Many Albertans dream of running their own business — but lots of people assume they need to jump through endless hoops before they can even start earning income. The good news? It’s actually simpler than you might think — at least from a tax perspective!

👉 Trading Under Your Own Name
If you’re operating under your legal name (e.g. Jordan Smith), you can start right away — no special registration needed. Just keep good records and report all your income and expenses correctly at tax time.

👉 Using a Business Name
If you want to use a business name (Jordan’s Landscaping instead of just Jordan Smith), you’ll need to register it. In Alberta, you register a trade name through an authorized registry agent — the fee is usually around $60–$70.

👉 Choosing Your Business Structure
Most new small businesses in Alberta start as sole proprietors — it keeps things simple and affordable. You can always incorporate later if you grow or want more legal protection. Incorporation means more paperwork and compliance rules, so make sure it’s worth it for you.

👉 Should You Charge GST?
If your sales are more than $30,000 in a 12-month period, you must register for GST with the CRA. Below that, it’s optional — but sometimes registering early makes sense if you have a lot of business expenses.

👉 Don’t Forget Your Local Business Licence
Check with your city or town — most municipalities require a business licence to operate legally.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep every receipt related to your business, even before you make your first sale — startup costs can often be deducted!

Running a business can be exciting, but taxes, bookkeeping, and compliance don’t have to be scary. If you’re unsure where to start, Castle Accounting is here to help you get set up the right way — from choosing the right structure to staying organized all year long.

📚 Got questions about starting your business in Alberta? Send us a message — we’re always happy to help!

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