When managing your business or non-profit organization in Canada, obtaining the right corporate documents is essential to confirm your company’s legal standing, verify its registration details, and apply for licenses, grants, or funding. Whether you’re planning to expand, secure a loan, or simply keep your records current, ordering a Corporate Profile Report, Certificate of Status/Good Standing, or Copy of Certificate & Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in maintaining your business’s compliance and credibility.
At EZ Incorporate, we make it easy to obtain these official documents across all jurisdictions in Canada. In this blog post, we’ll explain what these documents are, what they are used for, and how to request them.
Types of Corporate documents
1. Corporate Profile Report / Corporate Summary Report / Business Profile Report
The Corporate Profile Report provides an official snapshot of your corporation’s current standing. It includes essential details such as:
- Business name
- Corporation number
- Registered office address
- Directors and officers (if applicable)
- Status (active or dissolved)
2. Certificate of Status / Good Standing (also called Certificate of Compliance, Certificate of Legal Status, or Status Certificate)
The Certificate of Status (or Certificate of Good Standing) confirms that your corporation is in good standing and has met all legal requirements. You may need this certificate when:
- Applying for business loans or credit
- Expanding your business operations
- Entering into contracts with other businesses or partners
- Re-registering your business in a different jurisdiction
Copy of Certificate & Articles of Incorporation (also referred to as Incorporation Certificate or Articles of Incorporation Document)
The Articles of Incorporation establish your corporation’s legal existence, while the Certificate of Incorporation is the document you receive when your business is officially incorporated. This document is particularly important when you need proof of incorporation for legal or business purposes.
What Are These Corporate documents Used For?
These reports are commonly used in various business activities, including:
- Applying for Licenses & Permits:
When starting a new business or expanding operations, you may need a Certificate of Status or Good Standing to apply for local business licenses or permits. Many provincial or federal authorities will require this document as proof that your business is compliant with legal requirements. - Grant Applications:
Non-profit organizations or businesses looking to apply for government grants often need to submit a Corporate Profile Report or Certificate of Good Standing. This shows the organization is legally registered and in compliance with regulatory standards. - Opening a Business Bank Account:
Banks typically require a Certificate of Incorporation or Good Standing to confirm the legal status of a company before allowing it to open a business account. - Business Loans and Financing:
When seeking funding or business loans, lenders may ask for a Corporate Profile Report or a Certificate of Status to verify that your business is legally registered and compliant with all necessary regulations. - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships:
If your company is involved in a merger, acquisition, or partnership, you may be asked to provide a Corporate Profile Report to confirm your corporation’s status, as well as the Articles of Incorporation for full transparency. - Renewing Business Contracts:
Many business contracts, especially those involving government entities or large corporations, require a Certificate of Good Standing to ensure that the company is in good legal standing and up-to-date with filings. - Registering Extra-Provincially:
If you are looking to expand your business into another province, obtaining a Corporate Profile Report or Certificate of Good Standing is essential for extra-provincial registration. Several provinces, such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, require proof that your business is in good standing in its home jurisdiction before it can register or operate extra-provincially.
The Difference Between These Corporate documents
| Corporate Profile Report | VS | Certificate of Status/Good Standing |
|---|
| Also called Corporate Summary Report | Other Names | Also known as Certificate of Compliance |
| Provides a comprehensive snapshot of your company’s registration status, including details about directors, business address, and registration history. | Purpose | Confirms that your company is in good standing, legally compliant, and free from active legal issues. Essential for securing financing, entering partnerships, or expanding operations. |
| Certificate of Incorporation | VS | Articles of Incorporation |
|---|
| Serves as proof that your business has been officially incorporated. | Purpose | Defines the structure of your business, including its purpose, share structure, and governance rules. |
| Includes official recognition of your business’s legal existence. | Key Information Included | Outlines the business’s internal rules, shareholder rights, and operational framework. |
| Required for verifying the company’s legal standing and for registering with various government authorities. | Importance | Essential for understanding your company’s governance and shareholder rights. Necessary for legal and operational purposes. |
How to Order These Reports?
We offer these reports for all jurisdictions in Canada, so whether your business is based in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or any other province, we can help you obtain the official documents you need quickly and easily.
You can order any of the following documents through our easy-to-use platform:
- Corporate Profile Report (or Corporate Summary Report)
- Certificate of Status / Good Standing (or Certificate of Compliance)
- Copy of Certificate & Articles of Incorporation (or Incorporation Certificate)
Simply choose your province, select the Corporate documents you need, and proceed with your order. You can order these documents online through the link below:
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
If you’re not sure which Corporate documents you need please reach out. Our team is here to assist you and ensure you get the correct documentation for your business. You can contact us at info@ezincorporate.ca or call +1 647 – 313- 2135 (Mon-Fri office hours) and we will be happy to guide you through the process.