A numbered corporation is assigned a numeric legal name by the government, such as 1234567 Ontario Inc.
A named corporation has a custom business name, such as Maple Leaf Consulting Inc.

Key differences:

Numbered corporations do not require a NUANS name search and are faster and cheaper to incorporate.

Named corporations require a NUANS report to confirm the name is unique and legally acceptable.

Legally, there is no difference in rights, liability protection, or tax treatment between the two.

Many businesses start with a numbered corporation and register a business name (operating name) later if branding becomes important.

Incorporating provides several key advantages over operating as a sole proprietor or partnership:

Limited liability protection (your personal assets are generally protected)

Lower corporate tax rates on active business income

Easier business credibility with banks, clients, and suppliers

Flexible ownership structure

Potential tax deferral and income-splitting opportunities

For growing businesses, incorporation is often a strategic financial decision, not just a legal one.

In most cases:

Online incorporation is completed same day or within 24 hours

Named corporations may take longer due to the NUANS name approval process

Delays can occur if:

Information is incomplete

The proposed business name is rejected

Complex share structures are involved

With proper preparation, incorporation is usually fast and straightforward.

While you can incorporate online without a lawyer, a lawyer-led incorporation helps ensure your business is set up correctly and with future growth in mind.

Key advantages of using a lawyer to incorporate:

Proper share structure from day one

Mistakes in share classes, ownership percentages, or voting rights can be costly to fix later and may have tax or legal consequences.

Legally compliant minute book management

Your minute book is a legal requirement and is often requested by banks, investors, buyers, and accountants. We prepare and manage your minute book for one full year to help ensure compliance.

Ongoing legal concierge support for the first year

Business needs don’t stop after incorporation. Our 1-year concierge service supports common post-incorporation matters such as:

Director and officer changes

Share issuances or transfers

Annual resolutions and filings

General corporate compliance questions

Long-term cost efficiency

Many businesses face higher costs correcting issues from basic incorporations. Starting with proper legal guidance can help avoid those problems.