Start · British Columbia
Start a business in British Columbia
BC’s registry system is one of the cleanest in Canada. Sales tax is split into 5% GST and 7% PST - not harmonized. Workplace coverage is administered by WorkSafeBC. Here’s what to read.
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Choose your structure
- Sole proprietorship vs. corporation.
- Incorporate in BC (Business Corporations Act).
- Incorporate federally.
After you register
- Get a CRA Business Number.
- Register for GST (5%).
- Register for PST (7%) with the BC Ministry of Finance if you sell most taxable goods or services in BC. PST is administered separately.
- WorkSafeBC registration if you have employees.
- Choose accounting software.
BC-specific notes
- Two sales taxes: 5% GST (federal) and 7% PST (provincial). They are not harmonized. Your accounting must handle both.
- Name Request: BC uses NR rather than NUANS. Plan for the timing (1–3 weeks standard).
- Transparency Register: BC corporations must keep a register of significant individuals (25%+ ownership/control).
- Annual Report due within 2 months of incorporation anniversary, ~$43.
- Employer Health Tax: applies above $1M in BC payroll.
Grants and programs
- InBC Investment Corp, BC Tech Fund, Innovate BC.
- Sector-specific: Creative BC (film/TV), Genome BC (life sciences).
- Browse the grants database filtered by BC.
Last updated: June 4, 2026. We review this page when rules or pricing change. Spot an error?