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The statute that governs the registration of an Alberta sole proprietorship is the Partnership Act (Alberta). The statute refers to an Alberta sole proprietorship as an Alberta trade name.

The statutes indicates that an individual who (a) is engaged in business for trading, manufacturing, contracting or mining purposes; and (2) is not associated in partnership with any other person or persons and uses as the person’s business name some name or designation other than the person’s own, or the person’s own name with the addition of “and company” or some other word or phrase indicating a plurality of members in a firm; shall file with the Alberta Registrar a declaration in writing of the fact. If you are planning on registering a sole proprietorship it would be appropriate for you to take a look at the Alberta Partnership Act provisions for Alberta sole proprietorships.

In other words, if a person is carrying on business under a name other than his or her own name, you must register a Declaration of Trade Name in order to be in compliance with the laws of Alberta. The Alberta registration must be registered within six months of carrying on business.

An Alberta Nuans name search report is not required when registering an Alberta sole proprietorship. The Alberta Partnership Act has no requirement for an Alberta trade name/Alberta sole proprietorship to be different than other Alberta registrations. You are allowed to register the exact same name as another sole proprietorship already registered with the Alberta government. Should you register a name that is the same as another name already registered? Absolutely not, unless you are connected in some way to that other registration or have written permission to register the name.

The best way to ensure this is to do a preliminary name search Alberta Registration Name before you register your sole proprietorship. A search house can perform this for you. Some search houses charge a small fee for this and others will do this for free when you purchase a sole proprietorship registration service from them.

Is it a requirement to register an Alberta trade name in order to conduct business as a sole proprietorship. No. However if you work under your personal name there may be situations where an Alberta registration would be advantageous as proof that you are in business. You may be required to show a valid registration when you register for other licenses connected to your business or when business proposals are set forth. The Alberta government will not allow you to register an Alberta trade name using your own name. You will need to register an actual business name. On another note, you can obtain a Business Number for your sole proprietorship even if you are operating under your personal name. Business Numbers (GST) are connected to the individual not to the Alberta sole proprietorship registration.

It will not be possible for you to register your Alberta sole proprietorship by doing on your own. You must use a service provider to assist you. If you chose the right service provider it will do a preliminary name search on your name for free before they register your name and will ensure it is available and clear right across Canada.

If you wish to terminate your Alberta sole proprietorship you must file a Declaration of Ceasing to Carry on Business under a Trade Name.

Alberta Sole Proprietorships are perpetual. This means they will stay in place until you dissolve the registration.

Resources for Canadian Business Owners can assist you with your Alberta Trade Name Registration and Alberta Corporate Search or Preliminary Name Search