Eloisa De Los Santos, Author at BC Business Register

Q: Do corporations pay less tax than sole proprietors in BC?

Not automatically. A qualifying Canadian-controlled private corporation can generally access an 11% combined federal and British Columbia small-business corporate tax rate on eligible income within its available limit. However, money eventually paid to the owner may create personal tax. The main benefit is often tax deferral when profits can remain in the corporation.

Q: How much does it cost to incorporate in BC in 2026?

The base British Columbia government incorporation filing fee for a standard limited company is $350. A named company also requires a $30 name approval, bringing the base government setup total to $380. A numbered company does not require the $30 custom-name approval. Additional online or service-provider fees may apply.

Q: How much does a sole proprietorship cost in BC?

A British Columbia sole proprietorship using a registered business name has a $30 name request fee and a $40 registration fee, for a base government total of $70. A person doing business entirely under their personal name generally does not need provincial business-name registration.

Q: Can a corporation have only one owner in BC?

Yes. A British Columbia private company can have a single shareholder, and the Business Corporations Act requires a company to have at least one director. The same person can commonly be both shareholder and director of a small private company.

Q: Do I need an accountant or lawyer to incorporate in BC?

A lawyer or accountant is not generally required simply to submit a standard British Columbia incorporation filing. Professional advice becomes more useful when the corporation needs customized share classes, multiple shareholders, a shareholder agreement, significant asset transfers, tax planning, professional-corporation provisions, or succession planning.

BC Business Name Approval Rules, Costs, Processing Times and Rejections

BC Business Name Approval: Rules, Cost, Processing Times, and Rejections (2026)

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Eloisa De Los Santos

BC business name approval is the process used to determine whether a proposed business or organization name can be used in British Columbia. A standard BC Name Request costs $30, applicants can submit up to three name choices in order of preference, and an approved name is generally reserved for 56 days.

Getting a name approved does not register or incorporate your business. It reserves an acceptable name so you can complete the appropriate registration, incorporation, name change, restoration, or other applicable filing.

Quick Answer: How Does BC Business Name Approval Work?

BC business name approval is completed through a BC Name Request. The standard government fee is $30, and you can submit up to three proposed names in order of preference. If a name is approved, it is reserved for 56 days, giving you time to complete the related business registration or incorporation.

BC Registry Services reviews proposed names for distinctiveness, similarity to existing names, restricted wording, and the correct use of corporate designations. A name may be rejected if it is too similar to another business, is not distinctive enough, uses protected wording without consent or does not meet BC naming rules.

Processing times change based on Registry workload. BC’s published processing information listed an estimated 9 business days as of May 13, 2026, so applicants should check the current BC Registry processing times before filing.

A numbered BC company does not require a separate Name Request. Business name approval also does not provide registered trademark protection.

BC Business Name Approval at a Glance

BC Name Request requirements and figures
Requirement	Information
Standard BC Name Request Fee	$30
Number of name choices	Up to 3, ranked in order of preference
Published standard processing estimate	9 business days as of May 13, 2026
Priority-service fee	Additional $100
Published priority target for names/searches	5 business days as of May 13, 2026
Name reservation period	56 days after approval
Responsible registry	BC Registries and Online Services
Name Request needed for a numbered BC company?	No
Does name approval create trademark rights?	No

Processing times: BC Registry processing times vary with filing volume. The government’s processing times page listed 9 business days for Name Request review and approval as of May 13, 2026, and 5 business days for priority names and searches. These estimates are subject to change, so the live Name Request system should be checked before filing.

What Is a BC Name Request?

A BC Name Request asks BC Registries and Online Services to review a proposed business or organization name before it is used for an applicable provincial registration or corporate filing.

BC requires name approval before certain transactions, including incorporation, registration, amalgamation, restoration, and a name change. The review helps determine whether the proposed name is appropriate and whether it could confuse or mislead the public.

Three terms are commonly confused:

Name Request: The application submitted to BC Registries for review.
Name approval: The Registry’s decision that a proposed name satisfies the applicable naming requirements.
Name reservation: The temporary period after approval during which the approved name is held for the applicant.

An approved Name Request does not mean your business has been registered or incorporated. You must still complete the appropriate filing before the reservation expires.

Name approval also does not give you registered trademark rights or permanent ownership of a name. The official BC business name approval guidance explains the provincial naming requirements in more detail.

Who Needs Business Name Approval in BC?

A Name Request is commonly required when someone wants to use a custom name for a BC company, sole proprietorship, general partnership or another eligible business or organization.

Name approval may also be required for transactions such as a corporate name change, amalgamation, restoration or registration of an operating name.

For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, you generally need to request and reserve a business name when the business operates under a business name rather than an individual’s personal name.

If you are still deciding how to structure your business, review your options before you register a business in BC.

Named vs. Numbered BC Companies

A custom corporate name requires name approval before incorporation.

A numbered BC company is different. If you incorporate using an incorporation number as the company’s legal name, a separate name reservation is not required. BC assigns the number automatically during incorporation.

A numbered company name follows a format such as:

1234567 B.C. Ltd.

If you want a custom company name instead, complete the Name Request first and then proceed with the incorporation filing.

You can review the available options through BC incorporation services.

Incorporate in BC

How Much Does BC Business Name Approval Cost?

The standard government fee for a BC Name Request is $30. This allows applicants to provide up to three proposed names in order of preference.

BC Name Request government fees
Service	Government Fee
Standard Name Request	$30
Priority service	Additional $100
Another independent Name Request	Another applicable Name Request fee

BC Registry Services also offers priority service for an additional $100 where available. The provincial processing-times page listed a five-business-day target for priority names and searches as of May 13, 2026.

Because expedited processing times can change, confirm the latest turnaround before paying for priority service.

Any service-provider charges are separate from government fees.

One Name Request may contain up to three alternatives, but it does not provide three separate approved names. If you need more than one independent name approved, another Name Request and applicable fee are required.

If an approved reservation expires before you complete the required registration or incorporation, another Name Request will also be necessary.

How Long Does BC Business Name Approval Take?

BC business name approval does not have one permanent processing time.

As of May 13, 2026, BC Registry Services’ published processing times page listed an estimated 9 business days for Name Request review and approval. The same page listed 5 business days for priority names and searches.

These figures should not be treated as guaranteed turnaround times. BC states that processing times are approximate and can change according to current workloads.

For the most accurate estimate when you are ready to file, check the BC Registry Services processing-times page and the live Name Request system.

How to Choose a BC Business Name That Is More Likely to Be Approved

BC Registries evaluates the structure of a proposed name as well as potential conflicts with existing names. To prepare a stronger request, understand the three main components of a business name.

1. Distinctive Element

The distinctive element helps separate your business from others.

A generic name such as:

Cleaning Services Ltd.

does very little to distinguish one company from another.

A stronger structure might be:

Cedar Ridge Cleaning Services Ltd.

Here, “Cedar Ridge” is the distinctive element.

BC’s naming guidance explains that geographic references, personal names, coined words and other unique elements can help distinguish an otherwise generic business name.

2. Descriptive Element

The descriptive element tells people something about the nature of the business.

Using the same example:

Cedar Ridge Cleaning Services Ltd.

“Cleaning Services” describes what the company does.

BC also considers similarities between descriptive terms. Simply replacing one descriptive word with a close synonym may not create enough distinction.

For example, BC gives the example that “John’s Hotel” could still conflict with “John’s Inn” because “hotel” and “inn” have similar descriptive meanings.

3. Corporate Designation

An incorporated company must use an appropriate corporate designation.

For a standard limited company, acceptable endings include forms such as:

Limited, Ltd., Incorporated, Inc., Corporation or Corp.

Using our example:

Cedar Ridge = distinctive element
Cleaning Services = descriptive element
Ltd. = corporate designation

Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are unincorporated businesses and should not use corporate designations such as Ltd., Inc. or Corp.

BC Business Name Rules to Check Before Applying

A proposed name is not automatically acceptable simply because you cannot find an exact match online.

BC Registry examiners consider the complete name, including how distinctive it is and whether it may be confused with existing names.

Similar or Confusing Names

Search for more than exact matches.

Look for similar spellings, plural forms, abbreviations, related business descriptions, and alternative wording that could make two names appear connected.

You can use a BC business search to research registered businesses before submitting your preferred name.

Single-Word Names

BC advises applicants to be cautious with single-word names because they can lack sufficient distinctiveness.

For a sole proprietorship or general partnership, a coined or made-up word can strengthen a single-word request. For an incorporated company, adding a geographic reference to a coined term may help make it more distinctive.

Following the more traditional structure of a distinctive element, descriptive element, and appropriate corporate designation is generally easier to evaluate.

Personal Names

For a corporation or society, a person’s full name can be considered sufficiently distinctive. Two surnames or initials combined with a surname may also be acceptable.

The rule differs for unincorporated businesses. A sole proprietor or partnership operating under a personal name does not need to request and register a separate business name with the province.

Well-Known Names and Trademarks

Well-known names and trademarks are not accepted without advance written consent from the holder. BC also requires written consent when a proposed business name uses a public figure’s name.

Therefore, it is useful to search both business records and trademarks before committing to a brand.

The official Canadian Trademarks Database provides access to Canadian trademark records.

