Incorporation Lawyers

INCORPORATION LAWYERS IN ONTARIO

INCORPORATION
LAWYERS
IN ONTARIO

Done Right by Incorporation Lawyers

Personal Service & Advice

$799 Federal / $899 Ontario
Includes All Government Filing Fees

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Done Right by Lawyers

$799 Federal
$899 Ontario
Includes
All Government Fees

Google Reviews

  • Work with an Incorporation Lawyer from Start to Finish
  • Legal Advice and Guidance throughout the Process
  • All Required Filings and Corporate Organizational Documents
  • Efficient Online Process and Quick Turnaround Times
  • With Pricing Comparable to the “Do-it-Yourself” Online Services
Personal Service & Advice
Lawyer is Hands On
All Inclusive Packages
Easy Process by Phone/Email

Matthew Ordower, Lawyer
Find out more about us.

“We’ve helped many people incorporate in Ontario. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to call or email us. We offer a free 30 minute consultation.”

Matthew Ordower
Find out more about us.

Incorporation Packages

$799 Federal

$899 Ontario

  • Government Filing Fees
  • Third Party Disbursements
  • Electronic Minute Book
  • Articles & Certificate of Incorporation
  • Corporate By-Laws & Resolutions
  • Share Certificates & Subscriptions
  • Includes
  • – Government Filing Fees
  •    & Disbursements
  • – Electronic Minute Book
  • – Articles & Certificate of Incorporation
  • – By-Laws & Resolutions
  • – Share Certificates & Subscriptions
  • – Registers & Ledgers
  • – Nuans Name Search
  • – Business Number from CRA
  • – Form 1 or Form 2 Initial Returns
  • – Legal Advice and Consultation
  • – Signing through Docusign
  • Registers & Ledgers
  • Name Searches (Pre-Nuans & Nuans)
  • Business Number/Tax Accounts from CRA
  • Form 1 or Form 2 Initial Returns
  • Legal Advice and Consultation
  • Electronic Signing through Docusign

Professionals
$899 Ontario

SOME FAQ’S ABOUT INCORPORATION

What’s the difference between an Ontario company and a federal company?

You can think of it as two levels of government that do the same thing. The federal government incorporates companies through Corporations Canada and the Ontario government incorporates companies through the Ministry of Government Services.

There are a few differences to consider:

(1) name protection – you may get more name protection across Canada with a federal company. Keep in mind if you’re really concerned about your brand, you should look into a trademark (which can be done with a federal or provincial company).

(2) extra provincial registration – if you need to register as an extra provincial corporation in another province, it may be easier to effect the registration if you’re starting off with a federal company.

(3) portability – if you may be moving out of Ontario, we sometimes recommend a federal company because it’s more easily “transportable” – meaning that you just change the registered office address and file the extra provincial registration in the province where you’ll be moving.

That being said, 80% of our companies are Ontario companies, they’re quicker and easier to do.

Why is an Ontario company more expensive than a federal company?

The government filing fee for an Ontario company is $100 more than for a federal company. We pass this savings on to you. However, you shouldn’t let that cost difference govern your decision. Keep in mind that, unlike an Ontario corporation, there’s an additional annual filing for a federal corporation (called an annual return) which is separate and apart from your tax return and there is a $20 cost to file the return. This annual filing offsets the initial cost savings over time.

What are the tax advantages of incorporating?

We usually talk to clients about two main tax advantages:

(1) the small business deduction – this effectively lowers your corporate tax rate to about 12.5% on the first $500,000 that your company makes each year. It’s available on your active business income only (not income from passive investments) and is available to Canadian Controlled Private Companies (referred to as CCPC’s). Keep in mind that this is a deferral only meaning that once you pull money out of your company it becomes your personal income and is taxed at the marginal tax rates on your T1 return. To the extent that you can leave the earnings in the company, the deferral “lives” and you can use the additional money to grow and invest in your business.

(2) the lifetime capital gains exemption – if you sell your shares down the road, you may be able to take approx. $800,000 off the table tax free. The exemption is available for qualifying small business corporation shares and there are a few criteria you’ll need to meet.

There may be other tax benefits and you can always consult an accountant. If you need a referral to an accountant in your area, just let us know.

What does limited liability mean?

At law, a corporation is considered a separate legal person and can enter into contracts, borrow money and own property. As the theory goes, if your corporation is a party to a contract, the corporation alone should be liable for a breach of that contract. Or, if your corporation borrows money, it alone should be responsible to repay the loan. So, the concept of limited liability means that you personally are separate from your company and are not generally responsible for its debts, obligations or liabilities.

