Launch Your All Other Personal Services Business in Toronto Today
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step roadmap to starting an All Other Personal Services business in Toronto (NAICS 812990). Learn how to navigate the eight regulatory requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to opening your doors, plus guidance on initial setup costs and ongoing expenses.
You’ll discover what the eight requirements cover—business registration and name, municipal licenses, zoning and home-based rules, provincial permits if needed, insurance and safety considerations, tax setup, bookkeeping basics, and ongoing reporting. We outline exact steps, documents to gather, where to apply, expected fees, and typical wait times so you can budget confidently and avoid common delays.
Toronto is a big, diverse market with strong demand for personal services and a clear licensing path. The city’s supportive small-business ecosystem, access to local resources, and straightforward permits make it a great place to launch an All Other Personal Services business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a all other personal services in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. It means you must maintain a safe workplace, provide proper training and protective measures for staff, keep appropriate records, and report any incidents. This requirement is NON-NEGOTIABLE, so treat it as the foundation you cannot skip.
For daily operations, you’ll need to cover health and safety in practice and secure the necessary permits and licences. Focus on keeping the workplace safe, providing the right training, PPE, and clear safety procedures. If you have employees, expect duties around safe work practices and injury reporting. You’ll also need the right permissions to operate in your location, such as a Business Licence, and to register the name you use for the business with Ontario (ServiceOntario). If you hire staff, Employment Standards compliance is important to ensure fair wages, hours, and other worker rights, and you may need WSIB coverage to protect your team.
From a registration and tax perspective, you’ll want to handle your business identity and numbers up front. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and registering for GST/HST if you cross the threshold or choose to register voluntarily. If you’re using a name other than your own, register that business name with ServiceOntario. If you have employees, you’ll also manage payroll deductions through CRA. These registrations simplify tax, reporting, and compliance as you grow.
If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, action-oriented checklist for your exact services and steps to check off—starting with the OHSA basics and moving through registrations, licences, and tax steps. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for a solid, compliant start in Toronto.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other personal services in Toronto:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Toronto Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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