When you incorporate a business in British Columbia, you gain access to the advantages of operating through a corporation—limited liability, tax planning opportunities, and more. But with these benefits come important responsibilities, one of which is filing an Annual Report with the BC Registry.

What Is a BC Registry Annual Report?

Under British Columbia’s Business Corporations Act, every incorporated company in BC, including Unlimited Liability Companies, is legally required to file an Annual Report each year. This is done using Form 6. The purpose of this report is to confirm that your company is active and to ensure that the information in the Corporate Register remains accurate.

The Annual Report does not contain financial details. Instead, it confirms your company’s corporate information, such as the registered office address, the names of directors, and other vital data. If there have been changes, separate filings should be made to update the Registry.

When Is the Annual Report Due?

The deadline to file your Annual Report is two months after your company’s recognition date. This date is typically the date of incorporation, amalgamation, or continuance in BC. For example, if your company was incorporated on January 1, 2025, your Annual Report will be due annually by March 1, starting in 2026.

It’s important to note that the recognition date is not necessarily the same as your company’s fiscal year end, so the deadline for your Annual Report may differ from your income tax filing deadline with the Canada Revenue Agency.

What Happens If You Don’t File an Annual Report?

Failing to file your Annual Report has serious consequences. Your company will fall out of good standing with the BC Registry. This can delay or block other corporate filings and prevent you from obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing—something often required in legal and financial transactions.

If your company fails to file Annual Reports for two consecutive years, it may be dissolved by the Registrar. While it is possible to restore a dissolved company, doing so is often costly and time-consuming. Filing your Annual Report on time is a simple yet essential part of annual corporate maintenance.

Other Annual Corporate Maintenance Requirements

Beyond the Annual Report, your company may need to prepare other documents each year to stay compliant and properly structured. These may include:

• Annual Shareholder Consent Resolutions (in place of an Annual General Meeting for private companies)
• Annual Directors’ Resolutions
• Dividend Resolutions

These internal records help establish proper corporate governance and may be legally required in certain contexts.

Get Help from a Corporate Lawyer

Keeping up with annual corporate maintenance doesn’t have to be a burden. An experienced corporate lawyer can help ensure your company remains compliant with the Business Corporations Act and that all necessary paperwork is filed accurately and on time.

If you need help filing your Annual Report or preparing other corporate documents, contact our office today. We’ll ensure you stay on track with your legal obligations and avoid costly mistakes.