Government, British Columbia and Crown References

Names that imply an official government connection can be restricted.

BC’s rules also place conditions on certain uses of “British Columbia” or “B.C.” depending on how those terms appear in the proposed name.

Names that imply an association with the Crown, a living member of the royal family, or royal endorsement may require written consent from the appropriate authority.

Words such as “crown” or “royal” are not automatically prohibited if the complete name clearly does not imply an official connection.

Objectionable Names

BC Registries rejects proposed names containing vulgar expressions, obscene wording or connotations, or racial, physical, or sexual slurs.

How the Three BC Name Choices Work

A BC Name Request allows applicants to provide up to three different names ranked in order of preference.

The first choice is considered first. The second and third choices act as alternatives if an earlier choice cannot be approved.

You do not receive approval for all three names.

If you need two independent names approved, you need separate Name Requests and must pay the applicable fee for each request.

It is also better to submit genuinely different alternatives.

For example, these three names may all encounter the same problem if “Blue Cedar” conflicts with an existing business:

Blue Cedar Consulting Ltd.
Blue Cedar Consultants Ltd.
Blue Cedar Consulting Group Ltd.

A stronger backup strategy is to use different distinctive elements rather than making minor variations to the same proposed name.

Most Common Reasons BC Business Names Are Rejected

Understanding why names fail can help you prepare stronger alternatives.

The Name Is Too Similar to an Existing Business

A proposed name does not need to be an exact duplicate to create a conflict.

Similar wording, spelling, or business descriptions can still make names confusingly alike.

Search variations of your proposed name instead of checking only the exact phrase.

The Name Is Not Distinctive Enough

Names made almost entirely from generic business terms may lack a strong distinctive element.

Potentially weak: Cleaning Services Ltd.
Stronger structure: Cedar Peak Cleaning Services Ltd.

Adding a meaningful distinctive element can make the proposed name easier to distinguish, although no example can guarantee approval.

The Descriptive Words Are Too Similar

Changing one descriptive word does not necessarily resolve a conflict.

For example, changing “Hotel” to “Inn” may not create enough distinction if the rest of the proposed name conflicts with an existing business.

The important question is whether the complete name is sufficiently distinguishable.

The Name Uses a Restricted or Protected Term

Some names require written consent.

Examples include certain well-known names, trademarks, public figures, and wording that implies an official connection.

If consent is required, obtain it rather than assuming the name will pass the examination.

The Name Suggests an Unauthorized Government or Royal Connection

Names implying a connection with government, the Crown, or members of the royal family can be refused when the required consent has not been provided.

The Name Uses a Famous Name or Trademark

Passing a provincial business-name search is not the same as obtaining trademark rights.

BC states that well-known names and trademarks will not be accepted without advance written consent from the holder.

The Corporate Designation Is Incorrect

A sole proprietorship should not use “Ltd.” or “Inc.” as though it were an incorporated company.

Likewise, a BC limited company using a custom name must include an acceptable corporate designation.

Choosing the correct ending for the legal structure is an important part of the Name Request.

What Happens If Your BC Name Request Is Rejected?

A rejection does not necessarily mean you need to abandon the underlying business concept. It means the proposed name did not meet the Registry’s naming requirements.

Start by reviewing the examiner’s reason carefully. Determine whether the issue involves a conflicting name, lack of distinctiveness, similar descriptive wording, restricted terms, missing consent, or an incorrect business designation.

Then:

Search for related business names.
Identify which part of your proposed name created the conflict.
Strengthen the distinctive element.
Change descriptive wording where necessary.
Obtain written consent if a restricted term or protected name is involved.
Prepare genuinely different backup choices.
Decide whether a new Name Request or appeal is appropriate.

If all submitted choices are rejected, a new Name Request and applicable fee will generally be required.

Can You Appeal a Rejected BC Business Name?

Yes. BC Registry Services provides a formal appeal process for rejected Name Requests.

A first appeal must be received by the Registrar within 30 days of the rejection decision. BC instructs applicants to include the Name Request number when submitting the appeal, and applicants may include supporting evidence.

Examples of evidence BC says may be accepted include registered trademarks and evidence of affiliations with conflicting entities.

If the first appeal is denied, one additional appeal may be submitted. BC states that you must file a second appeal within five days of the latest appeal rejection.

An appeal makes the most sense when you have relevant evidence supporting your position. If the proposed name clearly conflicts with the published naming requirements, preparing stronger alternatives may be more practical.

How to Reduce the Risk of a BC Name Rejection

Before submitting a BC Name Request:

Search existing BC business and organization names.
Look for similar names, not only exact matches.
Search relevant Canadian trademarks where appropriate.
Include a meaningful distinctive element.
Use a clear descriptive element where appropriate.
Choose the correct corporate designation for your structure.
Avoid relying only on punctuation, spacing, or minor spelling changes to create distinction.
Prepare three genuinely different choices rather than small variations.
Check whether your wording requires consent.
Avoid making expensive branding commitments before the name is approved.

A preliminary search can reduce obvious conflicts, but it cannot guarantee approval. Final approval is determined by BC Registry Services.

What Happens After Your BC Business Name Is Approved?

Once approved, the name is reserved for 56 days.

You should complete the appropriate registration or incorporation during that period. Keep your Name Request number because it connects the approved name to the next filing.

If the reservation expires before the required registration or incorporation is completed, another Name Request will be necessary. Once the reservation expires, the name can become available for someone else to use.

The next step depends on the business structure.

A sole proprietor or general partnership can proceed with the applicable provincial registration. If you are forming a corporation, you can proceed with incorporation.

If you are deciding between provincial and federal incorporation, review the separate requirements for federal incorporation in Canada. Federal and BC provincial naming procedures are not the same.

BC Business Name Approval vs. Trademark Registration

Business name approval and trademark registration solve different problems.

Provincial name approval compared with trademark registration
Issue	BC Business Name Approval	Canadian Trademark Registration
Primary purpose	Approves a name for an applicable BC filing	Protects a trademark associated with goods or services
Authority	BC Registries and Online Services	Canadian Intellectual Property Office
Scope	BC business registration system	Protection across Canada
Creates registered trademark rights?	No	Yes, when registration is granted
Initial duration	Reservation is 56 days before the related filing	Registration lasts 10 years
Renewal	Another Name Request is needed if the reservation expires	Renewable every 10 years

CIPO distinguishes a corporate or trade name from a trademark. Incorporating or registering a business name does not by itself create registered trademark rights.

If protecting the brand itself is important, consider trademark registration in Canada separately from provincial business-name approval.

BC Name Approval Examples

The following hypothetical examples show how adding a more distinctive element can improve a proposed name’s structure. They do not guarantee approval.

Weaker and stronger name structures
Potentially Weak Name	Stronger Structure	Why It May Be Stronger
Consulting Services Ltd.	Silver Fir Business Consulting Ltd.	Adds a distinctive brand element
Construction Company Ltd.	Harbour Peak Construction Ltd.	Separates the name from generic construction wording
Vancouver Café Ltd.	Juniper Table Café Ltd.	Uses a stronger distinctive element
Technology Solutions Ltd.	Northlight Cloud Systems Ltd.	Adds distinctive branding and a clearer description
Cleaning Company Ltd.	Cedar Trail Commercial Cleaning Ltd.	Combines distinctive and descriptive elements
Retail Store Ltd.	Copper Pine Outdoor Retail Ltd.	Identifies both the brand and business activity

Always search the actual name you plan to submit. A name that looks distinctive on its own may still conflict with an existing corporation, organization, trade name or trademark.

BC Business Name Approval Checklist

Before filing, confirm that you have:

Chosen the correct business structure
Prepared up to three genuinely different names
Searched existing BC business names
Checked similar spellings and related descriptive terms
Searched relevant Canadian trademarks
Included an appropriate distinctive element
Added a descriptive element where appropriate
Used the correct corporate designation
Checked for restricted or protected wording
Obtained applicable consent where required
Budgeted for the $30 government Name Request fee
Checked the latest BC Registry processing estimate
Planned to complete the next filing before the 56-day reservation expires

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a BC Name Request cost?

A standard BC Name Request costs $30. Priority service is available for an additional $100 where applicable. Processing targets can change, so check the current BC Registry information before requesting expedited service.

How long does BC business name approval take?

Processing times fluctuate. BC Registry Services’ published processing page listed an estimated 9 business days as of May 13, 2026, for Name Request review and approval. Check the live Name Request system for the latest estimate before filing.

How long is an approved BC business name reserved?

An approved BC business name is generally reserved for 56 days. You should complete the applicable business registration or incorporation before the reservation expires.

Can I submit more than one business name?

Yes. One BC Name Request allows up to three proposed names, ranked in order of preference. They are alternatives, however. One request does not give you three independently approved names.

What happens if all three BC business names are rejected?

Review the examiner’s reasons and prepare stronger alternatives. A new Name Request and applicable fee will generally be required. If you believe the rejection should be reconsidered and have relevant evidence, BC also provides an appeal process.

Can I appeal a rejected BC Name Request?

Yes. The first appeal must reach the Registrar within 30 days of the rejection decision. If that appeal is denied, one additional appeal is available and must be received within five days of the latest rejection.

Do I need name approval for a numbered BC corporation?

