Annual compliance for a Canadian company: the recurring calendar

Incorporating in Canada is the start; staying compliant is the recurring work. A Canadian corporation carries several obligations that fall on different dates and to different authorities, and missing them can lead to penalties or loss of good standing.

1. Corporate tax (T2)

The corporation files a T2 income tax return, generally within six months of its fiscal year-end, while any balance owing is usually due earlier. Instalments may be required during the year depending on the tax payable.

2. GST/HST

If registered, you file GST/HST returns on your assigned frequency and remit on time. Keep invoicing aligned with the province of your customers, since HST rates differ.

3. Annual return and registers

Separate from tax, an annual corporate return keeps the company in good standing with the incorporating authority. You must also maintain statutory registers, including the individuals-with-significant-control register where required, and update filings when directors or addresses change.

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4. Extra-provincial registration

A federal corporation generally registers extra-provincially in each province where it carries on business, each with its own renewal. Track these alongside your federal filings so nothing lapses.

Official references

• Corporations Canada: Annual return
• CRA: Corporation income tax

Important: This is general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting or exchange-control advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change and depend on your circumstances — confirm the current position with a qualified professional before acting.