Launch Your Halifax 624190 Other Individual and Family Services Venture
This page guides you through starting an Other Individual and Family Services business (NAICS 624190) in Halifax. It offers a practical, step-by-step path to launch, including an overview of eight key requirements, the permits you may need from city and province, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening.
You’ll learn a clear eight-step requirements overview, which permits and licenses apply in Halifax, expected startup costs (insurance, space, equipment, and fees), and a practical timeline with milestones to keep you on track. The guidance is concise and actionable, designed to help you plan with confidence rather than overwhelm you.
Halifax is a welcoming hub for community services, with strong local networks and resources that support family and individual services. With this plan, you’ll navigate approvals smoothly, meet client needs, and build a compliant, sustainable business from day one.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Halifax is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This federal identifier is what you’ll use to handle taxes, payroll, and other programs with the Canada Revenue Agency. You cannot legally operate many business activities without a BN, and without it you won’t be able to open essential accounts or remit taxes. This requirement is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for everything else you’ll do.
Next, the operational requirements focus on health, safety, and necessary permits. If you hire employees, you must have Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) coverage to protect workers in case of injuries. In addition, you’ll need Payroll D deductions Registration to withhold and remit income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, and Employment Insurance premiums. Depending on your revenue, GST/HST Registration may also apply so you can charge and remit the tax correctly. These items together keep your business compliant and your staff protected.
For formal business registration and tax setup, you’ll handle Nova Scotia-specific and tax registrations. The Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) covers registering a Nova Scotia corporation or a partnership (i.e., Nova Scotia Corporation or Partnership Registration) so your legal structure is on file. If you plan to operate as a charity, you may pursue Registered Charity Status with the Canada Revenue Agency to issue donation receipts and access related benefits. GST/HST Registration is linked to your taxable supplies and will be required once you meet the threshold, while the BN and RJSC steps set up your ongoing tax and reporting framework.
You’ve got a clear path ahead. Start by deciding your structure (for-profit vs. charity) and confirm whether you’ll need charity status. Then obtain your BN, register your entity with RJSC if needed, and set up WCB coverage and payroll deductions. Finally, monitor GST/HST thresholds so you know when to regist
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other individual and family services in Halifax:
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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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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your other individual and family services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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