Ontario Annual Returns, explained
Annual returns keep the province's record of your corporation current. They're separate from your income tax return — and forgetting them can have real consequences.
What an annual return is
An annual return is a filing that confirms current information about a corporation — its directors, registered office, and other basic details. It's how the government keeps its public record accurate.
Who files
Most active Ontario corporations file annual returns. Federal corporations file a similar return separately with Corporations Canada.
What it isn't
An annual return is not the same as your corporate income tax return (T2). The tax return goes to the Canada Revenue Agency. The annual return updates the corporate registry.
When it's due
Timing depends on the corporation's fiscal year-end and jurisdiction. Ontario corporations generally file within a set window after year-end. Confirm the exact due date using the official source below.
What information is required
- Corporate name and identification information
- Registered office address
- Current directors (and, where applicable, officers)
- Confirmation that other filed information is still accurate
What happens if you don't file
Continued non-filing can lead to the corporation being flagged as non-compliant, and eventually cancelled or dissolved administratively. Reinstating a cancelled corporation takes extra work and cost.
Filing route
Ontario annual returns are filed through the Ontario Business Registry. You'll typically need your company key.