Depending on which jurisdiction you apply in, timeframes can vary. For federal incorporations, it only takes 24 hours to complete the incorporation itself. Organization of the corporation can take more time and is highly dependent on how much customization your bylaws require. We can typically have the entire process completed in 1-2 weeks depending on client response time.

You can do it yourself for a few hundred dollars, but your bylaws may be inadequate for your organization's needs. Corporate law in this area is not overly complex but many organizations have a history of being rejected on the basis that their bylaws are non-compliant. Also, if the organization plans on registering as a charity on a future date, it will likely be more efficient to ensure your bylaws are compliant with the Income Tax Act (Canada) requirements at the outset.

Outsiders Law will be able to give you a fixed-fee quote for the incorporation and will offer a money-back guarantee if the incorporation is unsuccessful.

Our fixed-fee services start at $1,500 for NPO incorporation and organization, plus taxes and fees. Prices vary depending on the complexity of your structure.

First, corporate law determines the type of legal entity. An organization can be a trust, an association, or one of several types of corporations, including a not-for-profit corporation or a society. These are the forms that your organization can take.

Second, tax law confers different benefits on different entities. A registered charity is a specific tax designation. Initially, a not-for-profit entity will be a “nonprofit organization” for tax purposes. Upon receiving its charitable designation, it will become a “registered charity” and it can issue donation receipt. A not-for-profit corporation cannot be considered a registered charity until they complete the application with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and receive an approval.

With that being said, to become a registered charity, the organization must exist for “exclusively charitable purposes”. These exclusively charitable purposes are as follows:

1. relief of poverty;

2. advancement of religion;

3. advancement of education; and/or

4. other purposes beneficial to the community.

It depends on your organization’s goals, scope of activities, and geographic reach. If you anticipate operating across multiple provinces or territories, federal registration may be beneficial. It provides national name protection and may assist you in dealing with international partners. The federal Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (Canada) offers comprehensive compliance and procedures for various situations which may be helpful in running your not-for-profit.

Alternatively, if your organization’s activities are primarily localized to one province, provincial registration may be preferable and more cost-effective. We are licensed to register your organization provincially in Alberta, as well as in Ontario and Quebec. We can also assist clients from other provinces incorporate in their home province. Each jurisdiction’s legislation has unique pros and cons as compared to the federal Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (Canada).

Contact us to discuss the best option for your organization!

To qualify for registration as a charity, an organization must exist for exclusively charitable purposes. At law, only the following headings are considered to be exclusively charitable purposes:

• Relief of Poverty

• Advancement of Education

• Advancement of Religion

• Other Purposes Beneficial to the Community

However, “Other Purposes Beneficial to the Community” is not a broad, all-encompassing, category! It only includes certain purposes which are directly aligned with the CRA requirements. Our experienced lawyers can help you determine the best way to frame your organization’s purposes to maximize the scope of your activities and ensure a smooth registration process.