New Ontario Business Registry Launches Online
The Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services launched its much-anticipated Ontario Business Registry online today. Organizations that are incorporated, registered or licensed to carry on business in Ontario can now directly access over 90 services 24/7 all-year-round, and will be able to complete electronic transactions immediately, as opposed to by mail or fax. Users will also receive email notices with electronic attachments instead of paper documents, further promoting access to government services on a timely basis.
Of particular relevance to corporations subject to the Corporations Information Act (Ontario) is the change to the process for filing their Annual Returns. Prior to May 15, 2021, Ontario corporations could file an Annual Return on Schedule 546 of their T2 income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency. While corporations with Annual Returns due between May 15, 2021 and October 18, 2021 were exempt from this filing requirement, Annual Returns due on or after today must now be filed electronically with the Ontario Business Registry through the relevant corporation’s registry profile.