Where can I go to Incorporate?

One Stop Licence Shop is not able to provide you with legal or accounting advice. If you have legal questions you may wish to contact a lawyer to clarify your legal responsibilities and liabilities. However, if you require corporate registry forms, wish to file your corporate forms, or obtain other general information, One Stop Licence Shop professional corporate team will be pleased to assist you.

One Stop Licence Shop also carries a selection of "Legal Ease" publications (must reads as you begin this process), minute books, and other useful information to aid you in obtaining your required documentation.

Once you have gathered all of your information and the required documentation, One Stop Licence Shop will examine your information. If it meets the current legislative requirements, we will process the request and issue you a certificate if incorporation as proof that the registration has occurred.

	Setting up your Corporate Structure

Once your name has been decided, your next step is to choose the structure of your corporation. If you are unsure of what you want, it is a good idea to do some research by visiting a library, looking in the business section of a bookstore, visiting One Stop Licence Shop to obtain "Legal Ease" publications, or by talking to a lawyer, who will be able to advise you.

You should understand and know what the following items mean as each must be addressed as part of the incorporation process:

• Share structure
• Any restrictions on the transfer of shared between different parties
• The number of directors in the corporation
• Any restrictions on the type of business that the corporation may conduct
• Any other rules or provisions that the incorporator wishes to include

More information about these items and how to incorporate your business can be found in the "Legal Ease" publications which are available at One Stop Licence Shop. We CANNOT provide legal advice. "Legal Ease" publications, available at One Stop Licence Shop, have been published by an Alberta law firm and answer many of the more common incorporation questions or if you have legal questions, you may wish to speak to a lawyer.

	Corporate Type

1. Corporations with 15 or less shareholders - these are the most common corporations in Alberta and have the least amount of regulation

2. Corporations with 16 or more shareholders which do not let the general public have any shares - these corporations must prepare shareholders' lists for meetings and comply with various sections of the Business Corporations Act.

3. Corporations with 16 or more shareholders which do distribute shares to the public - this type of corporation is subject to the most regulation. It must file financial statements and other documentation with the Alberta Securities Commission.

	Additional Information You Need to Incorporate

When you register a corporation, you must advise where the corporation is located (registered office) and where you want the corporation's mail to go (mailing address) if this address is different. You will also be required to submit the names, addresses, and Canadian residency status of your directors.

If you are a business and want to set up an account with One Stop Licence Shop to obtain registry services simply complete an Application for Account form. At the end of each month you will receive an itemized statement of the registry services you have ordered. Your statement must be paid within 5 working days.

**One Stop Licence Shop has provided this page for your general information only. Policies may change without notice.