Launch a Private Households Business in Toronto Today
This page helps you plan, register, and launch a Private Households business in Toronto with confidence. Under NAICS 814110, you’ll get a practical, step-by-step overview of the 9 requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll likely need, and realistic costs and timelines from setup to your first client.
You’ll learn the 9 key requirements you must meet to operate legally, the permits and registrations that apply in Toronto, ballpark startup costs so you can budget with confidence, and a practical timeline from business registration to serving clients. We’ll also cover essential compliance basics—record-keeping, insurance, and payroll or contractor considerations if you hire household helpers.
Toronto’s growing demand for reliable in-home services, strong business support, and a diverse client base make it a welcoming place to launch. With the right plan, you can build a trusted private households operation, manage costs, and scale responsibly within the city’s vibrant market. It’s a great fit for organized, compassionate people who want to serve their community.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you cannot bypass; you cannot hire household staff or run household activities without meeting OHSA rules. It is non-negotiable and must be treated as the foundation of your operation—expect clear safety policies, training, and hazard controls to be in place from day one.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety duties and related obligations. In practice, that means implementing OHSA-compliant safety policies, providing necessary worker training, and maintaining a safe work environment for any household staff. You also need to respect Employment Standards Compliance, which covers fair pay, hours, and leaves for domestic workers. Where applicable, arrange Workers’ Compensation coverage (WSIB) so injuries on the job are protected and a proper safety net is in place for both you and your employees.
Business registration and tax requirements ensure you’re set up properly with the government. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN), securing any required Business Licence, and registering your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario. You’ll also handle tax registrations such as GST/HST if applicable, and Payroll D deductions Registration to manage income tax and other withholdings for your employees. Keeping these registrations current helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
If you’re ready, take the next steps with confidence. Confirm OHSA requirements for in-home employers in Ontario and Toronto, then set up your business registrations (BN and name) and any licences you need. Add the tax registrations (GST/HST, payroll deductions) and WSIB coverage as part of your planning. Consider a quick consult with a small-business advisor or regulator to tailor these steps to your exact situation, and start with one practical action today—perhaps draft a simple safety policy or schedule your f
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households 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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Private Household Employer Obligations ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Households employing domestic workers must comply with employment standards, minimum wage, payroll deductions, WSIB coverage, and worker rights. Household employers (nannies, caregivers, housekeepers) must comply with ESA. CPP/EI deductions required. T4 slip issuance. ROE on separation. ESA applies: min wage, overtime, vacation, statutory holidays. Written employment contract recommended. Caregiver tax credit available. LMIA if foreign worker. Contact ESDC or CRA.
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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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