OBR Guide: Cost-Effective Nonprofit & Charity Filings in Ontario

Navigating the process to register a nonprofit in Ontario or even to handle ongoing administrative tasks can seem daunting. But it doesn't have to be.

The Ontario Business Registry (OBR) offers a direct pathway to manage many of these essential filings and information retrievals. However, you might also encounter services offered by authorized service providers, often referred to as search companies.

Understanding the differences in cost and convenience is crucial for any organization, especially those looking to register a charity in Ontario or maintain their compliance.

Let's break down some common transactions and the associated costs:

• Notice of Change Filings for ONCA (Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act) Groups:
  • If you have your company key, filing a Notice of Change directly through the OBR is free.
  • Search companies may charge a service fee, potentially adding $75 or more to the cost.
• Initial Return Filings for Extra-Provincial Nonprofits (i.e., non-for-profits registered federally or in another province):
  • For organizations operating in Ontario but incorporated federally (e.g., under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act or CNCA), filing the Initial Return on the OBR incurs no government fee.
  • Search companies can impose their own fees, exceeding $90 in some cases.
• Ordering Corporate Documents:
  • The OBR charges a nominal fee of $3 per document.
  • Search companies may add a substantial service charge, potentially $29 or more, on top of the government fee.
• Ontario Profile Report for nonprofits registered under ONCA:
  • This report, which provides details on directors, officers, and their addresses, costs $8 when ordered directly from the OBR.
  • Search companies might charge an additional $50 for this service.

For organizations that infrequently require these services, the added cost of a search company might be manageable. However, for those with frequent filing or information retrieval needs, the cumulative expenses can become significant. Furthermore, there's often an advantage in terms of speed and convenience when dealing directly with the Ontario government through the OBR.

In essence, while search companies offer convenience, directly utilizing the OBR can lead to substantial cost savings and, at times, faster service. It is important to compare the services offered, and the pricing, before choosing which service to use.

You can access the OBR link directly: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry

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