Ontario Business Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll run into when starting or managing an Ontario business.
A yearly filing that keeps a corporation's registry information current. Not the same as an income tax return.
Annual Returns guide →The founding document that creates a corporation, setting name, share structure, and initial directors.
Incorporation hub →A filing to change the corporate name, share structure, or restrictions of an existing corporation.
The filing that formally ends a corporation's legal existence.
The number assigned to an Ontario business name registration.
A 9-digit CRA identifier that anchors your tax accounts (GST/HST, payroll, corporate tax).
Business Taxes →Official confirmation that a corporation exists and is in good standing.
A confidential credential used to authorize filings through the Ontario Business Registry.
Company Key guide →Moving a corporation from one jurisdiction to another (e.g. federal to Ontario).
A person elected by shareholders to supervise a corporation.
A corporation registered to operate in a province other than its home jurisdiction.
A filing shortly after incorporation to confirm director and office information.
The collection of a corporation's key records — articles, by-laws, resolutions, and registers.
A filing to update registry information such as directors or the registered office.
A name search system used to check proposed corporate names for conflicts.
A person appointed by the directors to manage day-to-day operations (President, Secretary, Treasurer).
A name a business uses publicly that's different from its legal name.
Registration guide →The official Ontario address of a corporation for legal service and records.
A person or entity that owns shares in a corporation.
Ontario's workplace safety and insurance system — employers may be required to register.