Launch Halifax 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings
This page gives a practical, beginner-friendly roadmap to starting a Halifax-based business in the "Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings" category (NAICS 561790). You'll find a clear overview of the seven requirements to get licensed and operating, plus the permits, insurance, and tax setup you'll need. We also outline typical startup costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan with confidence.
You'll learn exactly what steps to take and what to expect. We break down the seven requirements, the permits or licenses Halifax may require, the costs you should budget for (registration, insurance, equipment), and how long the process often takes. We'll walk you through registering in Nova Scotia, obtaining a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number, and setting up basic bookkeeping so you can hit the ground running.
Halifax's growing housing market and active construction scene make it a great place to launch. The city offers steady demand for maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs across buildings and dwellings, with supportive resources for new businesses. With a clear plan and seven straightforward steps, you can start your Halifax-based 561790 service business faster.
Requirements Overview
In Halifax, the most important starting point is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, is the universal ID your business uses for taxes, payroll, and other government programs. You cannot legally operate a business or hire staff in Canada without a BN, so securing it first is non-negotiable and sets the foundation for everything else.
For operational health and safety, you’ll want to group the practical obligations that come with running services to buildings and dwellings. If you have employees, you’ll need to handle payroll deductions and ensure proper workers’ compensation coverage through the Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board. In addition, maintain good workplace safety practices and obtain any industry-specific permits or licenses as required by your work scope. These steps help protect your workers and your business, and they’re essential to stay in compliance.
On the business registration and tax front, you’ll choose the right structure and register accordingly. You can register a Nova Scotia business name (RJSC) if you’re operating under a name other than your own, or set up a Nova Scotia Corporation or a Partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your sales meet the threshold or if you choose to register voluntarily. Collectively, these registrations align your business identity with tax and regulatory rules and keep you on the right side of the law.
Next steps? Start by securing your BN, then decide your business structure and complete the appropriate registrations (RJSC, corporation, or partnership). Plan for GST/HST and ensure WCB coverage and payroll setup are in place. If you’d like, I can map out a simple checklist tailored to your exact services and help you reach these milestones quickly. You’ve got this— Halifax is a great place to start your new business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other services to buildings and dwellings in Halifax:
-
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).
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 services to buildings and dwellings:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
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 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: