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Ontario Business Name Checker
Check if your business name is available in Ontario and get a step-by-step guide to registration. Free tool — no account needed.
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🏢 Business Name Analysis
📋 Ontario Business Registration Guide
1
Search: Search the Ontario Business Registry for similar names
Check the OBR at ontario.ca to verify no identical or confusingly similar name exists.
2
NUANS: Get a NUANS name search report (corporations only)
Corporations must obtain a NUANS report to confirm name availability federally. Cost: ~$13.80 online.
3
Register: Register your business name with ServiceOntario
Sole props and partnerships: register online at ontario.ca for $60. Takes 1-2 business days.
4
CRA: Get your Business Number from CRA
Register for a CRA Business Number (BN) for taxes, payroll, HST. Free at canada.ca/cra.
5
HST: Register for HST if revenue exceeds $30,000
You must register for HST once your annual revenue exceeds $30,000. Registration is free.
6
License: Obtain any required municipal business licenses
Check your city's requirements. Kitchener/Waterloo businesses may need a municipal license.
💰 Ontario Business Registration Costs
| Type | Registration Fee | Renewal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | $60 online | Every 5 years | Simplest structure, personally liable |
| General Partnership | $60 online | Every 5 years | Shared liability between partners |
| Corporation (Ontario) | $360 online | Annual return req. | Limited liability, more complex |
| Federal Corporation | $200 online | Annual return req. | Operates in multiple provinces |
| LLP | $210 online | Annual filing req. | For lawyers, accountants, professionals |
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