Ontario Business Registry
On October 19, 2021, the new online Ontario Business Registry was launched. The registry is designed to enable simpler, faster and more convenient access for organizations that are registered, incorporated or licensed to carry on business in Ontario.
Each organization is responsible for keeping their information on the public record up-to-date.
To update your organization’s information directly with the government for free, you will need to obtain a Company Key. Once you have the Company Key, you will be asked to create a One-key ID and a Service Ontario account and then you can access your organization’s records in the registry and make the changes necessary to bring the information up-to-date.
One of the changes that affects all corporations is that the Ontario annual return has to be filed directly with Ministry of Government and Consumer Services because since May 15, 2021, the filing of the annual return was no longer part of the corporate tax return.
It is expected that changes are to be made that will allow qualified intermediaries, such as Chartered Professional Accountants or lawyers, to gain online access to the registry and be able to transact directly in the registry.
We suggest that each client with an Ontario registration determine how best to meet the requirements of the new registry.