Incorporating a non-profit organization in Ontario can be a great way to pursue charitable or social goals, while also receiving legal and tax benefits. However, it’s important to understand the process involved in forming a non-profit organization to ensure that you follow all the necessary steps and fulfill all the requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you incorporate a non-profit organization in Ontario.

Step 1: Choose a name and check its availability

The first step in incorporating a non-profit organization in Ontario is to choose a unique name for your organization. You can check the availability of the name using the NUANS system, which is an online database that allows you to search for registered business names across Canada. Once you have chosen a name, you can reserve it for 90 days by filing a Name Reservation Request Form with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

Step 2: Draft your Articles of Incorporation

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that outlines the purpose of your non-profit organization, its bylaws, and its membership structure. It also includes the name and address of the organization, the names and addresses of its initial directors, and any restrictions on its activities. You can use a standard template for the Articles of Incorporation or create a custom document based on the needs of your organization.

Step 3: File your Articles of Incorporation

Once you have drafted your Articles of Incorporation, you can file it with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services along with the required fee. You can submit your application online through the Integrated Business Services Application, or by mail or in person. The processing time for incorporation is typically 10 business days.

Step 4: Obtain a Business Number and register for any applicable tax accounts

After your organization has been incorporated, you will need to obtain a Business Number from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and register for any applicable tax accounts, such as the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), payroll deductions, and income tax. You can register online through the CRA’s Business Registration Online service, or by mail or in person.

Step 5: Apply for charitable status (if applicable)

If your non-profit organization plans to receive donations and issue tax receipts to donors, you may want to apply for charitable status with the CRA. This will allow your organization to receive tax-exempt status and issue tax receipts to donors. To apply for charitable status, you will need to complete an application form and meet the CRA’s requirements for charitable organizations.

Incorporating a non-profit organization in Ontario can be a complex process, but it is essential to follow all the necessary steps to ensure that your organization is legally recognized and receives the tax benefits available to non-profit organizations. By following the above steps, you can successfully incorporate your non-profit organization and start pursuing your charitable or social goals.