What you save
Our fees only: registry fees are the same. The real gain depends on the time you spend and the mistakes you avoid.
Comparison
Incorpo or filing yourself: what you really pay
Registries let you file online directly: you then pay only government fees. We compare what you save, what you do yourself and what’s left after the certificate.
Updated on [date]Reviewed by David Roy, lawyer
Incorpo.caFlat fees, registry fees at cost, 14 jurisdictions, in French and EnglishEssential $149, Complete $299, Premium $499, Non-resident $699. Government fees shown separately ($200 federal, $397 Quebec). Watch $9/mo and Compliance $29/mo subscriptions, cancel in one click. Human review before filing.
Do it yourselfRegistry fees only, but the whole file is on youDirect filing on the registry portal: $0 in fees, same government costs. You draft the articles, choose the share structure, prepare by-laws, resolutions and registers, then handle annual returns. Estimated time: [n] hours [to verify].
Detailed comparison table
Every row cites its source. A [to verify] cell means the data was collected but not yet confirmed by the editorial team.
| Criterion | Incorpo.ca | Do it yourself | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporation fees | Essential $149 · Complete $299 · Premium $499 · Non-resident $699 | $0 in fees | Registry portals, [date] |
| Government fees | Charged at cost, shown separately: $200 federal, $300 Ontario, $350 B.C., $397 Quebec | Identical: paid directly to the registry | Corporations Canada, REQ, OBR, BC Registries |
| Jurisdictions | Federal + 13 provinces and territories | One jurisdiction per portal | Registry portals |
| Quebec | Yes: REQ, French name, QST, initial declaration | Yes, via the REQ portal, in French | REQ |
| Language | French and English: interface, documents and support | Depends on the portal | Registry portals |
| Non-residents | Dedicated plan: registered office, agent, assisted banking | Possible, but you find the office and agent | Corporations statutes |
| Minute book | Digital, included from Complete | You build it (by-laws, resolutions, registers) | Corporations statutes |
| Ongoing compliance | Watch $9/mo · Compliance $29/mo, cancel in one click | On you: reminders, returns, resolutions | — |
| Review before filing | Yes, every file, Montreal business hours | None: the registry checks form, not substance | Registry portals |
| Filing time | Same day as signature | Depends on your prep; registry processing identical | Published registry timelines |
| Banking offer | Banking partners for non-residents; no conditional rebate | — | — |
| Accountant program | Pro: multi-company portfolio, bulk actions, consolidated billing | — | — |
Incorpo.ca data: price list in force on [date]. “Do it yourself” data: collected on [date]; we update it at each check and correct on request at [email protected]. This comparison isn’t legal advice.
Four differences that really matter
The file after the certificate
The registry issues a certificate, not a minute book. By-laws, organizational resolutions, shareholder and director registers are still to draft.
Review
The registry checks the form is complete, not that the structure suits you. A share-structure mistake is fixed later with paid articles of amendment.
Annual follow-up
Annual return, register updates, resolutions: yours to do every year, without automatic reminders.
Choose Incorpo if…
- you want a complete file: articles, by-laws, resolutions, registers
- you want human review before filing
- you want reminders and annual returns handled (Compliance $29/mo)
- you don’t have time to read the corporations act
- you want GST/QST registration done at the same time
DIY may suit you better if…
- you already know corporate law or have done it before
- your structure is very simple and you’re fine drafting internal documents
- every dollar counts and you have the time
Frequently asked questions
On direct filing and what it involves.
Is it legal to incorporate without an intermediary?
Yes. Every registry accepts direct filings from founders; no lawyer or platform is required.
How much does direct filing cost?
Registry fees only: $200 federal, $397 Quebec, $300 Ontario, $350 B.C., plus a Nuans report if required ([amount]).
What’s missing after the certificate?
The minute book: general by-laws, organizational resolutions, share issuance, registers. Without them, the company exists but isn’t properly organized.
Can I import a company I filed myself?
Yes. Import articles and certificate; we rebuild the minute book and take over annual compliance.
Is this comparison independent?
It’s written by Incorpo.ca. We state what you actually save by doing it yourself, and when that’s the right choice.
Compare with your own numbers
Pick your jurisdiction: the review shows fees and registry costs before any payment.