Ongoing Requirements of BC Companies - What you need to do after incorporating your business in British Columbia
Incorporating a company in British Columbia is an exciting milestone - but what many small business owners don’t realize is that incorporation isn’t a one-and-done legal task. Once your company is formed, there are ongoing legal and administrative obligations that need to be maintained every year to keep your company in good standing with BC Registries, Canada Revenue Agency and to preserve the liability protection that comes with incorporation.
As a BC business lawyer, I often hear from entrepreneurs who thought incorporation meant they were “done” with paperwork. But keeping your corporation legally compliant doesn’t have to be overwhelming - especially when you know what to expect (and have the right support).
In this post, I’m walking you through the key ongoing obligations for incorporated companies in British Columbia, including annual filings, minute books, corporate tax returns, and making sure you’re signing documents properly. If you’re feeling unsure about whether your business is up to date, I offer flat-fee incorporation packages and annual corporate maintenance services - including minute book reviews, filings, and more. Book a free 15-minute call here
1. Annual Report Filing with BC Registries
Every company incorporated in British Columbia is required to file an Annual Report with BC Registries under the Business Corporations Act. This is different from your corporate tax return and must be filed each year within two months of your incorporation anniversary date — even if there are no changes to the company.
Why it matters:
Failure to file annual reports for two years in a row can result in your company being struck off the corporate register, which means it will cease to legally exist. That can have serious consequences — especially if you have contracts or assets held in the company name.
What’s involved:
Confirming current directors and registered office address
Filing online through BC Registries (or via a lawyer or authorized corporate service provider)
Tip: Set a recurring calendar reminder to file each year - or better yet, outsource it to your corporate lawyer (I handle this for many of my clients so they don’t miss a deadline).
2. Keeping Your Minute Book Up to Date
Your corporate minute book is the legal record of your company. It includes your incorporation documents, director and shareholder resolutions, share registers, and more.
You are legally required to maintain a current and accurate minute book. If you ever plan to bring on investors, sell your business, or apply for business financing, a clean and complete minute book is essential. If you have a lawyer file your annual report for you, they will typically also update your minute book at the same time, so this doesn’t get overlooked and forgotten.
Key documents to update annually:
Annual Resolutions of the directors and shareholders
Appointment of officers (if applicable)
Approval of financial statements
Dividend declarations (if any)
Shareholder updates
Need help reviewing or creating a minute book? I offer flat-fee corporate maintenance services that include preparing and organizing all required annual resolutions and updating your company’s records.
3. Corporate Tax Filings (Separate from Annual Report)
Corporations in BC must also file an annual corporate income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This applies whether or not your business earned income during the year.
If your company has a year-end other than December 31, you’ll need to file within six months of your fiscal year-end.
Important distinction:
The Annual Report goes to BC Registries to maintain your legal corporate status.
The Corporate Tax Return goes to CRA to report income and taxes.
I highly recommend working with an accountant for corporate taxes. I have a great roster that I work closely with, if you need a referral.
4. Signing Contracts on Behalf of the Company (Not You Personally)
One of the biggest benefits of incorporating is limited liability — meaning your personal assets are protected if something goes wrong in the business. But that protection only applies if you’re acting on behalf of the company properly.
That means contracts should always be signed in the name of the company, not you personally.
For example, this is how you sign on behalf of your company properly::
Correct:
[Your Company Name]
__________________________________
[Your Name], Director*
*or your title, ex. President, or simply, “authorized signatory”
Incorrect:
Signed by [Your Name]
If you accidentally sign in your own name, you could become personally liable under that contract. That’s something you definitely want to avoid.
Tip: If you use a CRM to send out contracts to your clients, double-check that your signing line is set up properly. This is often not the default!
5. Keeping Your Company Information Up to Date
You’re also required to notify BC Registries if there are any changes to:
Directors (appointments or resignations)
Registered and records office address
Mailing address of the company
These updates must be filed promptly — ideally within 15 days of the change.
Missing this step can lead to penalties or rejected filings later when you try to make other changes.
6. Maintaining Separate Finances and Records
To preserve the liability protection that comes with incorporating, your business needs to operate as a separate legal entity. That means:
Opening a dedicated business bank account
Keeping personal and business finances clearly separated
Issuing invoices and receipts in the company’s name
Not paying personal expenses from the corporate account (and vice versa)
CRA and the courts can “pierce the corporate veil” if a corporation is not run properly which can make shareholders personally liable for corporate debts or claims.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Compliance Slide
Corporate maintenance may not be the most exciting part of running a business — but it’s one of the most important. Keeping your company in good standing protects your limited liability, ensures your company remains legally valid, and sets you up for smoother growth down the road (especially if you plan to sell or scale).
The good news? You don’t have to manage all of this alone.
Want to Stay on Top of Your BC Company’s Obligations?
I offer flat-fee legal services to help BC-based business owners:
Incorporate properly (with a customized setup and share structure and advise on strategies to avoid a large tax bill as a result of changing from a sole proprietorship to a company)
Handle annual filings with BC Registries
Keep corporate minute books and resolutions up to date
Stay compliant year after year — without the stress
Book a free 15-minute consult to get started → BOOK A CALL
