| Item | Typical 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Quebec certificate of constitution | 397 $ |
| Quebec name reservation | 27 $ |
| Federal online incorporation | 200 $ |
| Quebec annual update | 106 $ |
Why do incorporation prices vary so much?
If you look online, you will see firms charging anywhere from $500 to $2,500. Why? Because incorporating is a multi-step process.
Some cheap services only pay the government fee and file the raw articles of incorporation. They leave you with an empty shell. Full-service legal firms prepare the initial resolutions, draft customized bylaws, create a flexible share structure with multiple classes (A, B, C, D, etc.), issue share certificates, and assemble your corporate minute book. The cheaper option is rarely cheaper if you have to pay a lawyer $1,000 later to fix an incomplete structure.
What is the true cost of the minute book?
By law, every corporation must keep corporate records (a minute book). This book contains your bylaws, registers of directors and shareholders, and all important decisions.
Creating this book properly adds value but also cost. A traditional physical binder with a corporate seal and printed tabs can cost between $200 and $400. Modern digital minute books are more cost-effective and easier to share with your accountant, but still require legal drafting. Operating without proper records can create compliance problems and may complicate banking, financing, a sale of the business or a future due diligence review.
What are the ongoing accounting costs?
The biggest hidden cost of incorporation is not the setup, it's the annual maintenance. A corporation must file complex T2 (Federal) and CO-17 (Quebec) tax returns, which usually require professional accounting software and expertise.
Expect to pay a CPA between $1,500 and $3,500 annually for corporate tax filings and bookkeeping. You must budget for this before you decide to incorporate.
Are incorporation fees tax deductible?
Yes. The costs incurred to incorporate (legal fees, government fees, consultation fees) can be deducted by your new corporation as an eligible capital expenditure over time (historically Class 14.1). Be sure to keep all your receipts and invoices so your accountant can write them off against your future corporate profits.
If incorporation makes sense for your situation, the best 2026 strategy is simple: set up the structure properly from day one, with clean documents and a clear plan for taxes, shares and compliance.
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