{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is it better to incorporate or be a sole proprietor in Alberta?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "If you’re just starting out or testing a small business idea, a sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable option. However, if you plan to grow, hire employees, or protect your personal assets, incorporating in Alberta offers stronger legal protection, tax advantages, and credibility." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the tax difference between incorporation and sole proprietorship in Alberta?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Sole proprietors in Alberta pay personal income tax (up to about 48%), while incorporated businesses pay a lower corporate tax rate and personal tax only when income is withdrawn. Incorporation often provides tax savings once your business earns over $70,000 per year." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost to incorporate in Alberta compared to a sole proprietorship?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While direct incorporation can be costly, Start Right Now simplifies the process for a flat service fee of just $99, plus the required government filing fee. Check our Pricing Page for a detailed breakdown." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can Start Right Now help me incorporate in Alberta?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Start Right Now makes incorporation simple. We handle your name search, NUANS report, government filing, and business setup — so you can incorporate in minutes, without needing a lawyer or complicated paperwork." } } ] }

Alberta Incorporation

Complete Alberta company registration, CRA number, legal docs, and growth tools.

Incorporate Your Business for $99

Alberta Incorporation vs Federal Incorporation

Not sure whether to incorporate federally or provincially in Alberta? We’ll explain the differences, costs, and requirements of each option to help you decide which type of incorporation fits your business best.

Alberta Incorporation

Federal Incorporation

Operates within Alberta only
Can operate across Canada
Slightly lower filing fees
Slightly higher federal filing fees
Registered through Alberta Corporate Registry
Registered through Corporations Canada
Business name protected only in Alberta
Business name protected nationwide
Ideal for local service businesses or small corporations
Ideal for national brands and startups with multi-province plans
Annual filing with Alberta Corporate Registry only
Annual filing with Corporations Canada and one province
Faster, simpler setup process
Requires an extra step to register federally and then in Alberta

Alberta Incorporation vs Sole Proprietorship

Not sure if you should incorporate or register a sole proprietor in Alberta? Explore the benefits, costs, and legal protections of each option to determine which structure best fits your business goals.

Alberta Incorporation

Sole Proprietorship

Costs more to start
Easiest to start and cheapest
Separate legal entity (corporation owns assets, signs contracts)
No separate legal entity — you = the business
Limited personal liability — protects your personal assets
Unlimited personal liability — you’re responsible for debts/lawsuits
Corporate Income taxed only
All profits taxed as personal income
Easier to get investors, loans, or sell shares
Harder to raise money or add partners
Best for growing businesses or when risk/liability increases
Perfect for freelancers, consultants, small local businesses
Official name protection under Alberta Business Registry
Name protection limited to Alberta & type
Perks

Over $100k in Perks

Start Your Business

Google Workspace

20% off for 12 months. Flexible, helpful business collaboration solutions for all the ways work is changing.

Figma

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Spotify

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Framer

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Slack

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Sketch

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Discord

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Github

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Figma

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Spotify

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Framer

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Slack

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Sketch

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Discord

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Github

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Figma

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Spotify

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Framer

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Slack

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Sketch

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Discord

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Github

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Figma

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Spotify

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Framer

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Slack

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Sketch

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Discord

Webex integrates seamlessly into 100+ industry-leading apps.
Install

Simple Transparent Pricing

Get unlimited subscribers on all our plans, and pay only for the emails you actually send.
Monthly Billing
Yearly Billing
Simple
Ideal for business that are just starting and testing the water.
$99/ one time  
+ one time government filing fees
Get started
Register Incorporation
Legal Documents
Educational Resources (coming soon)
Online Minute Book (Free 1 Year Trial)
$20K + Perks
AI Pro
Ideal for businesses that are ready to take off 🚀
$199/yearly
+ one time government filing fees
Get started
Everything in Simple
AI Co-Founder ($360 value)
Online Minute Book ($100 value)
Premium Perks $100k+
Premium Support
Free
Explore Maze together, for free lifetime.
$0/year
Get started
3 active projects
Up to 10 blocks
Team management
Essentials
Explore Maze together, for free lifetime.
$280/year
Get started
3 active projects
Up to 10 blocks
Team management
API integrations
Standard
Explore Maze together, for free lifetime.
$800/year
Get started
3 active projects
Up to 10 blocks
Team management
API integrations
Password protection
Pro
Explore Maze together, for free lifetime.
$1280/year
Get started
3 active projects
Up to 10 blocks
Team management
API integrations
Password protection
CSV export
For a Full Break Down for Government Filing Fees & Additional Fees check our Pricing Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about incorporating your business in Alberta from costs and registration timelines to tax benefits and legal protections.
Is it better to incorporate or be a sole proprietor in Alberta?

If you’re just starting out or testing a small business idea, a sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable option.However, if you plan to grow, hire employees, or protect your personal assets, incorporating in Alberta offers stronger legal protection, tax advantages, and credibility.

What is the tax difference between incorporation and sole proprietorship in Alberta?

ole proprietors in Alberta pay personal income tax (up to about 48%), while incorporated businesses pay a lower corporate tax rate and personal tax only when income is withdrawn. Incorporation often provides tax savings once your business earns over $70,000 per year.

How much does it cost to incorporate in Alberta?

While direct incorporation can be costly, Start Right Now simplifies the process for a flat service fee of just $99, plus the required government filing fee. Check our Pricing Page for a detailed breakdown.

How long does it take to incorporate a business in Alberta?

If all documents are prepared and your business name is approved, you can incorporate online in as little as one business day. Delays may occur if name approval or provincial registration requires additional review.

What are the benefits of incorporating in Alberta?

Incorporation provides limited personal liability, lower tax rates, easier access to funding, and enhanced business credibility. It also allows you to retain profits in the corporation and defer personal taxes until you pay yourself.

Does incorporation protect me from business debts or lawsuits?

Yes. A corporation is a separate legal entity — your personal assets (home, savings, etc.) are generally protected from business liabilities.

Do I need to register federally or provincially if I only operate in Alberta?

If your business will operate primarily in Alberta, provincial incorporation is usually sufficient.You should choose federal incorporation only if you plan to expand into other provinces or want your business name protected across Canada.

How can Start Right Now help me incorporate in Alberta?

Start Right Now makes incorporation simple. We handle your name search, NUANS report, government filing, and business setup — so you can incorporate in minutes, without needing a lawyer or complicated paperwork.

Start Your Business Today