How do I file an annual report in British Columbia?

Overview — why the annual report matters

Think of the annual report as the government’s yearly check-in: it confirms that your company still exists, and it gives the Corporate Registry the most up-to-date public information about your business (registered office, directors, contact email, etc.). Filing keeps your company in good standing, which matters if you want to access loans, keep bank accounts, or avoid administrative dissolution.

The process is generally short when you have your details ready — but missing the deadline can lead to penalties or the company being removed from the register. That’s why knowing your company’s anniversary date and setting a simple reminder is one of the best small-business habits you can form.

When is it due?

For most BC companies, the annual report must be filed within two months of the company’s anniversary date (the anniversary of incorporation or registration). If you’re registered in BC as an extraprovincial company, similar anniversary rules apply based on the date of registration. Always check your company record in Corporate Online or the BC registry for the exact deadline.

Before you start — checklist

• Know your company number or incorporation number (found on previous filings or notices).
• Confirm the company’s anniversary date so you know the deadline window.
• Have current director names, registered office address, and company email ready.
• Have a credit card ready for the filing fee (online systems accept major cards).
• Decide who will make the filing (an officer, director, or authorized representative).

Step-by-step: filing online in BC (high-level)

1. Access the filing system: Most corporate annual reports in BC are filed via Corporate Online (BC’s online corporate filing service).
2. Sign in / find your company: Use the company number or search by name. If you do not have an account, create one following the portal instructions.
3. Start the Annual Report transaction: Choose the appropriate filing type (BC Annual Report or Extraprovincial Annual Report) and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Confirm and update details: Review registered office address, director information, and the company’s contact email. Make any necessary changes — the annual report is the opportunity to correct public records.
5. Pay the fee and submit: Complete payment (online) and submit. Keep or download the receipt — it is your proof of filing.
6. Record the filing: Save confirmation/receipt and update your internal calendar for next year’s anniversary.

Tip: If you get an annual report reminder by email or mail, follow the instructions in that notice — it will often include a direct link to the filing for your company.

Common questions & quick answers

• Is filing an annual report the same as filing taxes? No — an annual report updates corporate registry information. Corporate tax returns (e.g., T2) are filed separately with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• What if I need to change directors or the registered office? You can usually make those changes as part of the annual report filing or by filing a separate notice of change through Corporate Online.
• What happens if I miss the deadline? Failure to file on time can result in the company being out of good standing and, ultimately, could lead to administrative dissolution. If you miss a filing, contact the registry for guidance on restoring good standing.

Official BC & federal links (useful pages)

• Corporate Online — File a BC Annual Report (start filing): File a BC Annual Report (Corporate Online)
• Corporate Online — Annual report overview and help: Annual Report overview (Corporate Online Help)
• BC Registries — forms, packages and fees: BC Registries: forms & fees
• Example: paper filing form & fee details (BC): Annual Report form (PDF) — BC
• Corporations Canada — federal annual return (if incorporated federally): Annual return — Corporations Canada

When to ask for help

If you run into technical issues with Corporate Online, the BC registry helpdesk can assist (contact details are on the BC pages above). If you’re unsure about director obligations, corporate governance, or how a change might affect taxes, consider consulting a lawyer or an accountant. Small issues (typos in an address, missing email) are often correctable online — larger governance changes may need professional guidance.

Quick reminder

Put a yearly reminder in your calendar for two months after your incorporation or registration anniversary, and keep a copy of each filing receipt in your corporate records.