By Sharad Gondaliya, CPA
One of the first questions on our incorporation form is whether you want a named company, such as “Maple Logistics Canada Inc.”, or a numbered company, such as “1234567 Ontario Inc.” Both are full Ontario corporations with the same rights. The difference is cost, branding and how you present the business.
Open Corporation for $35 is a department of Gondaliya CPA.
Side by side
| Item | Numbered company | Named company |
|---|---|---|
| Example | 1234567 Ontario Inc. | Maple Logistics Canada Inc. |
| Ontario NUANS report | Not needed | Required, dated within 90 days |
| Our service fee | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| HST on our fee (13%) | $4.55 | $4.55 |
| NUANS report | $0.00 | $25.00 |
| Ontario government fee (no HST) | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Total | $339.55 | $364.55 |
| Name protected in Ontario registry | Number is unique | Name checked against Ontario records |
When a numbered company makes sense
- A holding company that owns shares or property and does not face customers.
- A fast start when the brand name is not settled yet.
- A subsidiary that will trade under a separate business name.
When a named company makes sense
- Customers, suppliers and retailers will see the name on contracts and invoices.
- You want the bank account, CRA records and website to match your brand.
- You plan to apply for a trademark under the same name.
Open Corporation for $35 is a department of Gondaliya CPA. We run the NUANS report for you as part of a named incorporation.
Adding a business name to a numbered company
A numbered company can trade under a different name by registering a business name with the Ontario Business Registry. The fee is $60, and the registration lasts 5 years before renewal. Contracts should still show the legal name, for example “1234567 Ontario Inc., operating as Maple Logistics”.
Renaming later
A numbered company can become a named company later by filing Articles of Amendment. The Ontario fee is $150, plus a new NUANS report. The corporation, its Business Number and its bank accounts stay the same; only the name changes.
What non-residents should know
- Banks accept both types. They care about the legal name matching your documents.
- “Canada” can be part of a corporate name, subject to the NUANS review.
- A corporate name is not a trademark. For brand protection across Canada, consider a trademark application.
- Neither option changes tax, director rules or CRA registration.
Open Corporation for $35 is a department of Gondaliya CPA. Questions? Please email info@opencorporationfor35.ca.
FAQs
Is a numbered company less credible?
Not to banks or CRA. Some customers prefer a brand name, which a business name registration provides.
Can I choose my number?
No. The Ontario Business Registry assigns the number at incorporation.
Who is Open Corporation for $35?
Open Corporation for $35 is a department of Gondaliya CPA. Gondaliya CPA is a CPA Ontario firm in Toronto, led by Sharad Gondaliya, CPA.
Start your incorporation
Please start at opencorporationfor35.ca or email info@opencorporationfor35.ca. Open Corporation for $35 is a department of Gondaliya CPA.
