Registering a business and other admin tasks

Registering a business and other admin tasks

After all the excitement of deciding to start a business, you’ll have some paperwork to do. These first tasks as a business owner won’t be the most fun, but they’ll help keep you out of trouble with the law.

How to register a business with the government

You have a few official steps to walk through before you’re in business:

• Register a business name
  You must check your business name is available and register it with BizFile+. 

• Figure out GST
  Businesses that expect annual taxable income of more than $1 million must register for GST. Businesses with less income can voluntarily register. Learn more from IRAS.

• Register a company
  To set up as a company, you must register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. 

There may be other departments to speak to for things like:

• Permits and licences
  You may need special permission for certain types of business activity. Check your situation with GoBusiness Licensing.

• Employing people
  If you’re hiring staff, the government will want to tax your workers’ pay, and they’ll expect you to comply with employment rules and regulations. Learn more about employment practices at the Ministry of Manpower.

Where to get help

If you’re unsure of your obligations to the government, there are people who can help. Look for industry associations for your type of business, search around for a Chamber of Commerce and other local business advocacy groups, find businesses like yours and ask the owners what regulations they have to comply with, or simply speak to a local accountant.