No. A BC company using its assigned incorporation number as its legal name does not require a separate name reservation. The incorporation number is assigned during incorporation.

Does BC business name approval protect my trademark?

No. Provincial business name approval and trademark registration are separate processes. Incorporating or registering a business name does not automatically create registered trademark rights.

Can another business use a similar name in BC?

Name protection depends partly on the business structure. Incorporated companies, cooperatives, and societies receive stronger name protection under BC’s registration system, while sole proprietorships and partnerships do not receive the same exclusive name protection.

What happens if my 56-day name reservation expires?

If the relevant registration or incorporation is not completed before the reservation expires, another Name Request will generally be required. Once the reservation expires, the name can become available for another applicant.

Ready to Register Your Business in BC?

Getting your business name approved is an important step, but it is only one part of setting up a business in British Columbia.

Before filing, make sure your proposed name is distinctive, follows BC’s naming requirements, and does not create an obvious conflict with existing businesses or trademarks. Once approved, complete the appropriate registration or incorporation within the 56-day reservation period.

BC Business Register can help you complete the next filing online, whether you are registering a sole proprietorship or partnership, incorporating a named BC company or choosing another business structure that fits your plans.

BC Corporation Annual Report: Deadline, Cost and What Happens If You Don’t File

Posted on September 17, 2026September 17, 2026 by Eloisa De Los Santos

A BC corporation annual report is a required yearly filing that helps keep a company’s corporate registry information current. It is separate from the corporation’s income tax return, financial statements, and annual meeting records.

Quick Answer

A B.C. company must generally file its annual report within two months after each anniversary of its recognition date. The statutory filing fee is $43.39 in 2026. If the report becomes overdue, the company is not in good standing. If required annual reports are not filed in each of two consecutive years, the Registrar may begin a process that can result in the company being dissolved.

File Your BC Annual Report

BC Corporation Annual Report: 2026 Quick Answer

BC corporation annual report at a glance, 2026
Question	Answer
Who files?	B.C. companies subject to the annual reporting requirement
How often?	Once each year
Deadline	Within two months after the applicable corporate anniversary
Statutory filing fee	$43.39
Current online service fee	$1.50 in the B.C. Registry filing flow
If late	Company is not in good standing
Two consecutive years missed	The Registrar may begin a process that can result in dissolution.
Financial statements filed?	No
Meeting minutes filed?	No
Same as a corporate tax return?	No

Legislative basis: The annual-report requirement comes from section 51 of British Columbia’s Business Corporations Act. Current B.C. Registry materials also provide filing instructions and fee information for companies maintaining their corporate records.

What Is a BC Corporation Annual Report?

A BC corporation annual report is a yearly corporate registry filing required under the Business Corporations Act. It reports prescribed company information as of the applicable corporate anniversary and helps keep the company’s Registry record current.

The annual report is not a financial report. You do not submit financial statements, tax returns, shareholder meeting minutes, or other accounting records as part of the standard annual report filing.

A company must generally file the report every year even if nothing about the corporation has changed.

Businesses that want help can file a BC annual report online through the BC Business Registry.

When Is a BC Corporation Annual Report Due?

Under section 51 of the Business Corporations Act, a B.C. company must generally file an annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized.

For most companies, the recognition date is tied to when the company was:

incorporated in British Columbia
created through an amalgamation
continued into British Columbia from another jurisdiction

The Province’s Maintaining Your B.C. Company guide explains these corporate maintenance requirements in more detail.

BC Annual Report Deadline Examples

If a company was incorporated on April 15, 2025, its first anniversary is April 15, 2026. It must generally file its annual report within two months after that anniversary.

If a company was incorporated on September 2, 2024, its 2026 anniversary is September 2, 2026. The annual report must be filed within two months after that date.

If a corporation was continued into British Columbia on December 10, the continuation date generally becomes the relevant recognition date for calculating its annual reporting anniversary.

The annual report deadline is not based on the corporation’s fiscal year-end.

This distinction matters because a company may have a tax year-end on a date entirely different from its corporate anniversary.

If you are setting up a new B.C. company, see our BC incorporation services.

How Much Does a BC Annual Report Cost in 2026?

The statutory B.C. government filing fee for a company annual report is $43.39 in 2026.

Current B.C. Registry online filing guidance also shows a $1.50 service fee in the applicable online filing flow, bringing the total shown there to $44.89.

The $43.39 amount is the statutory filing fee. It should be distinguished from:

the online service fee charged through the government filing system
fees charged by a private filing service, lawyer, notary, or other professional
separate fees for changing directors or corporate addresses
fees for other corporate filings
restoration fees if a company has already been dissolved

Current government forms and filing fees are available through the Province’s Corporate Registry forms and fees page.

Is There a Late Fee for a BC Annual Report?

The current statutory fee schedule does not list a separate general late penalty simply because an annual report is overdue.

However, an overdue report can still create additional costs.

For example, a company with several outstanding reports may need to file each required annual report. If the company has already been dissolved, restoration fees and other corporate filing costs can also apply.

What Information Is Required for a BC Annual Report?

Before filing, review the company’s current Registry information and gather what you need to access the company’s record.

Depending on the filing system and company record, you may need:

the company’s incorporation number or Business Number
the applicable access code, company password, or account access
the company’s current registered and records office information
current director information
officer information, where applicable
confirmation that the information recorded for the company is accurate

The annual report is designed primarily to confirm prescribed corporate information. It is not used to submit the company’s financial statements or corporate income tax return.

Can You Change Directors or Company Addresses When Filing the Annual Report?

Some changes must be filed separately from the annual report.

Director Changes

If the company’s directors have changed, the applicable change-of-directors filing should generally be completed separately.

B.C. corporate maintenance guidance requires companies to notify the Registry of changes to directors and certain director information within the prescribed period.

The annual report should not be treated as a substitute for a required director-change filing.

Registered and Records Office Changes

Changes to a company’s registered office or records office also require the appropriate address-change filing.

If the Registry information is incorrect, complete the necessary corporate update before or in connection with bringing the annual reporting record up to date.

This separation is important because an annual report confirms corporate information. It does not replace every other filing required when corporate information changes.

How to File a BC Corporation Annual Report

B.C. companies can submit annual reports electronically through the applicable BC Registry online filing service. Current government materials refer to the modernized BC Registry application, while some legacy corporate services may continue to appear through Corporate Online.

A practical filing process is:

Locate the corporation’s information. Have the legal company name, incorporation number, or Business Number available.
Access the company’s Registry record. Use the applicable access code, company password, or BC Registry account credentials.
Review the corporate information. Confirm that the directors, registered office, records office, and other relevant information are correct.
Complete separate corporate changes if needed. If directors or office addresses have changed, submit the appropriate change filing rather than relying on the annual report to make the update.
Complete the annual report. Enter or confirm the prescribed information for the applicable anniversary date.
Review the filing before submitting it. Check the anniversary year, company details, and other information carefully.
Pay the applicable fees. The statutory filing fee is currently $43.39. The government online filing process may also include the applicable service fee.
Save the confirmation and receipt. Keep the completed annual report and proof of filing with the company’s corporate records.

The Province also provides current information for maintaining a B.C. incorporated company.

Need Help Filing Your BC Annual Report?

BC Business Register is a private business registration and filing service that can help prepare and submit a company’s annual report.

File Your BC Annual Report

What Happens If You Don’t File Your BC Annual Report?

Missing an annual report does not mean a corporation is immediately dissolved. The consequences develop in stages.

After the Annual Report Deadline Passes

If the company does not file its annual report within the required two-month period, the report becomes outstanding, and the company is no longer in good standing.

The company still exists at this stage, but it should correct the outstanding filing as soon as possible.

While Annual Reports Remain Outstanding

A company with outstanding annual reports cannot obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.

Outstanding filings may also affect the company’s ability to complete certain other Registry transactions because the Registrar has authority under the Business Corporations Act to refuse some filings or certificates when required records remain outstanding.

This is an important distinction:

Not in good standing does not mean the company has already been dissolved.

A business that needs to confirm its current corporate information can use our BC business search and corporate records service.

If proof of good standing is required, see our Certificate of Good Standing service.

What Happens After Two Consecutive Years of Missed Annual Reports?

Section 422 of the Business Corporations Act gives the Registrar authority to dissolve a company if the company fails to file required annual reports in each of two consecutive years.

However, dissolution is not automatic the moment the second annual report becomes overdue.

The Act provides a statutory process before dissolution. This may include notice of the company’s default and an opportunity to correct the problem before the Registrar completes the dissolution process.

That is why a company with overdue annual reports should not wait until dissolution action begins.

What Does “Not in Good Standing” Mean in BC?

For annual reporting purposes, a company with one or more outstanding annual reports is not in good standing.

This can have practical consequences.

For example, the company may:

be unable to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
encounter restrictions on certain Registry filings
have unresolved corporate compliance issues on its record
eventually become subject to dissolution proceedings if annual reporting defaults continue

A single overdue annual report does not automatically terminate the company.

The best approach is to identify which reports are outstanding and bring the company’s Registry filings up to date.

What If You Have More Than One Overdue Annual Report?

Outstanding annual reports must be filed in consecutive order.

For example, if both the 2024 and 2025 annual reports are outstanding, the company should address the older filing before moving to the later annual report.

