What to bring to a small business appointment
We look forward to seeing you. To make it easy for you, we’ve created a “what to bring” list
to help you prepare for your upcoming appointment.
Identification
You will need to bring one eligible piece of identification with you as well as the information listed below based on your business. Your identification must be valid, original and in good condition.
The eligible piece of identification must:
- Contain a photo; and
- Be issued by a government agency, including a federal government, (for example, Canada or the United States), or by a province/territory/state level government.
List of Eligible Photo Identification:
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
- Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Government of Canada
- Driver’s licence1
- Firearms Licence
- Government Issued ID Card or Document
- Immigration Canada Documents2
- NEXUS Card
- Passport
- Permanent Resident Card
- Provincial or territorial health insurance card3
Required business documents
Please refer to the category that best matches your business:
For Sole Proprietorships:
- A Trade Name Registration
- A Master Business License
- Identification Requirements
-
- Personal identification of the owner (see above)
For Corporations:
Registered documents you’ll need to bring
If your business has been in existence less than 18 months, bring one of the following:4
- Complete Articles of Incorporation
- Letters Patent/Company Charter
- Articles of Amendment
- Articles of Amalgamation
- Corporate Profile Report
If your business has been in existence more than 18 months, in addition to the above documents, bring one of the following:
- Annual/Statutory Return
- Certificate of Status Certificate of Compliance/Existence and any filings under the applicable provincial securities legislation, such as financial statements
- Financial statement or annual report signed by independent accounting firm
- Government Assessment
- Corporate search
If operating under a registered Trade Name, bring one of the following:
- Trade Name Registration
- Master Business License
Identification Requirements
- Name, address, occupation or nature of primary business
- Percentage ownership and type of ownership (direct or indirect) for any person or company with an interest of 25 per cent or more of your business
- Name, occupation, and date of birth information, along with personal identification, for up to three authorized signatories (see above)
- Name and occupation information for any directors or officers
For Partnerships:
Registered documents you’ll need to bring
If your business is a General Partnership, bring the following:
- Partnership Registration (if applicable)
- Partnership Agreement
If operating under a registered Trade Name, bring one of the following:
- Trade Name Registration
- Master Business License
If your business is a Limited Partnership, the following:
- Limited Partnership Agreement
- Certificate of Limited Partnership/Declaration of Limited Partnership/Application for Registration of a Limited Partnership
Identification Requirements
- Name, address, occupation or nature of primary business
- Percentage ownership and type of ownership (direct or indirect) for any person or company with an interest of 25 per cent or more of your business
- Name, occupation, and date of birth information, along with personal identification, for up to three authorized signatories (see above)
For Unincorporated Associations:
Registered documents you’ll need to bring
If your business has been formally established, bring one of the following:
- Articles of Association
- Copy of by-laws or constitution disclosing names and titles of directors and/or officers
If not formally established, bring:
- Letter from the organization disclosing who has the authority to open and operate the account
Identification Requirements
- Name, address, occupation or nature of primary business
- Percentage ownership and type of ownership (direct or indirect) for any person or company with an interest of 25 per cent or more of your business
- Name, occupation, and date of birth information, along with personal identification, for up to three authorized signatories (see above)
- Name and occupation information for any directors or officers
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the identification listed above, please give us a call.
- Temporary Alberta Driver’s Licence is not accepted.
- Immigration Canada form IMM 1000, IMM 1442 or IMM 5292 or IMM 5688
- Where permitted by law. Currently Manitoba, Ontario, and P.E.I. health cards are prohibited from being used as identification anywhere in Canada.
- Documents include the names of current directors and/or officers and outline who has the power to delegate authorities and/or borrow on behalf of the corporation (if applicable)