This guide explains BC Registry Annual Reports, who must file them, deadlines, fees, and consequences of non-compliance. Looking to file your BC Registry Annual Reports in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, operating a business comes with certain ongoing responsibilities, and filing your BC Registry Annual Report is one of the most important. Whether you’re running a company or an incorporated society, keeping your records current with the BC Registry isn’t optional; it’s required by law.
But what exactly is an annual report in BC? Who needs to file one, when and what happens if you don’t? In this article, we’ll walk you through everything oyu need to know and how to accomplish it in time.
What Is a BC Registry Annual Report?
A BC registry Annual Report is a legally required filing that confirms a company’s information on record with the Corporate Registry is still accurate. This definition forms the foundation of how BC Registry Annual Reports function within provincial compliance requirements.
It does not include financial data like tax filings or income reports; it’s simply a confirmation of the company’s legal status and contact details.
This filing helps the province maintain an up-to-date registry of active businesses and ensures transparency in business operations across British Columbia.
Who Needs to File BC Registry Annual Reports?
BC Registry Annual Reports are mandatory for:
- Incorporated companies in BC
- Extraprovincial companies registered to do business in BC
- Incorporated societies under the BC Societies Act
If you’re registered as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you’re not required to file an annual report under the BC Business Corporations Act.
For companies, filing is typically due every year on the incorporation anniversary date. For Societies, it’s tied to the annual general meeting (AGM)
When is it Due?
Your company’s annual report must be filed within two months of its anniversary date. The anniversary date is the date the business was officially incorporated or registered in BC. Deadlines are strictly enforced under BC Registry Annual Reports compliance rules.
Example
Let’s say your company was incorporated on April 15, 2022. Your next annual report is due by June 15, 2023, and the same window applies each subsequent year.
Missing the filing deadline can lead to penalties or, worse, involuntary dissolution of your company by the BC Corporate Registry.
What Information Is Required in the Annual Report?
When completing your BC Registry Annual Report, you’ll need to confirm the following:
- Legal name of the company
- Mailing and delivery address
- Names and addresses of all directors
- Registered office information
- Confirmation of records location
When preparing BC Registry Annual Reports, the accuracy of corporate information is mandatory. There are no financials involved; this is strictly an administrative update.
For societies, similar information is needed, and the annual report must follow the annual general meeting.
How Do You File a BC Registry Annual Report?
BC Registry Annual Reports can be filed online through government systems or authorized service providers.
Filing is straightforward and can be done online using the BC Services Corporation Online System.
Here’s how it works:
- Log in to your account using your business number or incorporation number.
- Navigate to “File Annual Report.”
- Review the current information and make updates if necessary.
- Pay the filing fee (Usually $43 for companies).
- Submit the report and save the confirmation receipt.
Using a guided service helps reduce errors when submitting BC Registry Annual Reports.
The report can also be filed via authorized service providers. One such provider is BRC BC, where users can file easily through our dedicated Annual Return Filing page.
What Happens If You Don’t File?
Failure to submit BC Registry Annual Reports can trigger serious legal and operational consequences.
Legal Consequences:
- Late penalties may apply
- Company status may change to “Not in good standing.”
- Risk of administrative dissolution – where the government automatically shuts your business down.
Once dissolved, your business no longer has the legal capacity to operate, enter into contracts, or defend itself in court. Reinstating can be time-consuming and expensive.
Realistic Example: What Missed Filing Looks Like
Imagine you’re running a small tech company in Vancouver. You’re focused on product launches and miss your annual report deadline. Months later, you discover that your company has been marked “Not in good Standing.”
This leads to complications:
- Clients hesitate to sign contracts.
- Banks question your legitimacy.
- You can’t legally act on behalf of the company.
This scenario reflects common risks businesses face when BC Registry Annual Reports are missed.
Eventually, you realize your business has been dissolved by the registry. Now, you’re scrambling to reinstate, which includes paying additional fees, preparing legal affidavits, and losing valuable time and trust.
