Alberta Corporations Inc A Guide to Different Types for Your Business
                     Alberta Corporations 
Inc: A Guide to 
Different Types for 
YIn tohisu gurid eB, weu’ll swailkn yoeu sthrsough the various 
types of Alberta corporations, so you can select 
the best one for your business needs.
What Is a Corporation in 
Alberta?
A corporation is a legally recognized entity in 
Alberta, separate from its owners. This means it 
can enter contracts, own property, and be liable 
for taxes or legal disputes. One of the primary 
reasons businesses incorporate is to protect the 
personal assets of their owners and take 
advantage of tax savings. If you’ve been running 
a business under your own name or a trade 
name, incorporating may provide the legal 
separation you need to safeguard yourself.
Which Type of Incorporation 
is Right for You?
Before you incorporate, it's important to 
understand the various types of corporations 
available. Many business owners are familiar with 
numbered companies and named corporations, 
but there are other legal structures to consider as 
well. Choosing the right one is crucial for your 
business's future. A corporate lawyer can help 
guide you through this process, ensuring your 
incorporation is done correctly to avoid any legal 
pitfalls down the road.
Types of 
Corporations in 
Alberta
Named Numbered 
Corporations Corporations
A named corporation is the most 
common form of business Numbered corporations are similar to 
incorporation. When you register a named corporations, but the name is 
named corporation, you get to choose assigned by the Alberta government’s 
the name (as long as it’s available). Corporate Registry. It typically consists 
This option provides all the benefits of a of a number followed by “Alberta” and a 
numbered corporation but with the designation such as “Ltd.” or “Inc.” 
added advantage of a personalized Numbered corporations are often more 
business name. It’s a great choice if you affordable to incorporate because there 
want your business to stand out. is no need for a name search prior to 
registration.
Professional Condominium 
Corporations Corporations
A condominium corporation operates 
A professional corporation is a under the Alberta Condominium 
specialized corporate structure Property Act, not the Business 
designed for licensed professionals such Corporations Act. These corporations 
as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and are formed when a condominium plan is 
engineers. Although these corporations registered with the Alberta Land Titles 
offer tax advantages, they may not Office. The “shareholders” are the 
provide full liability protection, owners of individual units within the 
depending on the rules of the specific complex. Condo owners should stay 
profession. involved in the management of the 
corporation to protect their investment 
and maintain their property values.
Societies Cooperatives
Societies are organizations that are A cooperative is similar to a society but 
registered under the Societies Act of operates under different legislation. 
Alberta. They are typically used for non- Cooperatives are formed when a group 
profit purposes, and in certain cases, of individuals come together to manage 
they can apply for charitable status with an ongoing project or venture, such as 
the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). a housing cooperative. They are useful 
Societies allow for legal recognition in situations where a collective 
without the need to generate profit but approach is needed.
don’t meet the requirements for 
charitable status.
Not-For-Profit Charities
Organizations Charities are not-for-profit organizations 
that have received charitable status 
A not-for-profit organization focuses on from the Canada Revenue Agency. This 
a cause rather than generating profit. status allows them to issue tax receipts 
These entities may apply for charitable to donors. Charities must comply with 
status through the CRA, allowing them detailed regulations to maintain their 
to issue tax receipts for donations. This status, and failure to do so could lead to 
process, however, can be time- penalties or the loss of this privilege.
consuming and requires meeting strict 
criteria to maintain the organization’s 
legal standing.
It’s essential to understand 
that a trade name is not a 
corporation. While it might 
Understandin be registered with the 
Alberta Corporate Registry, 
g Trade it doesn’t offer the legal 
Names vs. protections or tax benefits 
of incorporation. A trade 
Corporations name merely protects the 
business name and does 
not legally separate you 
from your business like a 
corporation does.
Not-For-Profit 
Organizations
Once your corporation is established, 
ongoing maintenance is essential to keep 
your company in good standing. This 
includes maintaining minute books, filing 
annual returns, and having a registered 
office. Failing to meet these requirements 
can result in the loss of incorporation 
benefits or even the dissolution of the 
company. 
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of corporation is a big 
decision that can affect your personal liability and 
the overall success of your business. Whether 
you’re looking for tax benefits, legal protections, 
or the flexibility to manage your business the way 
you see fit, there’s a corporation structure for 
you. Always consult a corporate lawyer to ensure 
you’re making the best choice for your business 
needs.