Business Registration & Incorporation

BC Incorporation: What You Need to Know

Incorporating your business in British Columbia is more than filing paperwork — it’s a legal process that defines how your business operates, how you’re protected, and how you grow. At Spraggs Law, we help entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized business owners navigate incorporation with clarity and confidence, ensuring their business is structured for long-term success and legal compliance.

What Does It Mean to Incorporate in BC?

Incorporating your business often offers more advantages than disadvantages. For example:

If you plan to grow your business, bring on other stakeholders, or hire employees, a corporation is by far the preferable structure because it limits your personal liability, allows for more efficient tax planning, and provides a formal framework for managing employees and issuing shares.

As your business and potential equity grow, the need for incorporation becomes even greater. Once your business begins generating more income than you require for your personal living expenses, incorporating may be the most cost-effective and strategic way to support continued growth and long-term success.

If you plan to raise capital or sell your business, incorporating is attractive to buyers and investors, as it offers protection. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity for your business, meaning the corporation — not you personally — owns the business’s assets, liabilities, and obligations. This distinction can offer protection from personal liability, certain tax advantages, and greater access to investment opportunities.

Spraggs Law helps you assess your goals and select the incorporation route that aligns with your business plan.

Why Incorporate?

The decision to incorporate depends on the company’s goals and the needs of the individuals involved. Business owners who choose to incorporate often do so for several reasons, including:

• Limited personal liability: Your personal assets are generally protected from business debts and legal claims.
• Tax planning opportunities: Corporations may benefit from lower tax rates and income-splitting strategies.
• Continuity and credibility: Incorporated businesses can exist beyond the owner’s involvement and often appear more credible to clients and investors.
• Raising capital: It is typically easier to raise funds through the issuance of shares.

Spraggs Law can walk you through the benefits in the context of your specific business and industry.

Should You Incorporate Provincially or Federally?

In British Columbia, incorporation can be done provincially or federally, depending on where and how your business will operate.

• Provincial Incorporation: Ideal for businesses that will primarily operate in British Columbia.
• Federal Incorporation: Suited for businesses that plan to operate across Canada or want enhanced name protection nationally.

Each option has its advantages, and our legal team can help determine which route best fits your business goals.

What’s Involved in the Incorporation Process?

Incorporating in BC involves several key steps:

1. Name approval (unless using a numbered company)
2. Filing incorporation documents with BC Registry Services
3. Preparing Articles of Incorporation
4. Creating a corporate record book (minute book)
5. Issuing shares and appointing directors
6. Registering for applicable taxes and licenses

Spraggs Law manages this process on your behalf, ensuring your documents are properly prepared and filed, and your corporate records are complete and compliant.

Our Incorporation Packages

At Spraggs Law, we offer two flat-fee incorporation packages designed to meet the needs of new and growing businesses. Whether you’re just getting started or need enhanced support for governance and compliance, we offer practical and cost-effective options.

Not Sure Which Package Is Right for You?

We’re here to help. Book a consultation with one of our incorporation lawyers to discuss your business goals, ask questions, and choose the package that best supports your needs — both now and in the future.

Let’s incorporate your business with confidence. Contact Spraggs Law today to get started.

Ongoing Legal Obligations After Incorporation

Once incorporated, your business must comply with ongoing obligations under the BC Business Corporations Act. These include:

• Holding annual meetings and preparing resolutions
• Maintaining a registered office and records office
• Updating corporate records and filings
• Filing annual reports

Our team provides support with corporate maintenance services to ensure your business remains in good legal standing year after year.