LAWCRESTIncorporation lawyer in Mississauga
Incorporating is one of the most important decisions in building a business. Lawcrest helps entrepreneurs, professionals and growing companies across Mississauga and the GTA choose the right structure, file correctly and start with a strong legal foundation.
How you structure your business affects your liability, taxes and ownership. Get legal advice before you file, and speak to your accountant as well.
416-830-3369Why incorporate?
A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. Done correctly, it can help protect your personal assets from business debts, support tax planning, make it easier to bring in partners or investors, and give your business more credibility.
Incorporating is not right for everyone, and it comes with ongoing obligations. We help you decide whether it fits your goals, and then do it properly.
We handle the legal work from choosing the name to organizing the corporation, so you can focus on your business.
- New entrepreneursStarting a business and choosing the right structure from day one.
- Sole proprietorsMoving a growing business into a corporation.
- Professionals and investorsProfessional corporations and holding companies.
What we help you incorporate
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.
Ontario corporations
The usual choice for businesses operating mainly in Ontario.
Federal corporations
For businesses planning to operate across Canada under one federal corporation.
Numbered companies
Corporations with a number instead of a name, which can be set up quickly.
Holding companies
Companies that hold investments, property or shares, often alongside an operating company.
Professional corporations
For regulated professionals, in line with their professional body rules.
Non-profit corporations
For associations, clubs and community organizations.
Converting a sole proprietorship
Moving an existing business into a new corporation.
Partnerships and joint ventures
Structures for businesses owned by two or more people or companies.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
The best time is before you start trading, or before you bring in partners or investors.
- You are starting a businessWe help you choose the structure and set up the legal foundation.
- Your sole proprietorship is growingLiability and tax considerations may mean it is time to incorporate.
- You are bringing in partners or investorsOwnership and control should be agreed in writing.
- You want to protect personal assetsWe explain what a corporation can and cannot protect.
- You are a regulated professionalSpecial rules apply to professional corporations.
- You are buying or selling a businessThe structure affects the deal and the tax result.
Which structure is right for you?
There is no single best answer. Here is a simple comparison. We also recommend that you speak to your accountant about tax.
Sole proprietorshipSimple and low cost
You and the business are legally the same, so you are personally responsible for its debts. It is easy to start, with fewer filings.
PartnershipTwo or more owners
Partners share profits and, in many cases, personal liability for the business. A written agreement is essential.
CorporationA separate legal entity
Limited liability for shareholders in many situations, more formal rules and ongoing filings. Lenders may still ask for personal guarantees.
Holding companySeparating assets
A corporation that owns investments or shares of another company. It can help organize assets and plan for the future, with advice from your accountant.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your incorporation stands.
Consultation
You tell us about your business and goals. We listen, ask the right questions and explain your options in plain language.
Choose structure and name
We help you choose Ontario or federal, a named or numbered company, and a name search where required.
File the Articles
We prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the correct government registry.
Organize the corporation
We prepare the by-laws, resolutions, directors and officers, and issue the shares in the right way.
Set up the minute book
We prepare your corporate records, share certificates and registers in one organized minute book.
Next steps
We explain your tax registrations and ongoing obligations, and coordinate with your accountant.
After you incorporate
Incorporating is the beginning, not the end. A corporation has obligations that continue every year.
- Annual filingsRequired returns filed with the government on time.
- Corporate recordsKeeping your minute book, registers and resolutions up to date.
- Register of individuals with significant controlA record of who ultimately owns or controls the corporation.
- Tax and HST registrationsAccounts with the CRA, handled with your accountant.
- Changes in directors, officers or addressUpdates must be filed promptly.
What incorporation costs
We tell you the full picture at the start, so there are no surprises.
Legal feesDiscussed upfront
Our fees for advice, preparing and filing the Articles, and organizing the corporation. We explain them before you commit.
Government filing feesPaid to the registry
Fees to file the Articles and, where required, other documents. These are set by the government and can change.
Name searchWhere required
A name search report may be needed for a named corporation. A numbered company avoids this step.
Minute book and recordsYour corporate records
The organized set of documents that proves who owns and runs the corporation.
Accounting and tax set-upWith your accountant
Registrations such as the business number, HST and payroll are usually handled together with an accountant.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- A few preferred names for the business
- A short description of what the business will do
- Names, addresses and ID of the directors and shareholders
- How you want to divide ownership
- The address for the registered office
- Your accountant details, if you have one
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with the foundation of your business. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start so you can decide with full information.
Done correctly
Accurate filings and a complete minute book from day one.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your file moves.
Practical advice
We focus on what helps your business, not on complexity.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
Do I need a lawyer to incorporate?
You are not required to use one, but errors in the Articles, share structure or records can be costly to fix later. A lawyer makes sure the corporation is set up properly and fits your plans.
Should I incorporate in Ontario or federally?
Ontario is often suitable for businesses operating mainly in Ontario. A federal corporation may suit a business planning to operate across Canada. We explain the differences for your case.
How long does incorporation take?
Once the information is ready, filing can often be completed within a few days. A name search or special circumstances can add time.
What is a numbered company?
It is a corporation identified by a number rather than a chosen name. It can be set up quickly, and the business can operate under a different business name if registered properly.
Does incorporating protect my personal assets?
In many situations the corporation, not you, is responsible for its debts. Limited liability is not absolute, though. Directors can be personally liable for some matters, and lenders often require personal guarantees.
Do I need an accountant too?
We strongly recommend it. We handle the legal side, and your accountant advises on tax and bookkeeping. We work together so that nothing is missed.
What happens after I incorporate?
You receive your minute book and guidance on your next steps, such as tax registrations, bank accounts and annual filings. We are here for ongoing needs.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
Lawcrest
@2026