Business & Taxation Lawyer
Operating a business in Ontario involves navigating a complex web of corporate, commercial, and tax laws. From the initial setup of your company to its daily operations, legal compliance and strategic planning are essential for growth and mitigating risk. At GS Arora Law, we provide comprehensive legal guidance for businesses in Brampton and across Ontario, offering practical advice on corporate structuring, governance, and tax efficiency.
Understanding Business Law in Ontario
Business activities in Ontario are governed by a variety of provincial and federal statutes. Proper legal counsel ensures your business is not only compliant with these laws but is also structured to best achieve its commercial goals.
- Business Corporations Act (Ontario) / Canada Business Corporations Act – Governs incorporation, governance, and dissolution of corporations.
- Partnerships Act (Ontario) – Outlines the rules for forming and operating partnerships.
- Income Tax Act (Canada) – Sets out federal taxation rules critical to all business structures.
- Excise Tax Act (Canada) – Governs GST/HST obligations for businesses.
Incorporation and Business Formation
Choosing the right business structure is a foundational decision with long-term legal and tax implications. We provide strategic advice and services to ensure your formation is aligned with your goals.
- Provincial or Federal Incorporations – Complete registration and guidance.
- Partnership Agreements – Defining rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing.
- Sole Proprietorships – Name registration and liability guidance.
- Shareholder Agreements – Structure, dispute resolution, and exit strategies.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Once your business is formed, ongoing compliance is essential. We ensure your corporation remains in good standing and operates with legal integrity.
- Maintaining corporate minute books
- Drafting director and shareholder resolutions
- Filing annual returns and government updates
- Advising directors and officers on duties and liabilities
Contracts and Commercial Agreements
Contracts are the backbone of commercial operations. We draft and review agreements to protect your business interests and prevent future disputes.
- Commercial leases, supplier, and service agreements
- Employment contracts compliant with ESA
- Purchase and Sale Agreements – Assets and shares
Tax Planning and Disputes
Effective tax planning is essential for long-term profitability. We provide legal strategies that support optimal tax efficiency and compliance.
- Tax-efficient corporate structuring
- Corporate reorganizations and rollovers
- CRA audit representation and dispute management
Why You Need a Business Lawyer
Managing legal and tax obligations without professional guidance can result in costly mistakes. A business lawyer protects your assets, ensures compliance, and provides strategic planning.
- Protects personal assets from corporate liabilities
- Ensures enforceable and protective contracts
- Manages compliance so you can focus on growth
- Guides succession and long-term planning
Why Choose GS Arora Law
Our legal team provides practical, results-driven legal advice tailored to Ontario businesses. From incorporations to complex reorganizations, we deliver clarity, precision, and strategic support to help you thrive.
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Why Choose Us
Dedicated Ontario-based Full-Service Law Firm providing clear, dependable, and client-focused legal services in Brampton and across the province.
Experience the Best in Legal Excellence
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- Dedication. Precision. Excellence.
Should I incorporate federally or provincially?
It depends on your business's scope. Provincial (Ontario) incorporation is generally simpler and ideal if you plan to operate primarily within Ontario. Federal incorporation allows you to operate under the same name across all of Canada, which is better for businesses with a national scope. However, you will still need to register your federal corporation in Ontario and any other province where you operate.
Do I really need a shareholders' agreement?
While not legally mandatory for incorporation, it is highly recommended for any corporation with more than one shareholder. A shareholders' agreement governs the relationship between shareholders, setting rules for decision-making, dispute resolution, share transfers, and share valuation. It is the best way to prevent costly and stressful disputes in the future.
What's the difference between a lawyer and an accountant for tax issues?
An accountant is essential for preparing and filing tax returns, managing financial records, and providing financial planning advice. A tax lawyer provides legal and strategic guidance, particularly for tax-efficient business structuring, corporate reorganizations, and CRA disputes such as audits or appeals. Lawyers often collaborate with accountants to ensure complete tax compliance and legal protection.
What is a corporate minute book and do I need to maintain one?
Yes, maintaining a minute book is a legal requirement under Ontario's Business Corporations Act. The minute book is the official legal record of your corporation and includes articles of incorporation, by-laws, share registers, and meeting resolutions. Failure to maintain it can cause legal issues, complications during business sales, and problems in a CRA audit.
What are my basic legal duties as a corporate director?
As a director, you have a fiduciary duty to act honestly and in good faith, in the best interests of the corporation. You also have a duty of care, requiring you to exercise diligence, skill, and prudence in decision-making. You must avoid conflicts of interest and understand that negligence or breach of duty can result in personal liability.