Business
Name for
an Existing Corporation
$65*
Each corporation has a legal name, which is the name listed on the certificate of Incorporation. When a corporation starts new business activities it may need another business name related to the new business activities.
For example, Alex Home Construction Inc. may decide to open a separate division, which offers web design services. It’s quite difficult to offer such services under the name related to home construction.
Incorporation of a new corporation for that new business area is not necessarily the best solution. Each separate legal entity requires additional time and expenses (tax registrations, tax returns, etc.). The quick and inexpensive solution is registration of a business name, which reflects the business activities of that new corporate division.
As a result, Alex Home Construction Inc. is able to register and do business under the name Alex Web Design.
We are able to register a business name for an existing corporation
in the following provinces:
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan
Business Name Registration for an Existing Corporation Information |
||
| Province | Time Frame for Registration |
Validity of
the
Registration and Renewal |
| Alberta | 1 to 2 business days |
No annual renewal
fee, registration is valid until you file dissolution |
| British Columbia |
Regular Processing
10 to 15 business days
Expedited services in 1 to 2 business days |
No annual renewal
fee, registration is valid until you file dissolution |
| Manitoba |
Regular Processing
5 to 10 business days
Expedited services in 1 to 2 business days |
Valid for 3 years
and then requires a renewal |
| New Brunswick | 7 to 10 business days |
Valid for 1 year
and then requires a renewal |
| Nova Scotia | 7 to 12 business days |
Valid for 1 year
and then requires a renewal |
| Ontario | 2 business hours |
Valid for 5 years
and then requires a renewal |
| Prince Edward Island | 5 to 7 business days |
Valid for 3 years
and then requires a renewal |
| Saskatchewan | 2 to 3 business days |
Valid for 3 years
and then requires a renewal |
You should note that registration of a business name for an existing corporation does not protect the name. If you would like to protect the name you should incorporate a new corporation.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Registering a Business Name for an
|
|
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| Quick and inexpensive registration |
Registration of a business name does not protect the name |
| No additional expenses for accounting services and filing of additional tax returns | Registration of each name may require a renewal in some provinces |
| Ability to register a separate business name for each area of the corporations business | |
Important Notice:
If you need to discuss your personal situation with a lawyer, chartered accountant or tax advisor, our company is able to refer you to a professional who is able to assist you.