A practical catch-up process is to:

Determine which annual reports remain outstanding.
Review the company’s directors and office information.
Complete any required corporate-change filings.
File the oldest outstanding annual report.
Continue through each later annual report in chronological order.
Confirm the company’s status once the required filings are complete.

Submitting only the newest annual report does not automatically correct earlier outstanding filings.

What Happens If Your BC Corporation Is Already Dissolved?

If the company has already been dissolved, filing the overdue annual reports alone will not restore it.

Restoration is a separate process under the Business Corporations Act.

The basic government fee for restoring a B.C. company is currently $350, but that should not be treated as the total cost of restoration in every case.

Additional amounts may include:

name approval fees where required
outstanding annual reports at the applicable filing fee for each report
director-change filings
address-change filings
other Registry requirements needed to bring the corporation’s record up to date
private professional or filing-service fees

The Province provides separate restoration procedures depending on the company’s circumstances.

BC Business Register can also assist businesses seeking to restore a dissolved BC corporation.

BC Annual Report vs. Corporate Tax Return

A BC corporation annual report and a corporate income tax return serve different purposes and are filed with different authorities.

Registry filing compared with tax filing
BC Corporation Annual Report	Corporate Income Tax Return
Filed with B.C. corporate registry services	Filed with the Canada Revenue Agency
Corporate registry compliance	Tax compliance
Based on the company’s corporate anniversary	Based on the corporation’s tax year
Current statutory filing fee is $43.39	Tax filing requirements follow federal tax law.
Financial statements are not filed with the annual report	Financial and tax information form part of tax reporting.
Does not replace a T2 return	Does not replace the B.C. annual report

A corporation can therefore be current with the Canada Revenue Agency but overdue with BC Registries, or current with BC Registries while still having separate tax obligations to address.

Common BC Annual Report Filing Mistakes

You can avoid several filing problems by reviewing the company’s records before submitting the annual report.

Common mistakes include:

confusing the annual report with the corporation’s T2 income tax return
calculating the deadline from the fiscal year-end instead of the corporate anniversary
waiting for a reminder instead of independently tracking the anniversary date
trying to update directors only through the annual report
failing to complete a required registered or records office change
overlooking an earlier outstanding annual report
assuming no annual report is required because nothing changed
entering information without carefully reviewing the filing
failing to retain the filing confirmation and payment receipt

Even when the company’s information has not changed, the annual reporting obligation generally still applies.

BC Corporation Annual Report Checklist

Before submitting a B.C. annual report, confirm that you have:

identified the correct corporate anniversary
checked whether earlier annual reports are outstanding
located the company’s incorporation number or Business Number
obtained the required online account or filing access
reviewed the company’s director information
reviewed the registered and records office addresses
completed any required director or address changes separately
reviewed officer information where applicable
confirmed the current government filing fee
reviewed the filing before submission
saved the completed report and payment confirmation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a BC annual report in 2026?

The statutory filing fee for a B.C. company annual report is $43.39. Current B.C. Registry online guidance also shows a $1.50 service fee in the applicable online filing process. Private filing-service fees are separate.

When is my BC corporation annual report due?

A B.C. company generally must file its annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized. The recognition date may be the company’s incorporation, amalgamation, or continuation date.

What happens if I file my BC annual report late?

If the annual report is not filed within the required filing period, it becomes outstanding, and the company is not in good standing. The company should file the overdue report as soon as possible.

Is there a late fee for a BC annual report?

The current statutory fee schedule does not list a separate general penalty solely because an annual report is late. The applicable annual report filing fee still applies, and other costs can arise if additional reports, corporate changes, or restoration are required.

Can a BC corporation be dissolved for not filing annual reports?

Yes. Under section 422 of the Business Corporations Act, the Registrar may dissolve a company that has failed to file required annual reports in each of two consecutive years. Dissolution follows a statutory process and is not automatic once the second report becomes overdue.

Can I file an overdue BC annual report?

Generally, you can still file an overdue annual report while the company remains in existence. If several annual reports are outstanding, they must be addressed in consecutive order.

Do I need to file an annual report if nothing changed?

Yes. The annual reporting requirement generally applies each year even if the company’s directors, addresses, and other corporate information remain unchanged.

Is the BC annual report the same as a corporate tax return?

No. A BC annual report is a provincial corporate registry filing. A T2 corporate income tax return is a separate federal tax filing made with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Where do I find the information needed to file my annual report?

You will generally need access to the company’s Registry record, including its incorporation number or Business Number and the applicable login, access code, password, or BC Registry account credentials.

Can someone file the annual report on behalf of my corporation?

Yes. A corporation may use a lawyer, notary, corporate filing provider, or other service provider to assist with its filing. Any private service fee is separate from the B.C. government filing fee.

Need Help Filing Your BC Corporation Annual Report?

Keeping annual reports current helps maintain the company’s Registry record and good standing.

BC Business Register provides private business registration and corporate filing services for B.C. companies. If your annual report is coming due or you have outstanding filings, we can help you prepare and submit the required corporate filing and identify related changes that may need to be handled separately.

File a BC Annual Report Online

Authoritative Sources

For additional official guidance, see:

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC: Which Is Better in 2026?

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Eloisa De Los Santos

Choosing between a sole proprietorship and a corporation is one of the first decisions a B.C. business owner makes, and it shapes liability, taxes, paperwork, and how the business can grow. The right structure depends far less on hitting a revenue target than on how much profit the business can keep, how much risk it carries, and where the owner plans to take it.

Quick Answer

A sole proprietorship is usually the simpler choice for a new, lower-risk business with modest or unpredictable profits. A corporation often becomes more attractive when the business has greater liability exposure, can keep some profits in the company, needs additional owners or investors, or is being built for long-term growth or sale.

There is no single income level at which every B.C. business should incorporate. Net profit, how much money the owner needs personally, liability, administrative costs, and future plans matter more than revenue alone.

Incorporate in BC

Please note: This guide provides general information. Business owners with significant tax, legal, asset-transfer, or shareholder issues should consider advice specific to their circumstances.

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC at a Glance

Key differences between a B.C. sole proprietorship and a B.C. corporation
Factor	Sole Proprietorship	BC Corporation
Legal status	The owner and business are not separate legal entities.	A corporation is legally separate from its shareholders.
Ownership	One owner	One or more shareholders
Personal liability	The owner is personally responsible for business obligations.	Shareholders generally have limited liability, subject to exceptions.
Base government setup cost	$70 when registering a business name	$350 for a numbered company or $380 for a named company
Annual B.C. corporate report	Not required	Required
Income tax filing	Business income is reported personally.	The corporation generally files its own T2 return.
Tax treatment	Net income is taxed at the owner’s applicable personal rates	Eligible corporate income may qualify for lower corporate rates.
Retaining profits	The owner reports business profit.	After-tax profits can remain in the corporation.
Salary or dividends	The owner does not pay themselves a deductible salary.	Shareholder-owner may receive salary, dividends, or both.
CPP	Self-employed owners generally pay both portions on applicable earnings.	Salary is generally pensionable; dividends are not salary.
RRSP room	Self-employment income counts toward earned income.	Salary generally creates earned income; dividends generally do not.
Business losses	May affect the owner’s other personal income, subject to tax rules	Corporate losses stay with the corporation.
Administration	Lower	Higher
Adding owners	Requires a different ownership structure	Shares can be issued or transferred.
Raising investment	More limited	A corporation can issue shares.
Business continuity	Closely connected to the owner	The corporation continues as a separate legal entity.
Best suited for	Simpler, lower-risk, early-stage businesses	Growing businesses with greater risk, retained profits, or ownership needs

The Government of B.C. describes a sole proprietorship as a business owned and operated by one individual, while a B.C. corporation is a legal structure separate from its owners. Government of B.C. business structure guidance

What Is a Sole Proprietorship in BC?

A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned by one person. The business and owner do not have separate legal status. The owner receives profits, claims losses, makes business decisions, and assumes business risks.

CRA states that these risks can extend to the owner’s personal property and assets. The owner also reports net business income on their personal income tax return.

In B.C., a person operating entirely under their own personal name generally does not need to reserve a business name or register the business with the province. If you use a separate business name, the standard provincial process includes a $30 name request and a $40 registration fee. B.C. sole proprietorship registration guidance

If this structure fits your business, BC Business Register can help you register a sole proprietorship in BC.

A sole proprietorship often makes sense when you are:

testing a new business idea
starting a side business
earning modest or inconsistent profits
operating with relatively low liability exposure
using most business earnings for personal expenses
expecting legitimate startup losses
trying to minimize administration and filing costs

The main trade-off is personal liability. Business debts and legal obligations can become the owner’s personal responsibility.

What Is a Corporation in BC?

A B.C. corporation is a separate legal entity. It can own assets, enter contracts, incur debt, sue or be sued, and continue independently of changes in its shareholders.

A standard private B.C. company can have a single shareholder and must have at least one director.

Corporations also carry more ongoing requirements than sole proprietorships. B.C. companies must file annual reports and maintain required corporate records, and private companies must maintain a transparency register identifying significant individuals under the applicable rules.

If incorporation fits your situation, review the available BC incorporation services.

Incorporate a Business in BC

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation: What Is the Biggest Difference?

