All corporate entities that are subject to the Corporations Information Act (Ontario) must file an Annual Return with the government of Ontario not later than 6 months after their taxation year end. This Annual Return (which is not an income tax return) includes the corporation’s legal name, mailing address, taxation year end date, date of incorporation or amalgamation, corporation number, jurisdiction of incorporation and information about the directors and officers.
The new Ontario Business Registry is up and running!
This means that all corporations registered in Ontario now have access to their very own Company Key.
What is a Company Key?
It’s a unique identifier that will be used by the government when dealing with businesses in the province. Think of it as your business’s social insurance number.
What do you need to do now that you have a Company Key?
You will need to update your records with the government. This includes your Ontario Annual Return..
Don’t have a Company Key yet?
Complete the steps below:
Company Key
In order to obtain a Company Key, click here;
The following information will be needed;
- Company name
- Address
- Contact Name
- Contact Telephone Number
- Contact Email
The Company Key is generally received within 3 business days.
In order to update the company’s records and file an Ontario Annual Return a few more steps are needed.
ONe-Key
In addition to obtaining a Company Key, a ONe-Key needs to be obtained. The ONe-Key is a unique electronic credential that allows you to communicate securely with the Government of Ontario.
In order to obtain a ONe-Key, click here.
Ontario Annual Return Filing
Once you have received your Company Key and have registered for a ONe-Key, it will be necessary to associate the Company Key with your ONe-Key so that you are able to file the Ontario Annual Returns for your companies.
Follow these steps;
- Find your business in the Ontario Business Registry here.
- Click on “if you want to maintain this corporation you need to be logged in and have authority over it”
- Log in using your ONe-Key credentials
- Confirm once again the company’s name you wish to associate with
- Enter the Company Key and click “Submit”
Companies incorporated after October 19, 2021 will automatically be given a Company Key.
Ontario Annual Returns are due 6 months after year end, so it is recommended that you update your records as soon as possible.
In the event you require any assistance or have any questions, please feel free to contact your Lipton advisor.
