Product Info

BC Society is a non-profit company incorporated under the BC Societies Act. It is  recognized as a separate entity from its members for legal and tax purposes. Registered Societies can enter into contracts, open and operate its own bank accounts and own properties.

Societies in generally have increased credibility with Government agencies, funders, and the general public.

Other names:

  • Non-profit BC Corporation
  • BC Not for profit

Checklist

Who can incorporate:

  • Three or more individuals who are 18 or up can incorporate a BC Societies.
  • An ordinary society must have at least three directors and at least one of the directors must be resident in B.C.

What is required to incorporate a BC Societies:

  • A name approval number from BC for the Societies.
  • Name must have the word Association, Foundation, Society, Club, etc.
  • A physical address or street address in the Province of British Columbia.
  • Must have minimum 3 directors. At least one of the directors must be residing in BC.
  • For incorporation process, all directors will be Incorporators and one contact person is required.

What you get

After registering the BC Society, you will receive the following as pdf documents by email:

Articles Sample Docs
Certificate of Incorporation
Sample Document
Constitution
Sample Document
Incorporation Application
Sample Document
Business Number
Sample Document
Constitution & Bylaws (if included)
Sample Document
Share Certificate (if included)
Sample Document
Corporation seal (if included)
Sample Document
Transparency Register (if included)
Sample Document
CRA Program Accounts (Business Number, Corporate Tax ID, GST, Payroll, Export-Import)
Sample Document
PST Program Account
Sample Document
The Workers’ Compensation Board of BC (WorkSafeBC) registration (if included)
Sample Document
Annual Returns reminder (if included)
Sample Document

Timeline

Without a Name Approval: If you Do Not have a valid name approval from the BC government, we will obtain the name approval on be half of you. In that case, your corporation will be processed in two steps:

  • Step 1: Obtaining name approval.Sample
  • Step 2: Registering with the Government System.

These 2 steps are combinedly offered in 3 service queues:

  • Regular Queue: A BC Society can be ready in 4 weeks.
  • Express Queue: A A BC Society can be ready in 2 weeks.
  • Super-Express Queue: A BC named company can be ready in 1 business day.

With a Name Approval: If you have already obtained a valid name approval from the government of BC, we offer the following service queues:

  • Regular Queue: A BC Society can be ready in 10 business days.
  • Express Queue: A BC Society company can be ready 2 business days.
  • Super-Express Queue: A BC Society company can be ready 2 business HOURS.

FAQs

What are the advantages of registering a BC Society?
  • Incorporated businesses are perceived as being more stable than unincorporated businesses
  • Limited Liability to members.
  • Continuous existence.
  • There are many tax benefits.
  • Qualifies to procced to register as a Charity.
Can a BC Society raise funds and/or receive gifts and donations?

Yes. In fact, an incorporated Society will be in a much better position to receive grants from the government and/or private charities.

Can a BC Society function as a charity organization?

At the time of registration, a BC Society is a non-profit entity but not a charity organization. However, a BC Society can register itself as a charity organization with Canada Revenue Agency after its formation.

Do Societies pay taxes?

Societies are generally exempt from income tax. Once registered as a charity it can issue tax receipts for donations it receives..