Limited liability is a general rule and there are definitely exceptions in the real world. For example, if your company borrows money from a bank, the financial institution usually requires that you personally guarantee repayment of the loan. Or, if your company wants to lease commercial space, the landlord may ask that you personally guarantee payment of the rent. There are ways to minimize personal guarantees, but it’s important to be aware that the limited liability protection of a corporation is not absolute.

You should also be aware that directors of a company have personal responsibility for certain debts and liabilities of the company. Specifically, if your company owes money for taxes or employee deductions to the government, you as a director can be held personally liable for these amounts.

What is the difference between shareholders, directors and officers?

Shareholders own the company (receive dividends or build equity if things go well), the shareholders elect the directors to manage the business and affairs of the company (the people who sit around the board room table discussing the bigger picture), and the directors in turn appoint officers to run the day to day business (the people on the street carrying out the marching orders). In smaller privately held companies (the one that you’ll first incorporate), the same person can wear all 3 hats.  So, when you’re first starting up, you could be the sole director, officer and shareholder.

What is the difference between Inc, Ltd and Corp?

From a legal perspective in Ontario, there is no difference. They all take you to the same place –– an incorporated company. You’re allowed to choose your legal ending which basically involves 6 choices (Inc. or incorporated), (Ltd. or Limited) or (Corp. or Corporation). FYI – Inc. seems to be the most popular nowadays.

How long does it take to incorporate?

For Ontario corporations, the entire process can be completed within 2-3 business hours. That’s because the incorporation documents are filed automatically. For federal corporations, the process takes a bit longer. The reason is that the application goes in front of an examiner who will review the application and in particular the NUANS name search to make sure there are no conflicting names out there. Assuming there are no issues with your chosen name, federal companies are usually completed in a day or two.

  • I recently worked with Ordower Law Professional Corporation while incorporating my business. The team was AMAZING! They were very prompt in responding to my requests and proved to be thorough when reviewing my documentation. The overall service they provided was over and above what I had expected - they gave me some really great start-up tips that I am thankful for!

    thumb ReRouting Inc.
    May 28, 2018
  • Had a great experience with Matthew and Jana. I hired them to help me with some corporate legal issues. They got me exactly what I wanted, working very efficiently and quickly (I went to another firm befor them and was told it would take 5 times as long as it took Matthew to get what I hired them to do). They were great at explaining a lot of info about the process and the law in a clear and concise way that’s easy to understand. I left very happy. Highly recommend. Josh

    thumb Joshua Goldberg
    March 22, 2018
  • I just had my business incorporated with Matthew and his team (shout outs to Sarah and Janet). The team took the time to answer all my questions and concerns. Everything was done in both a time efficient and thorough matter. I am more than pleased with their services. Thanks guys! - Sean

    thumb sean lum
    March 22, 2018
  • Matthew called me within an hour of my inquiry. He made me feel very comfortable with the whole process and briefly discussed my best options, how much it would cost and how long it would take. After conveniently e-transferring the fee, Jana called me within minutes to get a better understanding of how I wanted to structure my business. She was very friendly, relatable, knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, this experience took a daunting task and made it quick, easy and hassle free. Thanks guys!

    thumb Grandeur Zealous
    January 27, 2018
  • Great experience with Matthew and Sarah. Quick and professional service and they provided me with some tips and considerations for setting up my business beyond the scope of their work. I will definitely work with them again in the future.

    thumb Milica Kostic
    March 31, 2018
  • Mr. Ordower was professional and fair. Sarah Also did a fantastic job. They gave me the piece of mind I needed and moved quickly!

    thumb Kevin O'Boyle
    June 5, 2018
  • Super easy to work with and very helpful on getting my 1st corporation set up. Very clear, fast and thorough. They were a great price as well. I would definitely recommend. Thank you!

    thumb Michael Antonakos
    June 8, 2018
  • Matthew and his team helped me incorporate in less than one day. Right from the start till the paperwork got completed the communication was clear and concise. Thanks for helping me and all others who are starting up.

    thumb Som Thee
    June 12, 2018
  • Matthew and Jana went the extra mile for us - we incorporated federally very quickly. Pain free navigation through the whole process and a specially worded indemnity agreement which suits us down to the ground - all very good value for money. I wholeheartedly recommend them!

    thumb Adrian Bowker
    June 26, 2018
  • Matthew called me within an hour of my inquiry. He made me feel very comfortable with the whole process and briefly discussed my best options, how much it would cost and how long it would take. After conveniently e-transferring the fee, Jana called me within minutes to get a better understanding of how I wanted to structure my business. She was very friendly, relatable, knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, this experience took a daunting task and made it quick, easy and hassle free. Thanks guys!

    thumb Grandeur Zealous
    July 7, 2018

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Ordower Law Professional Corporation

2 St. Clair Avenue West, 18th Floor

Toronto, ON

M4V 1L5

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