The biggest difference is legal separation.

With a sole proprietorship, the business and owner are not separate legal entities. With a corporation, the company has its own legal existence.

That distinction affects liability, taxation, ownership, continuity, administration, fundraising, and how the business may eventually be transferred or sold.

A corporation’s limited liability is important, but it is not absolute. Personal guarantees, an individual’s own wrongful acts, professional obligations, and some director liabilities can still create personal exposure.

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC: Detailed Comparison

1. Setup Cost

A sole proprietorship is less expensive to establish.

For a B.C. sole proprietorship using a registered business name:

Name Request: $30
Registration: $40
Base government total: $70

A person doing business solely under their own personal name generally does not need provincial business-name registration.

For a standard B.C. limited company:

Numbered company incorporation filing: $350
Named company incorporation filing: $350
Name approval for a named company: $30
Base government total for a named company: $380

B.C.’s current Corporate Registry fee schedule confirms the $350 incorporation filing and $30 name approval fees. Additional online or service-provider charges may apply depending on how the filing is submitted. B.C. Corporate Registry forms and fees

Advantage: A sole proprietorship is best when minimizing startup costs is the priority.

2. Ongoing Costs

A sole proprietorship generally has fewer structural filing costs because it does not file a B.C. corporate annual report or separate corporate T2 return.

The current B.C. government filing fee for a standard company annual report is $43.39. Additional online, professional, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or service-provider fees may apply depending on how the corporation is managed.

Advantage: Sole proprietorships have lower administrative costs.

The real question is whether a corporation’s added benefits justify the extra costs.

3. Personal Liability

A sole proprietor personally assumes the business’s risks and liabilities. CRA states that the risks of a sole proprietorship can extend to the owner’s personal property and assets.

A corporation separates the business from its shareholders. This can protect shareholders from ordinary corporate debts and obligations beyond their investment in the company.

That protection has limits. Personal guarantees, certain director obligations, professional liability, or an individual’s own conduct can still lead to personal exposure.

Advantage: Corporation, particularly when the business has meaningful liability risk.

4. Income Taxes

A sole proprietor reports business or professional income and expenses personally, commonly using Form T2125.

A resident corporation generally has to file its own T2 Corporation Income Tax Return for every tax year, even when no tax is payable. The return is generally due within six months after the corporation’s tax year-end. CRA corporation income tax filing requirements

A qualifying Canadian-controlled private corporation, or CCPC, can generally access the federal small business deduction on eligible active business income within its available business limit.

The current federal small-business corporate income tax rate is 9%, and B.C.’s lower corporate income tax rate is 2%. This can produce a combined federal and B.C. rate of 11% on qualifying income. CRA corporation tax rates; B.C. corporate income tax rates

The B.C. business limit is generally $500,000, but access to the small business deduction can be affected by associated corporations, taxable capital, passive investment income, and other rules.

Potential advantage: Corporation, but only when the corporation and its income qualify.

5. Tax Deferral and Retained Earnings

The strongest tax case for incorporation often comes from tax deferral, not from permanently eliminating tax.

When an eligible corporation earns more profit than its owner needs personally, some after-tax earnings may remain inside the company for working capital, equipment, hiring, expansion, or future business needs.

That can allow the corporation to defer some personal taxation until money is eventually paid to the owner.

This distinction matters because an 11% corporate rate does not mean a shareholder can simply withdraw corporate profits personally and pay only 11% tax.

If nearly all business profits have to be taken out each year to cover the owner’s personal living expenses, the potential tax-deferral benefit can become much smaller.

Advantage: Corporation when meaningful profits can remain in the business.

6. Salary vs. Dividends

An incorporated owner may have more flexibility over how compensation is paid.

A shareholder who also works for the company may receive salary, dividends, or a combination, depending on the circumstances.

Salary generally:

counts as employment income
is generally subject to applicable payroll deductions
can generate RRSP earned income
can create CPP contributions

Dividends are distributions to shareholders and are taxed differently. They are not salary and do not produce employment earnings in the same way.

CRA’s RRSP definition of earned income includes employment and self-employment earnings.

No universal salary-versus-dividend strategy works for every incorporated owner.

Advantage: Corporation for compensation-planning flexibility.

7. CPP and RRSP Considerations

Self-employed individuals generally pay both the employee and employer portions of CPP on applicable net business income.

For 2026:

Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings, or YMPE: $74,600
Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings, or YAMPE: $85,000

The self-employed CPP contribution rate on the first range of applicable pensionable earnings is 11.9%, while the second additional CPP rate for self-employed individuals is 8% on earnings within the applicable second range.

An incorporated owner receiving salary generally participates in CPP through employment payroll, subject to the normal rules. Dividends do not represent salary or wages.

That means avoiding salary is not automatically an advantage. Lower employment earnings can also mean less new RRSP contribution room and different future CPP benefits.

Advantage: Depends on the owner’s compensation and retirement strategy.

8. Business Losses

A sole proprietorship can sometimes have an advantage during genuine loss-making startup years.

A business loss can reduce other income in the year, subject to applicable tax rules. If the loss exceeds other income, an unused amount may become a non-capital loss. Non-capital losses arising after 2005 can generally be carried back up to three years or forward up to 20 years.

Corporate losses belong to the corporation and cannot simply be claimed personally by its shareholders. The Government of B.C. identifies this as one difference between a corporation and a sole proprietorship.

Potential advantage: Sole proprietorship during legitimate early business losses.

9. Paperwork and Annual Compliance

A sole proprietorship generally requires less corporate administration.

A B.C. company must file an annual report and maintain required corporate records. Private companies must also take reasonable steps each year to confirm that the information in their transparency register is complete, accurate, and current.

Corporate income tax compliance is separate. Resident corporations generally file a T2 return each tax year, including years when no tax is payable.

BC Business Register can also help with BC annual corporate filings after a company has been incorporated.

Advantage: Sole proprietorship for simplicity.

10. Bringing in Investors or Co-Owners

A sole proprietorship has one owner. It cannot issue shares to investors or add another equity owner without changing the business structure.

A corporation provides a formal ownership structure through shares. This can make it easier to introduce additional owners, investors, or succession arrangements.

More complex ownership arrangements can require tax and legal planning, particularly when multiple share classes or shareholder agreements are involved.

Advantage: Corporation.

11. Selling the Business

A sole proprietor can sell business assets, such as equipment, inventory, contracts, intellectual property, or goodwill.

A corporation may potentially be sold through an asset sale or a sale of shares.

A share sale can introduce additional tax-planning considerations. In appropriate circumstances, shares that meet the requirements for qualified small business corporation shares may qualify for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. Eligibility depends on detailed tax rules, so you should not assume it simply because a company has been incorporated.

Potential advantage: Corporation for a business being built with eventual transfer or sale in mind.

12. Continuity and Succession

A sole proprietorship is closely connected to its owner.

A corporation has its own continuing legal existence. Ownership can change through shares without necessarily ending the corporation itself. The Government of B.C. identifies this independent existence as a key feature of incorporation.

This can make a corporation more useful for long-term ownership changes, succession planning, or eventual sale.

Advantage: Corporation.

How Much Does a Sole Proprietorship Cost in BC in 2026?

For a B.C. sole proprietorship using a registered business name, the current base provincial fees are:

B.C. sole proprietorship government fees, 2026
Government Fee	2026 Fee
Name Request	$30
Sole proprietorship registration	$40
Base government total	$70

If you carry on business entirely under your personal name, you generally do not need to reserve a business name or register a proprietorship with the province.

Other costs can still apply, including municipal business licences, permits, insurance, professional assistance, and tax registrations depending on the business.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate in BC in 2026?

The current base government filing fee for a standard B.C. limited company is $350.

A named company also requires a $30 name approval fee, bringing the base government total to $380.

B.C. incorporation government fees, 2026
Government Fee	Numbered BC Company	Named BC Company
Name approval	Not required	$30
Incorporation filing	$350	$350
Base government total	$350	$380
Annual report filing	$43.39	$43.39

Additional online transaction charges or professional and service-provider fees may apply. Accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, corporate record maintenance, and tax preparation are separate from the government filing fees.

Do Corporations Pay Less Tax Than Sole Proprietors in BC?

Not automatically.

A qualifying B.C. CCPC can generally access an initial combined federal and B.C. small-business corporate income tax rate of 11% on eligible active business income within its available small-business limit.

That does not mean an owner permanently pays only 11% tax on money used personally.

The corporation first pays corporate tax. Money later paid to the owner as salary or dividends can create personal tax consequences.

The tax advantage of incorporation is often strongest when the business produces more profit than the owner needs personally, and some after-tax earnings can remain inside the corporation.

If you must withdraw almost every dollar for personal spending, the potential tax-deferral benefit can be much smaller.

That is why a rule such as “incorporate when you make $100,000” is too simplistic.

Instead, consider:

net profit
personal cash requirements
the amount that can remain in the company
liability exposure
corporate accounting and compliance costs
future ownership and growth plans

When Does It Make Sense to Incorporate in BC?