Legal Responsibilities for Business Owners
Business owners in BC have a legal obligation under the Business Corporations Act to ensure that annual reports are filed on time. This isn’t something that can be skipped or ignored. BC Registry Annual Reports are a core requirement under the Business Corporations Act.
Failing to file is considered non-compliance, and it may result in:
- Personal liability in some cases.
- Lost contracts or funding
- Repoutational harm
While the filing may seem simple, it plays a significant role in keeping your business in legal and operational good standing with the province.
Research-Backed Stat: Why It Matters
According to the BC Corporate Registry, over 10,000 companies are dissolved each year in BC due to missed annual report filings. (Source BC Registries and Online Services)
That’s a strong reminder that even well-run businesses can fall out of compliance, just by overlooking this one obligation.
Filing Fees and Payment Methods
Filing your BC Registry Annual Report comes with a small fee.
The following fees apply when filing BC Registry Annual Reports as of 2025.
| Entity Type | Fee (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| BC Incorporated Company | $43 |
| Extraprovincial Company | $43 |
| Incorporated Society | No fee (Free) |
You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or through pre-authorized online payment systems if you’re using a third-party service like BRC BC.
Differences Between Companies and Societies
| Category | BC Company | BC Society |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Due Date | Within 2 months of incorporation date | After AGM |
| Filing Fee | $43 | Free |
| Filing Platform | Corporate Online | Societies Online |
| Required Documents | Confirmation of current info | AGM records + confirmation |
Common Myths vs Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Annual reports are the same as tax returns | No — they confirm legal status, not financials |
| Only large companies need to file | All incorporated companies, regardless of size, must file |
| If nothing has changed, no need to file | Still required — even if all info is the same |
| You can skip a year and catch up later | Missing deadlines risks dissolution |
| You only need to file once | Required annually to maintain good standing |
Where Can I Register or File my BC Registry Annual Reports?
Business Registration Center BC assists businesses with accurate and timely BC Registry Annual Reports filings.
Annual report in BC can be filed through us as e are an authorized third-party provider for the BC Government. Our platforms help streamline the process, ensure compliance, and provide guidance along the way. Our expert registry team is available during business hours to support you with all your needs surrounding BC Registry Annual Reports.
This article was prepared by the Business Registration Center BC team, with over 20 years of experience in provincial and federal business registrations. While reviewed for accuracy, the information is general in nature. Feel free to contact us anytime, Tel: 604-449-2000. Business Hours: Mon-Fri, 6 AM - 4 PM (PT). Email: info@brcbc.ca Address: 1248-13351 Commerce Pkwy, Richmond, V6V 2X7.
Conclusion
BC Registry Annual Reports are a mandatory annual obligation that protects your company’s legal status. By staying compliant with BC Registry Annual Reports, businesses avoid penalties and unnecessary disruptions.
It helps maintain legal good standing, avoid penalties, and keeps your business running smoothly. By understanding what’s required, when to file, and the potential of missed filings, you can stay focused on growing your business, not fighting administrative headaches.
If you’re unsure where to start, BRC BC offers a user-friendly way to manage your filings online.
FAQs - BC Registry Annual Reports
What are BC Registry Annual Reports?
A BC Registry Annual Report is a yearly filing that confirms and updates a company’s registered information with the BC Corporate Registry.
How do I know when my annual report is due?
Your report is due every year within two months of your incorporation anniversary date.
What happens if I miss my BC Registry annual reports?
Your business could be marked “Not in Good Standing” or even dissolved by the province.
Is there a late fee for filing my BC registry annual reports?
While there is no official late fee, failing to file on time can result in costly legal consequences and reinstatement fees.
Can I file my annual report myself?
Yes, you can file directly through the Corporate Online system or use a third-party service like BRC BC.
Do sole proprietorships need to file a BC annual report?
No, only incorporated businesses and societies are required to file annual reports in BC.
Are financial statements included in the BC annual report?
No, financials are not included. The report only updates the company contact and director information.
Is filing the same for societies and corporations?
No, societies file through a different system and have different timing, typically after their AGM.