How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate in Ontario? (2026 Breakdown)

Author : Bizincs Incorporate | Published On : 22 May 2026

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 The answers online are often vague, outdated, or quietly trying to sell something.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

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.

If you incorporate in Ontario Canada through the federal route it's 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.

Ontario incorporation services like Bizincs handle 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 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 2026 breakdown of every cost to incorporate in Ontario — including government fees, service costs and hidden charges?