Incorporation deserves serious consideration when several of these factors apply:

The business consistently earns more than you need personally
You can retain meaningful profits in the company
Liability exposure is increasing
The business has employees
You sign substantial contracts
Customers, lenders, or contracting parties prefer a corporation
You want to bring in investors
You expect to add another owner
You plan to build a business that can eventually be sold
Succession planning is becoming important
You want the business to continue independently of your personal ownership

No single item automatically means you should incorporate. The decision becomes stronger as several of these factors begin to overlap.

When Is a Sole Proprietorship Better?

A sole proprietorship can remain the better choice when:

You are testing a business idea
The business is a side project
Profit is still modest or unpredictable
Liability exposure is limited
You need most or all profits personally
You expect legitimate early business losses
You do not need outside investors
You expect to remain the only owner
Keeping administration simple is a priority

A business should not incorporate simply because its revenue crosses a particular number.

A business earning $200,000 in sales but spending $150,000 to operate is in a very different position from a business earning the same revenue with only $50,000 in expenses.

Examples: Which Structure Makes More Sense?

Example 1: Freelance Designer Earning $50,000 Net

A freelance designer earns approximately $50,000 in annual net business income, works alone, has relatively limited business risk, and uses nearly all the income for living expenses.

Likely choice: Sole proprietorship.

The business has little opportunity to leave excess profits inside a corporation, while corporate accounting and filing requirements would add cost and administration.

Appropriate insurance may still be worthwhile depending on the services being provided.

Example 2: Consultant Earning $100,000 but Withdrawing Nearly Everything

A consultant earns approximately $100,000 in annual net income but needs almost all of it personally.

Likely choice: Possibly remain a sole proprietorship.

The income number by itself does not make incorporation necessary. If little or no profit can remain in a corporation, the tax-deferral opportunity may be limited.

However, substantial contractual or professional liability could create a separate reason to consider incorporation.

Example 3: Contractor Earning $140,000 With Employees

A contractor earns about $140,000 in net business income, has employees, performs work on customer properties, enters larger contracts, and can leave some profit in the business.

Likely choice: Corporation deserves serious consideration.

Liability exposure is greater, and the ability to retain profit can make the corporate structure more useful.

Insurance remains important even after incorporation.

Example 4: Growing Business Earning $180,000 With Retained Profit

A growing service or online business earns approximately $180,000 in net income. The owner needs about $100,000 personally and can keep a significant portion of the remaining earnings in the business for hiring, expansion, equipment, or future opportunities.

Likely choice: Corporation.

The ability to retain profits strengthens the tax-deferral case, while the share structure can provide more flexibility if you add another owner or investor later.

Evaluate the exact mix of salary, dividends, and retained earnings based on the owner’s circumstances.

Should You Incorporate Based on Revenue or Profit?

Profit is generally more useful than revenue when assessing the tax case for incorporation.

Revenue is the total amount the business earns before expenses.

Net profit is what remains after deductible operating expenses.

Consider two businesses with $200,000 in annual revenue:

Business A has $140,000 in expenses and earns $60,000 in net income.
Business B has $50,000 in expenses and earns $150,000 in net income.

They have the same revenue but very different financial situations.

Profit alone does not answer the incorporation question.

A business earning $150,000 in profit where the owner needs $145,000 personally may have less capacity for corporate tax deferral than a business earning $120,000 where the owner needs only $70,000.

The amount that can stay inside the corporation is often more important than a headline revenue figure.

Does GST/HST Depend on Whether You Incorporate?

Generally, the standard GST/HST small-supplier rules apply to both sole proprietorships and corporations.

For most businesses, a person is generally a small supplier when worldwide taxable supplies, together with those of associated persons, are $30,000 or less in a single calendar quarter and over the last four consecutive calendar quarters. Specific rules and exceptions apply.

Changing from a sole proprietorship to a corporation does not by itself remove GST/HST registration obligations.

Can You Start as a Sole Proprietor and Incorporate Later?

Yes.

Many owners begin as sole proprietors while testing a business and then incorporate when the business becomes more profitable, more complex, or more exposed to liability.

However, incorporating later is not simply changing the name on an existing sole proprietorship.

The corporation is a new legal entity. You may need to transfer or update assets, contracts, licences, tax accounts, banking arrangements, and other business matters.

How to Switch From a Sole Proprietorship to a Corporation in BC

A typical transition can involve the following steps:

Form the new corporation. Incorporate a named or numbered B.C. company.
Set up or update CRA accounts. Confirm the corporation’s Business Number and any required GST/HST, payroll, or other program accounts.
Open corporate banking. Keep company finances separate from personal finances.
Review contracts. Customer, supplier, lease, loan, and service agreements may need to be assigned, replaced, or updated.
Transfer business assets. Equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and other assets may need to move into the corporation.
Review goodwill and appreciated assets. Transferring assets can have tax consequences.
Update insurance, permits, and licences. The new corporation is a different legal entity.
Update customers and suppliers. Contracts and invoices should identify the entity that is actually conducting the business.
Review the tax treatment of the transfer. Certain eligible property may be transferred to a taxable Canadian corporation using an elected amount under section 85 of the Income Tax Act when the applicable conditions are satisfied.
Close or update the old proprietorship where appropriate. Complete any required changes once business operations have moved to the corporation.

Where valuable assets, appreciated property, or goodwill are involved, professional tax advice can help avoid unintended tax consequences.

When you are ready to make the change, review the available BC incorporation options.

Sole Proprietorship or Corporation: Quick Decision Checklist

Choose a Sole Proprietorship If:

You are testing a new business.
Profit is still modest or inconsistent.
You need nearly all the profit personally.
Business liability is relatively low.
You do not need additional owners or investors.
Keeping administration simple is important.
Early business losses may affect your personal tax situation.

Choose a Corporation If:

Your business consistently produces more profit than you need personally.
You can leave money inside the company.
Liability exposure is increasing.
You are signing larger contracts.
You expect to add investors or co-owners.
You plan to build a transferable or saleable company.
Succession planning matters.
You are prepared for separate corporate filings and tax returns.

The more factors that apply on the corporation side, the stronger the case becomes for evaluating incorporation based on your actual numbers.

Which Is Better in BC in 2026?

For a new, lower-risk business with modest or unpredictable profit, a sole proprietorship is usually the simpler and less expensive starting point.

For an established business with greater liability exposure, profits that can remain in the company, additional owners, investors, larger contracts, or long-term sale and succession goals, incorporation often becomes the stronger structure.

Don’t reduce the decision to whether revenue has reached $80,000, $100,000, or $150,000.

A more useful framework is:

Net profit + retained cash + liability + ownership plans + compliance cost.

A profitable business may still be better suited to a sole proprietorship if you need nearly all earnings personally and liability is limited. A lower-profit business may have compelling reasons to incorporate because of risk, contracts, or future ownership needs.

If your next question is whether to incorporate provincially or federally, review BC Business Register’s Federal Incorporation service before choosing the jurisdiction that fits your plans.

How BC Business Register Can Help

Once you have chosen the business structure that fits your situation, BC Business Register can help you complete the appropriate filing online.

Starting with a sole proprietorship?

Ready to form a B.C. company?

Incorporate a Business in BC

Already operating a corporation? The BC Business Register also provides corporate filing and business search services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to be incorporated or a sole proprietor in BC?

A sole proprietorship is generally better for a newer, simpler, lower-risk business when the owner needs most of the profits personally. A corporation can be more attractive when the business has greater liability exposure, can retain meaningful profits, needs additional owners or investors, or is being built for long-term growth or sale.

At what income should I incorporate in BC?

There is no universal income threshold for incorporating in B.C. Net profit, personal cash requirements, retained earnings, liabilities, ownership plans, and the added cost of corporate compliance are more useful factors than revenue alone.

Do corporations pay less tax than sole proprietors in BC?

Not automatically. A qualifying CCPC can generally access a combined 11% federal and B.C. small-business corporate tax rate on eligible income, within its available limit. However, money eventually paid to the owner may create personal tax. The main benefit is often tax deferral when profits can remain in the corporation.

How much does it cost to incorporate in BC in 2026?

The base B.C. government incorporation filing fee for a standard limited company is $350. A named company also requires a $30 name approval, bringing the base government setup total to $380. A numbered company does not require the $30 custom-name approval. Additional online or service-provider fees may apply.

How much does a sole proprietorship cost in BC?

A B.C. sole proprietorship using a registered business name has a $30 name request fee and a $40 registration fee, for a base government total of $70. A person doing business entirely under their personal name generally does not need provincial business-name registration.

Can I switch from a sole proprietorship to a corporation later?

Yes. You can form a new corporation and transition the business operations, assets, contracts, tax accounts, banking, licences, and other arrangements to the new entity. Significant asset transfers can have tax consequences, so professional advice may be appropriate when valuable assets or goodwill are involved.

Does incorporating protect my personal assets?

Incorporation creates legal separation between the company and its shareholders and generally limits ordinary shareholder liability for corporate debts. The protection is not absolute. Personal guarantees, an individual’s own wrongful conduct, professional obligations, and certain director liabilities can still create personal exposure.

Can a corporation have only one owner in BC?

Yes. A BC private company can have a single shareholder, and the Business Corporations Act requires a company to have at least one director. The same person can commonly be both shareholder and director of a small private company.

Do I need an accountant or lawyer to incorporate in BC?

