Most Ontario entrepreneurs know incorporation protects their personal assets and saves on taxes. What they don’t know is exactly what it’s going to cost them. The answers online are either vague, outdated, or quietly trying to sell something. Here’s the honest breakdown.

Quick Cost Summary

DIY (Service Ontario) — ~$375 Government filing fee + NUANS name search

Incorporation Service (Bizincs) — $500–$700 all-in Everything handled — name search, filing, minute book

Corporate Lawyer — $1,500–$2,500+ Full legal guidance, complex structures

Government Fees — What You Pay No Matter What

The Ontario government charges a flat $300 filing fee for provincial incorporation through Service Ontario. If you want a named company you’ll also need a NUANS name search which costs around $75. That’s $375 minimum before any professional fees.

Federal incorporation is technically cheaper at $200 but requires an extra Ontario registration adding $60–$80 making the total similar.

DIY vs Service vs Lawyer — Which Makes Sense?

DIY is cheapest upfront but most people skip the minute book, forget to issue shares properly and skip the shareholders agreement. Those gaps cost more to fix later than the money saved.

An incorporation service like Bizincs handles everything for $500–$700 all-in — name search, Articles of Incorporation, government filing and a digital minute book. No lawyer rates, no gaps.

A corporate lawyer makes sense for complex setups — multiple share classes, holding companies or investor agreements. For a standard small business it’s overkill at day one.

Hidden Ongoing Costs Nobody Warns You About

• Annual corporate tax return (T2) — $500–$1,500/year
• Ontario Annual Return — $12/year
• Minute book maintenance — $150–$400/year
• Business bank account — $0–$30/month

Budget $1,200–$2,200 for your full first year as an incorporated business.

3 Ways to Keep Your Incorporation Cost Low

• Use a numbered company if you don’t need a name yet — saves $75 on NUANS
• Go provincial if you’re only operating in Ontario — simpler and cheaper
• Bundle incorporation with your first year accounting engagement — many accountants discount it

Want the complete breakdown with every fee explained in full detail?

We’ve put together a comprehensive 2026 guide covering government fees, service costs, hidden charges and exactly what to budget for your first year.

Read the full cost breakdown here → https://bizincs.com/cost-to-incorporate-in-ontario/