Nova Scotia Sole Proprietorship

A Nova Scotia Sole Proprietorship is a simple business structure for individuals who want to start and operate a business without incorporating. It is often used by freelancers, contractors, consultants, tradespeople, home-based businesses, and small business owners operating in Nova Scotia.
With a sole proprietorship, the owner has direct control over the business and receives the business income. However, the business is not legally separate from the owner, which means the owner remains personally responsible for debts, taxes, contracts, and legal obligations. This structure is easy to manage, but it does not provide the same personal liability protection as a corporation.

To register or renew a Sole Proprietorship in Nova Scotia, your business name may need to be registered if you are operating under a name other than your legal personal name. Registering the business name helps your business appear properly in Nova Scotia business records and allows you to operate under your chosen name.
If your business details are ready, the registration or renewal process can usually move forward quickly. You may upload any existing business documents during the application, and the next page will show the available service options, required information, and estimated timelines.

A physical address is required to Register Business in your Selected Province. Where the government will send documents. If you do not have a physical address, you can use our Registered Address Service that includes mail receiving and forwarding. Please note that PO Box is not accepted by the Government.

In a sole proprietorship, the business owner is an individual who operates and manages the business on their own. The owner is typically the sole decision-maker and is responsible for all aspects of the business, including its profits and losses, debts, and legal liabilities.

Business Number (BN) is assigned to corporations by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and is used to identify your business for tax purposes. If you collect and remit Goods and Services Tax (GST) you need GST/HST accounts. If you pay salary to you or other employees you need a Payroll account. If you export or import goods to foreign countries or from Canada you need to register Export or Import accounts.