A lawyer or accountant is generally not required to submit a standard B.C. incorporation filing. Professional advice becomes more useful when the corporation needs customized share classes, multiple shareholders, a shareholder agreement, significant asset transfers, tax planning, professional-corporation provisions, or succession planning.

Cost to Register or Incorporate a Business in BC (2026 Fees)

Posted on September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 by Eloisa De Los Santos

The cost to register or incorporate a business in BC depends mainly on the business structure you choose and whether you need an approved business name. A sole proprietorship or general partnership costs less to register than a corporation, while incorporation creates a separate legal entity and adds filing responsibilities.

For 2026, the core provincial fees range from $40 to register a sole proprietorship or general partnership to $380 to form a named BC limited company. These amounts do not include optional services, professional fees, municipal licences or other expenses that may apply to your business.

Quick Answer

In 2026, registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership in BC costs $40, plus a $30 Name Request when required. A numbered BC corporation costs $350 to incorporate, while a named BC corporation generally costs $380. BC corporations must also file an annual report, which currently carries a $43.39 filing fee.

2026 Fee Check: We verified the government fees in this guide against current BC Registry Services information and British Columbia legislation in September 2026. Government fees can change, so confirm the applicable amount before filing.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in BC in 2026?

For most entrepreneurs comparing business structures, there are four BC government fees to know:

$30 for a Name Request
$40 to register a sole proprietorship or general partnership
$350 to incorporate a standard BC limited company
$43.39 to file a BC corporation’s annual report

The Government of British Columbia’s current BC Registry Services fee schedule confirms these amounts.

BC Business Registration and Incorporation Fees at a Glance

Core BC government fees by business structure, 2026
Business structure	Name Request	Registration or incorporation	Core government cost
Sole proprietorship using the owner’s personal name*	$0	$0	$0*
Sole proprietorship using a business name	$30	$40	$70
General partnership using a business name	$30	$40	$70
Numbered BC corporation	$0	$350	$350
Named BC corporation	$30	$350	$380

*BC states that a sole proprietor doing business under their personal name does not need to request a business name or register the business with the province. Municipal licences, permits and tax requirements can still apply.

The figures above are core provincial government fees. They differ from the service fee charged by a lawyer, accountant, registry agent, or private filing provider.

Certain electronic registry transactions can also carry an additional operator fee. BC legislation allows a $1.50 operator fee, plus applicable tax, on transactions marked as subject to that charge.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Register a Business in BC?

The lowest provincial registration cost can be $0 for an individual operating a sole proprietorship strictly under their personal name.

Current BC guidance states that a sole proprietorship doing business under the proprietor’s personal name does not need to request a business name or register the business with the province.

If you want to operate under a separate business name, the typical core government cost becomes:

$30 Name Request + $40 registration = $70

This makes a sole proprietorship one of the least expensive ways to establish a registered business in BC.

The cheapest filing option is not automatically the right structure, however. A sole proprietorship does not create a legal entity separate from its owner. Incorporation costs more but creates a separate corporation with different ownership, liability, tax, and compliance considerations.

Therefore, weigh cost alongside how the business will operate and grow.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Sole Proprietorship in BC?

The government fee to register a sole proprietorship in BC is $40.

If the business will use an approved business name, a $30 Name Request is also required.

The typical calculation is:

$30 Name Request + $40 registration = $70

BC Registry Services confirms a $30 name approval fee and $40 registration fee, for a $70 total where both steps are required.

Sole proprietorship fees in BC
Sole proprietorship fee	Cost
BC Name Request	$30
Registration	$40
Core government total	$70

A sole proprietorship has one owner. The owner is self-employed, conducts the business operations, and assumes the business’s liabilities.

If this structure fits your plans, you can review BC Business Register’s BC sole proprietorship registration service.

Does the $40 Sole Proprietorship Fee Include Name Approval?

No. The $40 registration fee does not include the $30 Name Request.

They are separate charges.

If you need an approved business name, the usual core provincial total is $70.

An approved BC business name is generally reserved for 56 days, so register the business before the reservation expires. Read the BC government’s business name guidance.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a General Partnership in BC?

A standard general partnership using an approved business name generally has $70 in core BC government fees:

$30 Name Request + $40 General Partnership Registration = $70

The Partnership Act sets the registration-statement filing fee for a sole proprietorship or general partnership at $40 and the business-name reservation fee at $30.

A general partnership is operated by two or more parties. BC guidance states that partners in a general partnership are responsible for the business, including its debts.

Because the owners share responsibilities, decisions, and financial interests, partners may also choose to obtain a written partnership agreement or professional advice. Those costs are separate from the government registration fee.

Businesses ready to complete this filing can review BC Business Register’s general partnership registration service.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a Business in BC?

The basic BC government fee to incorporate a standard BC limited company is $350.

If you want the corporation to have an approved custom name, add the $30 Name Request fee.

That creates two common cost scenarios:

Numbered BC corporation: $350
Named BC corporation: $350 + $30 = $380

The current BC Registry fee schedule confirms a $350 basic incorporation fee and $30 name approval fee for a named BC limited company.

A corporation differs from a sole proprietorship or general partnership because it is a separate legal entity. It can own assets, enter contracts, and incur obligations in its own name.

Incorporation also creates additional record-keeping and ongoing filing requirements.

If a corporation fits your plans, compare BC Business Register’s BC incorporation services.

Start Your BC Incorporation

Named vs. Numbered BC Corporation: Which Costs Less?

A numbered BC corporation costs $30 less to establish because it does not require a custom business-name reservation.

Named vs. numbered BC corporation fees
Type of corporation	Name Request	Incorporation	Core government cost
Numbered BC corporation	$0	$350	$350
Named BC corporation	$30	$350	$380

A numbered corporation receives a legal name based on the incorporation number assigned by BC Registry Services, such as 1234567 B.C. Ltd.

A named corporation uses a custom name that must be approved and reserved first.

Is a Numbered Corporation Better Because It Costs Less?

Not necessarily.

The difference in core government fees is only $30.

A numbered corporation may work well when the legal corporate name has little public-facing importance. A named corporation may be more useful when the legal name will appear regularly on contracts, invoices, customer communications, or other business records.

A numbered company can also operate under a separate business name if it meets the appropriate trade-name registration requirements.

The choice should therefore be based mainly on how you intend to use the company, not the $30 difference.

What Is the Total Cost of a Named BC Corporation?

A standard named BC limited company currently has $380 in core government formation fees:

Named BC corporation formation fees
Government filing	Fee
BC Name Request	$30
BC incorporation	$350
Core government total	$380

That $380 should not be confused with the total price of an incorporation package offered by a private provider.

A third-party service may charge separately for filing assistance, document preparation, corporate records, legal services, accounting support, or optional products.

BC Business Register is a private business registration and filing service. Its service charges are separate from applicable government fees.

This distinction is important when comparing incorporation prices online. A package costing $500, $700, or another amount does not mean the BC government’s incorporation fee itself is that amount.

Are There Annual Fees After Incorporating in BC?

Yes. A BC company must file an annual report each year.

The current BC annual report filing fee is $43.39.

A corporation must file the annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized. That means the report isn’t due on the anniversary date itself.

For example, if a company was incorporated on September 15, the annual report filing period begins after its September 15 anniversary and extends for two months.

You can confirm the requirement in the Government of British Columbia’s annual report guidance for incorporated companies.

Businesses that want filing assistance can also use BC Business Register’s BC corporate annual return service.

Is the BC Annual Report the Same as a Corporate Tax Return?

No.

A BC annual report is a corporate registry filing that keeps your corporation’s information current with BC Registry Services.

A T2 Corporation Income Tax Return is a federal tax return administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Filing one does not replace the other.

What Does a BC Corporation Cost in the First Year?

For most standard BC corporations, you pay the initial formation cost when the corporation is created. The first annual report isn’t due until after the corporation’s first anniversary.

First-year cost by corporation type
Cost stage	Numbered corporation	Named corporation
Incorporation filing	$350	$350
Name Request	$0	$30
Initial core government cost	$350	$380
Annual report after first anniversary	$43.39	$43.39

This distinction matters because adding the annual-report fee to the incorporation fee and calling the entire amount a “first-day incorporation cost” would be misleading.

A named BC company generally pays $380 in core government formation fees, while the annual-report obligation comes later.

What Are the Ongoing Costs of a BC Corporation?

The main recurring BC Registry filing cost for a standard corporation is the annual report, currently $43.39.

Other recurring expenses depend on how the business operates.

They may include:

Accounting and tax preparation
Bookkeeping
Municipal business-licence renewals
Payroll administration
Corporate-record maintenance
Registered-office or address services
Industry-specific permits
Professional legal services

There is therefore no single accurate “annual cost of a BC corporation” that applies to every company.

For someone asking only about the standard recurring BC corporate registry filing, the key figure is:

BC annual report filing fee: $43.39

What Other Costs Should You Budget for When Starting a Business in BC?

The registration or incorporation filing is only one part of the total cost of opening and running a business.

Costs outside the BC registration fee
Possible cost	Included in the BC registration fee?	What affects it?
Municipal business licence	No	Municipality and business activity
Accounting	No	Structure and financial complexity
Legal services	No	Ownership and corporate requirements
Corporate records or minute book	No	Provider and record-keeping approach
CRA program accounts	No	Business activities and tax obligations
Payroll administration	No	Whether the business has employees
PST requirements	No	Goods or services sold
Priority Registry service	No	Optional faster processing where available
Future-dated filing	No	Whether a future effective date is requested

Municipal Business Licences

Provincial registration or incorporation does not automatically provide every licence a business may need.

