Ontario Business Registry

Definition

The Ontario Business Registry (OBR) is an online portal operated by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery that lets individuals, corporations, and service providers file and access business and not-for-profit corporation records in Ontario. Launched on October 19, 2021, the OBR consolidates filings that were previously processed through ServiceOntario offices and intermediary service providers. It supports the OBCA, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act 2010 (ONCA), the Business Names Act, the Extra-Provincial Corporations Act, and related statutes.

Key rules

• Every Ontario corporation has a Business Identification Number (BIN), a nine-digit number used to authenticate filings on the OBR. The BIN was created when the OBR launched and is different from the Ontario Corporation Number (seven digits).
• Transactions available include: incorporating an OBCA corporation, registering a business name (sole proprietorship, partnership, trade name), filing an Ontario Annual Return, filing a Notice of Change, amending articles, continuing a corporation into or out of Ontario, and obtaining a certified copy of corporate filings.
• Standard incorporation fees are $300 online ($360 by paper or service provider). Name search reports (NUANS) are still required before name-based incorporations.
• The OBR issues electronic certificates (Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Amendment, Certificate of Status) immediately on completion of the transaction, signed by the Director appointed under the OBCA.
• Some transactions still require ministry review and are not instant: for example, continuations from another jurisdiction, revivals of cancelled corporations, and complex amendments.

Example

A Toronto resident incorporates a new OBCA corporation on January 10, 2026. Steps: (1) obtain a NUANS name search report for the proposed name, (2) register for a ONe-key account and link to the OBR, (3) submit the articles of incorporation online with initial director information and share structure, (4) pay the $300 fee, and (5) receive the electronic certificate within minutes. The corporation's Ontario Corporation Number and BIN are issued immediately. The founder then registers for CRA business number and GST/HST accounts separately through the CRA's Business Registration Online (BRO).

Common mistakes

• Confusing the BIN with the CRA's Business Number (BN). The BIN is Ontario-only and authenticates OBR filings; the BN is federal and used for tax accounts.
• Assuming OBR filing alone is sufficient for a business name. A registered business name under the Business Names Act expires after five years and must be renewed before expiry.
• Not updating the OBR after director changes. A Notice of Change is required within 15 days of any change to directors, officers, or registered office; failure exposes the directors to liability for stale registry information.
• Expecting the OBR to file the T2. The OBR handles corporate registry filings only; corporate income tax is filed with CRA on the T2 return.

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