Post-Incorporation Checklist

Your Business Number is your federal tax identifier. Register at the CRA Business Registration Online portal or call the CRA. Free. Takes 15–30 minutes online. Required before you can set up payroll accounts, HST/GST accounts, or corporate tax accounts.

Once your business earns more than $30,000 in a 12-month period, you must register for HST (Ontario) or GST (other provinces). Some businesses register voluntarily right away to claim input tax credits. Set up as part of your BN registration.

Open a business chequing account in the corporation's name. You'll need your Certificate of Incorporation, articles, and a resolution authorizing the account. Keep personal and business finances completely separate.

Every Canadian corporation must maintain a minute book — a record of your articles, by-laws, share certificates, and director/shareholder resolutions. LegalEase generates this as part of the filing package. Keep it updated.

Issue physical or electronic share certificates to all shareholders. Record this in your minute book. Share certificates document who owns what percentage of the company.

Pass director and shareholder resolutions to: appoint directors and officers, approve by-laws, authorize banking, and issue shares. LegalEase generates templates for standard resolutions.

Ontario corporations file with the Ontario Business Registry. Federal corporations file with Corporations Canada ($20 online). Missing annual returns can result in dissolution.

Apply directly at IRS.gov — it's free and usually instant online for domestic applicants. Canadian-resident owners may need to apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. You need an EIN to open a business bank account and file federal taxes.

Open a business bank account using your Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Many banks (like Mercury, Relay, or traditional banks) serve U.S. LLCs. Some allow online applications; others require in-person visits.

An Operating Agreement documents how your LLC is run — membership percentages, decision-making, what happens if a member leaves. Even single-member LLCs should have one. LegalEase generates a template as part of your formation package.

New U.S. federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act. Report your beneficial owners (anyone with 25%+ ownership or significant control) to FinCEN at fincen.gov. Free. Failure to file can result in significant penalties.

Depending on your state and business activity, you may need to register for state sales tax, payroll tax, or other state tax accounts. Check your state's Department of Revenue website.

New York LLCs must publish a notice of formation in two designated newspapers for six consecutive weeks. Failure to comply means your LLC's ability to appear in court is suspended. This can cost $1,000–$2,000+.

Most states require annual or biennial reports. Delaware: annual franchise tax report due June 1. Wyoming: annual report due first day of your anniversary month. California: biennial Statement of Information.