New Ontario Business Registry: Request Your Company Access Key

Businesses can now request a Company Access Key to access the New Ontario Business Registry, which provides over 90 transactions online.

The Ontario Provincial Government has created a new Ontario Business Registry which launched Tuesday, October 19, 2021. This registry is designed to make it easier for businesses to interact with the provincial government and offer “simpler, faster, and more convenient access for organizations that are registered, incorporated or licensed to carry on business in Ontario.” Over 90 transactions will be available through this registry such as registering a new business, dissolving an existing business, and filing the annual information return for Ontario corporations.

CPA Firms, like Bateman MacKay, and other intermediaries like law firms, will still be able to complete transactions on behalf of businesses and not-for-profits via email, mail and authorized service providers. In the future, these intermediaries will be able to complete transactions directly from the Ontario Business Registry.

Requesting a Company Key

For existing businesses to access the new registry, they must have a “Company Key.” A Company Key represents a sequence of numbers similar to a banking PIN to access other online accounts or services. This key should be shared only with trusted representatives as it gives one authority to change profile information and make filings. Requesting a Company Key can be done now by finding the “Company Key Request Form” on the Ontario Business Registry website.

If you have provided documents to the Province since September 17, 2021, you should be aware that they may not be processed. These documents will then be returned for resubmission using the new Ontario Business Registry. If you have submitted documents within this timeframe, you will be provided additional information from the Ministry.

To learn more about the Ontario Business Registry, review the Service Ontario fact sheet. If you have additional questions, contact your Bateman MacKay Business Advisor.