Trust Marwah Law to guide you from start to finish
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Fully Virtual Legal Services Offered Across Ontario:
At Marwah Law, we prioritize convenience and accessibility for our clients. That's why we are proud to offer fully virtual legal services across Ontario. Our virtual services eliminate the need for in-person meetings, saving you time and allowing for flexible scheduling.
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Pay Once Using Our Fixed-Fee Model:
At Marwah Law, we believe in transparency and providing our clients with cost-effective solutions. That's why we offer a fixed-fee business model for our services. Our pricing structure is designed to provide clarity and predictability, enabling you to budget effectively for all your legal needs.
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Multiple Physical Locations Across Ontario:
While our virtual services offer convenience, we understand that some clients prefer face-to-face interactions. That's why, in addition to our virtual services, Marwah Law has multiple physical locations across Ontario. Our strategically situated offices provide the opportunity for in-person consultations and meetings when necessary.
Why Incorporate?
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Limited personal liability.
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Operate under a business name.
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Limited Business name protection.
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Have multiple owners.
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Tax structuring.
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Raise money & qualify for popular tax and grant programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marwah Law is here to help Ontario’s entrepreneurs grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert business advisors, educational services and easy-to-use tools. For anyone who’s a business owner, or thinking of starting a new business, we’re here to help. Read our Frequently Asked Questions for the answers to our most commonly asked small business questions:
- Do I need to register a business?
- What is the difference between federal and provincial incorporation?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation?
- Can I complete the incorporation process by myself?
- What is a Director?
- What are the limitations on who can be a Director?
- Does a Shareholder have to be 18 or older?
- What is an Officer?
- Can a Director be an Officer and a Shareholder?
As an individual, you don't need to register a business name – you can always conduct business under your personal name.
The incorporation of a business does have certain benefits though. Business names are useful for marketing purposes, and also allow you to accept and make payments with your bank under a business name. More importantly, incorporation protects your assets personally from legal liability.
For the most part, it's just a preference. The federal, however, gives your business increased business name protection and wider rights to conduct business. You may also opt for federal incorporation if you plan on conducting operations in multiple provinces or simply extra provincially register your province corporation in other provinces.
The biggest advantage of incorporation is limited liability for shareholders. Under law, a corporation is considered to be a legal person that is distinct from the shareholders who own it. This means that individual shareholders are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. If a corporation fails, the shareholders will lose the amount of equity invested with their shares. One disadvantage of a corporation is that income is taxed at two levels: first on income for the corporate entity, and then at the shareholder level where shareholders are taxed on any dividends they have received.
Yes, you can incorporate it without the assistance of a lawyer. The Government will accept completed forms necessary for incorporating in person, and online. However, you will not likely receive assistance from the Government or your accountant:
- in determining which documents need to be completed;
- in preparing your Articles of Incorporation, and additional forms that are necessary for the incorporation process;
- in preparing your minutebook and necessary resolutions;
- with completing the NUANS and Corporate Name Reservation process; and
- in reviewing your information for mistakes.
A director is a person who is elected by either the incorporators or the shareholders of a corporation to conduct the affairs of the company.
A person is disqualified from being a director if that person is:
- under 18 years of age;
- found by a court to be incapable of managing the individual's own affairs;
- an undischarged bankrupt, or;
- convicted of an offence in connection with the promotion, formation or management of a corporation or other business, or of an offence involving fraud, unless:
- the court orders otherwise;
- a pardon was granted; or
- 5 years have elapsed since the last to occur of:
- the expiration of the period set for suspension of the passing of sentence without a sentence having been passed;
- the imposition of a fine;
- the conclusion of the term of any imprisonment; or
- the conclusion of the term of any probation imposed.
No, a shareholder does not have to be 18 or older. However, you should be careful, as the laws regarding underage shareholders may be complex. If you plan to list someone under the age of 18 as a shareholder.
An Officer is someone who ordinarily performs some of the management functions of the corporation. An Officer does not need to be a Shareholder or Director, and is appointed and reports to the Directors of a corporation.
Yes, a director can be appointed to any office of the corporation, and can also hold shares of the company.