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Incorporate in Alberta

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Plan on doing business in Alberta only? Save time and money by incorporating within the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Incorporating creates a legal entity that is separate from you as an individual. This separation provides a layer of protection for your personal assets, meaning your home, car, or savings are generally not at risk if the business faces legal or financial trouble. Incorporation can also offer tax planning opportunities, such as income splitting or deferring taxes by retaining earnings in the company. Additionally, it can enhance your business’s credibility with clients, investors, and lenders, and make it easier to raise capital or transfer ownership in the future.

A minute book is the official record-keeping binder (or digital file) for a corporation. It contains all the key documents that outline how the company is structured and how decisions are made. This includes incorporation documents, bylaws, records of shareholder and director meetings, share certificates, and registers. Maintaining a complete and up-to-date minute book is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement in Alberta. It’s often reviewed during audits, financing, or when selling the business.

Incorporating offers several strategic benefits:
  • Personal Liability Protection: Your personal finances are generally shielded from business debts and lawsuits.
  • Tax Flexibility: Corporations may qualify for lower tax rates and can retain earnings to manage tax obligations more effectively.
  • Professional Image: Being incorporated can enhance your reputation and make your business appear more established.
  • Continuity: The corporation continues to exist even if ownership or management changes, making succession planning easier.
  • Access to Capital: Corporations can issue shares to raise funds, which is not an option for sole proprietorships.

Once your business is incorporated, there are a few important steps to take to ensure compliance and proper setup:
  1. Hold an Organizational Meeting: Appoint directors and officers, issue shares, and adopt bylaws.
  2. Set Up a Minute Book: Record all foundational documents and decisions.
  3. Register for a Business Number: This is required for tax purposes with the Canada Revenue Agency.
  4. Open a Corporate Bank Account: Keep business and personal finances separate.
  5. Register for GST/HST: If your business earns more than $30,000 annually.
  6. Obtain Necessary Licenses: Depending on your industry and location.
  7. File Annual Returns: To maintain your corporation’s legal status in Alberta.

Our Jurisdictions

Looking to incorporate in a specific province, or across all of Canada?
Choose from one of our incorporation jurisdictions below to get your business started now.
Alberta Incorporation

Alberta Incorporation

Plan on doing business in Alberta only? Save time and money by incorporating within the province.
Let's Incorporate →