support an official organization with paperwork and bylaws in place.

Access to Funding Sources: Non-profit status also makes groups eligible to receive special grants or government funding, and special rates on services or even postage. Public and private grants available to incorporated organizations only can be accessed by some nonprofits.

Perpetual Existence: Unlike unincorporated associations, a corporation continues to exist even if founders or board members leave, providing organizational stability and continuity.

Better Governance Structure: The not-for-profit corporation has an enhanced ability, through its governing documents, to address membership status issues (e.g., removal for unpaid dues or death, and expulsion for disciplinary reasons).ย 

Easier Tax-Exempt Status: While a group or association that has not been formed under state law can apply for tax-exempt status, it is generally easier for a statutory business entity (and especially a corporation) to get IRS approval.

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Key Points About an Ontario Non-Profit Corporation

Examples of non-profit organizations

Here are a few types of Ontario non-profit organizations and examples of each:

  • social, recreational, or hobby groups (bridge clubs, curling clubs, and golf clubs)
  • certain amateur sports organizations (hockey associations, baseball leagues, and soccer leagues)
  • certain festival organizations (parades and seasonal celebrations)

Ontario Non-Profit Corporation vs. Standard Corporation

Feature
Non-Profit Corporation
Standard Corporation
Purpose
Operates for social, cultural, charitable, or community goals (not for making profit) Operates to earn profit for shareholders
Profit Distribution
Cannot distribute profits to members or directors Can distribute profits as dividends to shareholders
Ownership
No shareholdersโ€”has members or directors Owned by shareholders
Tax Status
May qualify for tax-exempt status (if registered charity) Pays corporate taxes on profits
Fundraising Options
Donations, grants, membership fees Sales, investments, business revenue
Use of Surplus
Reinvested into the organizationโ€™s mission Can be used or distributed at owner's discretion
Naming Restrictions
Cannot use โ€œLimited,โ€ โ€œLtd.โ€ unless special approval Must include โ€œLimited,โ€ โ€œLtd.,โ€ โ€œInc.,โ€ or โ€œCorp.โ€
Governing Law
Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) Ontario Business Corporations Act (OBCA)
Directors
At least 3 directors are required At least 1 director
Residency Requirement
No requirement, unless you plan to register a Charity status. No requirement.
Start Your Incorporation Now

Just 3 Simple Steps

Fill out the online formโ€‹

Kick things off by completing our easy step-by-step form. You can place your order using a credit card, PayPal, or e-transferโ€”whichever is most convenient.โ€‹

We handle the filingโ€‹

Once your payment is confirmed, our experienced registry agent reviews everything and files your documents with the appropriate Ontario government office. No need to worry about red tape or delays.โ€‹

Receive your incorporation documentsโ€‹

Incorporating a business in Ontario doesnโ€™t have to be complicated. Youโ€™ll receive your official Certificate and Articles of Incorporation right in your inboxโ€”often in just a few business hours.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Watch our informative guide and learn how to incorporate an Ontario non-profit

Frequently Asked Questions

A Not-for-Profit (NFP) organization in Ontario is an entity formed to carry out activities for social, cultural, educational, religious, or charitable purposes, not to earn profit for its members. Any profit earned must be used to support the organization’s objectives.
Agency (CRA) and is eligible to issue tax receipts for charitable donations. A regular not-for-profit cannot issue tax receipts and has wider objectives, including sports clubs, cultural organizations, or community associations.

Limited liability protection for directors and members
Legal recognition and credibility
Ability to enter into contracts, own property, and receive grants
Continuity regardless of changes in membership

Yes, you can incorporate online by completing a simple form on Canada Incorporation Agency website, it will take around 30 minutes. After completing the payment, we will send you a confirmation email, and our agent will contact you to confirm all the order details. We will incorporate your company and email the Certificate and Articles of incorporation to you.
The government fee is $350 if you file directly online through the Ontario Business Registry. Third-party services may charge more for convenience (and moral support).
Yes! Ontario not-for-profits must file an Annual Return, keep corporate records updated, and may need to file taxes depending on activities. Youโ€™ll also want to hold an annual general meeting (AGM) unless you’re exempt.
Nope! Once a not-for-profit, always a not-for-profit. If you want to switch gears into entrepreneurship, youโ€™ll need to incorporate a new for-profit business separately.
Itโ€™s not required, but itโ€™s a good ideaโ€”especially if you’re planning to apply for charitable status. Canada Incorporation Agency has a team of professional lawyers and filing agents that can help you out with the paperwork for your Non-Profit. Bylaws, governance, and CRA compliance can get complicated. Or use a professional service to make life easier.
Absolutely! Bylaws are the rules for how your organization will runโ€”think of them as your corporate playbook. You’ll need to adopt them within 60 days of incorporating. They donโ€™t need to be filed, but they do need to exist (and actually be followed).
Yes, but any profit must be used to advance the organizationโ€™s goalsโ€”not to line your pockets. You can pay staff and contractors, but your board members typically can’t receive profit distributions.

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Yes, we offer 3 types of post-incorporation and maintenance service:
  • Service Ontario Annual Return: At the end of the year, we will file an annual corporate return withย Service Ontario
  • Guidelines & Consultations:
  • Complete Maintenance: Consultations + Filing with Government + Corporate Supports:
    • corporate address change (max 3 times),
    • director’s change (max 3 times),
    • shareholder change (max 3 times),
    • officer change (max 3 times).
    • annual return
    • consultation with corporate lawyer (max 2 times),
    • consultation with accountant (max 2 times),
    • consultation on corporate legal contracts: partnership agreements, shareholder agreements etc.
    • free logo design serviceย (3 choices)
    • free business cards
    • assistance on listing your business on google map
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