Can you register your own sole proprietorship? In most jurisdictions in Canada you can. There are a number of online services available with the use of a credit card or you can attend your local provincial or territorial government to register in person paying cash or by cheque. Some provinces have Kiosks available where you can register online.

The registration of a sole proprietorship lasts from three to five years depending on where it is registered in Canada. You must renew it just prior to or on the expiry date. Some jurisdictions may provide for a grace period. It is suggested, however, that you renew just prior to the expiry date to ensure that you obtain the same registration number. There will be a fee payable upon renewal of your sole proprietorship. The onus is on the sole proprietor to know when his or her registration is going to lapse and to ensure it is renewed. The government will not let you know when it is about to expiry.

If you do not renew your sole proprietorship registration on time you will need to register your sole proprietorship as a new registration. It will be given a new registration number. If this occurs you should let Canada Revenue Agency know about the new registration number so they can connect it to your federal Business Number.

If any of the information on the form that you initial registered changes an amendment must be filed.

The name of the sole proprietorship cannot be amended. If you wish to change the name of your sole proprietorship you will need to register a new sole proprietorship and cancel the existing one.

In order to cancel a sole proprietorship you must file a cancellation notice. There is no fee for this.

If you decide to carry on business under a name other than your own and you do not register pursuant to the legal requirements you could be levied a fine. One of the purposes of registration is to allow individuals and corporations who contract your services to be able to include your contact information on court documents if they wish to sue your sole proprietorship. If at any time a client or customer determines that you are not registered, a complaint can be filed with the Ministry of Government Services and a fine could be levied.

On the other hand, if you wish to sue a customer for non-payment or otherwise, if you are not registered as required by law, you will not be able to pursue a lawsuit in any court.

The internet has enabled potential customers to look into businesses prior to dealing with them. In order to ensure these individuals decide to use your services or buy your products over others, a legal business is the first step in gaining their confidence.

On the other side, you can contact a search house to find out about a business you are considering working with. There are a number of reasonably priced searches available that might give you an idea what type of organization you are dealing with. I have come across companies in the past who are not registered and have refrained from doing business with them because of this since I knew I needed a service I could trust for future relations.

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