Start Your Private Household Business in Halifax Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a private households business (NAICS 814110) in Halifax. You’ll find a clear overview of the 7 requirements you must meet to operate legally, plus what permits and registrations to expect, typical start-up costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to launch.
Discover the practical actions you can take today: how to register your business, secure essential insurance, complete any municipal or provincial permits, and set up bookkeeping. Learn what the startup costs tend to look like, from licenses to basic safety and equipment, plus the typical processing timelines. We’ll also highlight common pitfalls and simple steps to smooth approvals and avoid delays.
Halifax is a welcoming market for private household services, with a growing need for reliable in-home support and housekeeping. The city’s business-friendly resources, local networks, and proximity to clients make it easier to launch, grow, and sustain your service.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household business in Halifax is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run your business without it. It’s non-negotiable because it unlocks the ability to file taxes, handle payroll if you hire staff, and interact with government programs and filings.
Beyond the BN, there are essential operational steps to keep people safe and compliant. If you hire employees, you must have Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board coverage to protect workers in case of work injuries. You’ll also need to manage payroll properly, which typically means setting up payroll deductions and remittances so taxes and other withholdings are paid on time. These obligations help ensure a safe, lawful, and trustworthy operation.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll want to register your business name with Nova Scotia RJSC (Nova Scotia Business Name Registration) unless you’re operating under your legal name. If you choose a corporate or partnership structure, you’d register the appropriate entity. In addition, GST/HST Registration may be required if your revenue or nature of services meets the thresholds, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you employ people. These steps establish your formal business presence and tax obligations.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by securing your BN, then decide on your business structure and check name availability with RJSC. Plan for GST/HST and payroll needs as soon as they apply, and arrange WCB coverage if you have staff. If you’re unsure, reach out to a local accountant or Service Nova Scotia for guided, practical help. You’ve got this—take it one step at a time and you’ll be compliant and ready to operate.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households 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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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
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