One of the first decisions when incorporating in Ontario: do you want a named corporation like “Smith Consulting Inc.” or a numbered corporation like “1234567 Ontario Inc.”? Most people assume they need a name. Many don't.
| Factor | Named Corporation | Numbered Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Example | "Acme Consulting Inc." | "1234567 Ontario Inc." |
| NUANS Required | Yes (~$14 + our fee) | No |
| Processing Time | Slightly longer | Faster |
| Brand Recognition | Yes (in the legal name) | No — use a registered trade name |
| Name Protection in Ontario | Yes | N/A (numbered) |
| Can Operate Under a Trade Name | Yes | Yes — most do |
| Can Change Name Later | Yes (articles amendment) | Yes (add a name) |
| Tax Treatment | Identical | Identical |
The Trade Name Strategy
Numbered corporations don't have to operate as “1234567 Ontario Inc.” on their business cards. You can register a business trade name (also called a business name or DBA — “doing business as”) under the numbered corporation.
So in practice: “1234567 Ontario Inc. carrying on business as Acme Consulting.” Your clients see “Acme Consulting.” Contracts and invoices can show the trade name. Your incorporation documentation shows the numbered corp.
Trade name registration in Ontario costs $60 and gives you the right to use the name in Ontario — without the $14 NUANS search or the name protection limitations of a numbered corp. Most service businesses choose this route.
When Should You Choose a Named Corporation?
- Your profession requires a named corporation (e.g., physician PCs must include the doctor's surname)
- You want name protection in the corporate registry so no one else can incorporate with your name
- You plan to raise investment — named corporations look more established to investors
- Your branding is inseparable from the legal entity name (less common)
Our Recommendation for Most Small Businesses
Start with a numbered corporation for speed and simplicity, register a trade name if you need a doing-business-as name, and amend to a named corporation later if/when it matters. The amendment is straightforward and costs ~$150 in government fees.
The most important thing is getting the corporation set up so you can start accessing the small business tax rate. The naming decision is relatively minor in the long run.
Incorporate Today — Named or Numbered
We advise on the right choice for your situation and handle the full incorporation for $299 + government fees.
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