Municipal business-licence requirements depend on the location and type of operation. Because fees vary by municipality, no single province-wide amount can accurately be added to every BC startup budget.

Accounting and Legal Costs

Accounting and legal expenses vary widely.

A simple sole proprietorship may need relatively little professional assistance, while a corporation with multiple shareholders, customized share rights, investors or more advanced tax planning may require additional support.

These professional fees are separate from BC Registry filing fees.

Corporate Records and Supplies

BC corporations must maintain corporate records. Depending on how the company manages those records, owners may choose physical or digital corporate supplies such as a minute book, share certificates, or corporate seal.

These items are not part of the $350 government incorporation fee.

BC Business Register provides corporate supplies for BC companies that need them after incorporation.

CRA Business Number and Program Accounts

Businesses may need a Business Number and CRA program accounts, such as GST/HST or payroll, depending on their activities.

Since July 14, 2026, CRA Business Registration Online is accessed through a CRA account. You can use the service to register for a Business Number and add program accounts. Review the current CRA Business Registration Online requirements.

A fee charged by a private service provider to assist with CRA account setup is not a government business-incorporation fee.

BC Business Register also offers a separate CRA account setup service.

Priority and Future-Dated Filings

BC legislation currently lists $100 for priority service when offered and $100 for an eligible future-dated filing. These are optional or situation-specific fees, not part of the standard incorporation cost for every company.

For a business Name Request specifically, BC states that priority service costs an additional $100 and is intended for faster name processing.

Is It Cheaper to Register or Incorporate a Business in BC?

Yes. Registering a sole proprietorship or general partnership is cheaper upfront than incorporating a BC company.

Structure comparison: cost and characteristics
Comparison	Sole proprietorship	General partnership	BC corporation
Typical core setup cost using a business name	$70	$70	$350 numbered or $380 named
Separate legal entity	No	No	Yes
BC corporate annual report	No	No	Yes
Ownership	One owner	Two or more partners	Shareholder(s)
Administrative requirements	Lower	Lower to moderate	Higher

From a government filing-cost perspective:

Named sole proprietorship: typically $70
Named general partnership: typically $70
Numbered BC corporation: $350
Named BC corporation: $380

But lower filing costs do not necessarily mean a structure is better for a particular business.

A sole proprietor assumes the liabilities of the business. General partners are responsible for the partnership and its debts. A corporation operates as a separate legal entity and has a different ownership and compliance structure.

Factors such as liability, ownership, taxation, financing, and future investors may therefore matter more than the initial registration cost.

Sole Proprietorship vs. Corporation in BC: Which Costs More?

A corporation costs substantially more to establish than a standard registered sole proprietorship.

A sole proprietorship using an approved business name generally costs $70 in core provincial fees.

Compared with that:

A numbered BC corporation costs $350, or $280 more.
A named BC corporation costs $380, or $310 more.

Those comparisons cover only the initial core government fees.

They do not include accounting, tax preparation, legal work, licences, record keeping, or filing-provider charges.

If you are still comparing structures, the Government of British Columbia provides an independent business structure comparison guide.

Is Federal or BC Incorporation Cheaper?

Federal incorporation has a lower initial incorporation fee, but that does not always mean it is cheaper overall for a company operating in British Columbia.

Corporations Canada currently charges $200 for online federal incorporation. Its online incorporation process includes a corporate-name search when a word name is used, so you don’t need to order a separate NUANS report beforehand for that online filing. Check current Corporations Canada incorporation fees.

By comparison:

Federal vs. BC incorporation fees
Incorporation option	Core initial fee
Federal online incorporation	$200
Numbered BC corporation	$350
Named BC corporation	$380

However, a federal corporation operating in British Columbia may also need to register as an extraprovincial company in BC.

The current BC fee for an extraprovincial registration statement is $350.

Where both filings apply, a simple example becomes:

$200 federal incorporation + $350 BC extraprovincial registration = $550 in core filing fees

That amount is higher than the $350 or $380 core formation cost for a BC corporation.

Federal incorporation may still make sense for businesses with broader national objectives, so don’t base the decision only on the first filing fee.

For businesses considering that route, see BC Business Register’s federal incorporation services.

Which Business Structure Makes Sense for You?

Cost is one factor, but the structure should also match the way the business will operate.

Matching a structure to your situation
Situation	Structure that may be considered	Main cost consideration
Individual starting a small service business	Sole proprietorship	Lower setup cost and simpler structure
Two or more people starting together	General partnership	Lower setup cost but shared responsibilities
Founder planning for shareholders or investors	Corporation	Higher setup cost with corporate ownership structure
Business wanting a distinct legal company name	Named corporation	$30 more than numbered incorporation
Company that does not need a custom legal name	Numbered corporation	Avoids the $30 Name Request

These are general examples, not individualized legal or tax advice.

The Government of British Columbia identifies sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and corporations as three common for-profit business structures and provides additional tools for comparing them.

How Do You Register or Incorporate a Business in BC?

The process depends on the structure you choose, but the cost-related steps are straightforward.

Choose a business structure. Decide whether the business will operate as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or corporation.
Determine whether you need a Name Request. A named corporation and most registered sole proprietorships or partnerships using a business name require name approval. A numbered BC company does not require a custom name reservation.
Request and reserve the name when required. A standard BC Name Request costs $30. An approved name is generally reserved for 56 days.
Complete the registration or incorporation. The basic government filing fee is $40 for a sole proprietorship or general partnership registration and $350 for a standard BC limited company incorporation.
Check other requirements. Depending on the business, this may include municipal licences, CRA program accounts, PST, payroll, WorkSafeBC, or industry-specific permits.
Maintain required filings. BC corporations must file their annual report within two months after each anniversary of the company’s recognition date.

How Much Should You Budget to Register or Incorporate in BC?

If you are estimating only the core BC government formation fees, the 2026 costs are straightforward:

Sole proprietorship using a registered business name: $70
General partnership using a registered business name: $70
Numbered BC corporation: $350
Named BC corporation: $380
BC Corporation annual report: $43.39 after the applicable anniversary

Your total startup and operating costs can be higher if you need municipal licences, accounting, legal assistance, tax setup, corporate supplies, or filing support.

The best structure isn’t simply the one with the lowest government fee. It is the one that fits the business’s ownership, liability, financial, and operational needs.

Ready to Register or Incorporate Your Business in BC?

Knowing the government fees makes it easier to compare your options before you file.

BC Business Register provides online assistance for BC incorporation, sole proprietorship registration, general partnership registration, and ongoing corporate filings. Government fees and private service charges should always be reviewed separately so you understand what you are paying for.

Choose the business structure that fits your plans and review the appropriate filing service before submitting your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a business in BC in 2026?

A sole proprietorship or general partnership registration costs $40. If you need an approved business name, add the $30 Name Request fee, bringing the typical core government total to $70.

What is the minimum cost to start a business in BC?

A sole proprietor doing business strictly under their personal name may not need provincial name approval or business registration, which can mean $0 in provincial business registration fees. Other licences, permits, and tax requirements may still apply.

How much does it cost to incorporate in BC in 2026?

The basic BC limited company incorporation fee is $350. A named corporation generally requires an additional $30 Name Request, bringing the core government formation cost to $380.

How much does a numbered company cost in BC?

A standard numbered BC corporation costs $350 in core government incorporation fees. You don’t need a separate custom-name request because the company uses the incorporation number assigned to it.

How much does a named corporation cost in BC?

A standard named BC corporation generally costs $380 in core government fees, consisting of the $350 incorporation filing fee and $30 Name Request.

Is the $30 BC Name Request included in the incorporation fee?

No. The $30 Name Request and $350 incorporation filing fee are separate. A standard named BC limited company therefore has $380 in core government formation fees.

Does a BC corporation have an annual fee?

A BC corporation must file an annual report each year. The current annual report filing fee is $43.39. An additional electronic service or operator fee may also apply to some transactions.

When is a BC corporation’s annual report due?

A BC company must generally file its annual report within two months after each anniversary of the date on which the company was recognized.

Do I need a lawyer to incorporate a company in BC?

A lawyer is not required simply to complete a standard incorporation filing. Professional advice may still be useful when a business has multiple shareholders, customized share provisions, a shareholder agreement, tax-planning questions, or other complex requirements.

Is federal incorporation cheaper than BC incorporation?

Federal online incorporation currently costs $200, compared with $350 for a numbered BC corporation or $380 for a named BC corporation. However, a federally incorporated company operating in BC may also need a $350 extraprovincial registration, so the federal incorporation fee alone doesn’t show the full cost.

Can I register a business in BC without incorporating?

Yes. A business can operate as a sole proprietorship or general partnership without incorporating. Registration requirements depend on the ownership structure and the business name you use.

Is it cheaper to register a sole proprietorship or incorporate in BC?

A sole proprietorship is cheaper to establish. A registered sole proprietorship using a business name generally has $70 in core government fees, compared with $350 for a numbered BC corporation or $380 for a named BC corporation.