Starting a business is an attractive option for many people. A life goal, a way to produce extra income, a path out of an unhappy job, or a tax-effective way to bill for work you already do on the side. Canada is full of people who built their own businesses from the ground up.

The work itself is yours. The bookkeeping, tax registrations, and payroll setup are where we come in. Get advice early. The choices you make in the first month, especially about whether to incorporate and how to pay yourself, are easier and cheaper to set up than to undo.

The registrations you need

Pick a structure

You have three options: sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. The right choice depends on your expected income, who else is involved, and how exposed you are to liability. Read Proprietor vs. Corporation before you decide.

Register the business name (Alberta)

If you are going to operate under any name other than your own legal name, you have to register it. In Alberta, name registration and incorporation both go through a registry agent. Start here:

• Alberta.ca: Register a business name
• Alberta.ca: Incorporate a business

Get a Business Number from the CRA

Your Business Number (BN) is the federal anchor for everything: GST, payroll, corporate income tax, import/export. The CRA opens it for you on request. Apply online, by phone, or by mailing form RC1.

• CRA: How to register a business
• CRA Business Enquiries: 1-800-959-5525

GST/HST registration

You must register for GST/HST if you expect to make more than $30,000 in revenue in a 12-month rolling period. Below that, you can register voluntarily. The number gets attached to your Business Number.

• CRA: Register for GST/HST

Payroll account (only if you will have employees)

If you hire anyone, you need a CRA payroll program account. CRA can mail you the remittance forms each month if you ask. Note that a contractor is not an employee. The line between the two is real and gets audited. See Employee vs. Independent Contractor.

• CRA: Setting up a new employee

Record of Employment

When an employee leaves, you have to issue a Record of Employment so they can apply for EI. Service Canada handles this.

• Service Canada: Record of Employment

Where to get help (Alberta)

Plenty of organizations exist to help small businesses get started. Most are free.

• Business Link. Alberta’s small business advisory service. Free one-on-one coaching, market research, and workshops.
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Federal lender focused on entrepreneurs. Loans, advisory, and free online tools.
• Futurpreneur Canada. Loans and mentorship for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. Loans, advisory, and a peer network for women-led businesses.
• Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Member network, advocacy, and events.
• Calgary Economic Development. Sector intelligence and incentives for businesses considering Calgary.

Working with us

We help small business owners with the registrations above, set up the bookkeeping that will keep CRA happy, advise on whether and when to incorporate, and run the year-end and tax filings. Our preferred area of practice is owner-managed businesses, and we offer the services you need at a fair, agreed-up-front price.

1. You meet with us to talk through your situation, plans, and timing.
2. We tailor a setup to where you are: bookkeeping system, structure, payroll, tax registrations.
3. We execute the plan with a quoted fee and a clear timeline. No surprises.