Frequently Asked Questions

Terms of Use help protect your business by setting the rules for using your platform, limiting your liability, and regulating user behavior.

Yes. Even when shareholders serve as directors, the agreement remains essential to regulate share transfers, exit mechanisms, and protections in case of strategic disagreements.

Lexstart's GTS govern the purchasing terms for services offered on the platform: order process, payment, cancellation and refund policy, and respective responsibilities of the client and Lexstart. They apply to any purchase made on lexstart.ca.

For consultants generating stable income, incorporation helps manage contractual liability, structure compensation, and reinforce professional image. It becomes particularly relevant as revenue increases or subcontractors are involved.

If the error is noticed before the registry filing, the team can correct it at no extra charge. If noticed after filing, an amendment to the articles will be required and government fees will apply. The pre-payment summary is specifically designed to prevent this situation.

They are not always mandatory, but they are strongly recommended. They become essential as soon as you sell online or want to clearly define your sales conditions.

Lexstart handles provincial and federal corporate filings, the annual REQ update, and simple annual resolutions. For more complex internal compliance matters, such as share restructuring or in-depth minute book updates, Barricad Avocats takes over depending on the situation.

Lexstart's annual compliance subscription covers the mandatory annual REQ update as well as up to two in-year updates (address change, director or officer change). It also includes annual shareholder and director resolutions and minute book maintenance. It is a simple way to delegate all annual corporate compliance without having to think about it.

It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Without a written contract, the minimum rules of the Act Respecting Labour Standards apply, which can limit the employer's flexibility for elements not covered by law.

They can request access to their data, correction, deletion, and in some cases, object to processing or withdraw consent. These rights must be described in the Privacy Policy along with how to exercise them.

Yes. Amending the articles involves formal shareholder or director resolutions, legal analysis of the current structure, and a specific filing with the registry. It directly affects the corporation's legal structure. Barricad Avocats handles these procedures to ensure full compliance.

Yes. Shares must be issued in exchange for value, whether in cash, property, or services, in accordance with applicable rules. This consideration must be documented in corporate records to ensure legal validity.

A shareholders' agreement protects the business in case of conflict, shareholder withdrawal, death, or strategic disagreement. It prevents decision deadlocks and ensures structured management of shareholder relationships.

The template is designed to cover most websites and digital services. It remains a standard document that may require adjustments depending on your business.

Yes. Any corporation registered in Quebec, whether provincially incorporated or federally incorporated but operating in Quebec, must file its annual update. This obligation applies even if the corporation is inactive. Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties and eventual cancellation.

The annual update is a mandatory filing confirming the corporation's public registry information. It keeps the company in good standing and prevents administrative cancellation, even if the company has no activity.

Although the law governs many aspects of the employment relationship, a written contract helps clarify expectations, reduce the risk of disputes, and address elements not automatically covered by law.

Yes. If you use third-party tools that collect or process your users' personal data, you must identify them in your Privacy Policy and explain the purpose for which data is transmitted to them. This is a transparency requirement of Law 25. Most common tools to mention: CRM (HubSpot), payment (Stripe), analytics (Google Analytics, Hotjar), email (Mailchimp), hosting (AWS, Azure).

Terms of Use are a legal document that governs how a website, platform, or application can be used. They define access rules, user obligations, and the company's limits of liability.

Yes. A federally incorporated company must register in Quebec as soon as it carries on business there. This registration provides a Quebec enterprise number (NEQ) and makes the corporation publicly listed in the provincial registry. It is a separate obligation from federal incorporation.

Separating finances reinforces the legal distinction between you and the corporation. Mixing accounts can weaken liability protection and complicate accounting. A dedicated corporate bank account is essential from the very first day of activity.

An employment contract is a legal agreement between an employer and an employee that defines the terms and conditions of employment. It outlines the role, compensation, work schedule, obligations, and termination conditions.

Yes, and it is strongly recommended if the employee creates content, code, designs, or any other material as part of their duties. Without an explicit clause, ownership of these creations can be ambiguous. The IP assignment clause ensures everything the employee creates in the scope of their work belongs to the corporation. The Lexstart template includes this optional clause.

Lexstart handles standardized legal procedures at fixed prices online. Barricad Avocats handles custom mandates requiring in-depth analysis and strategic support. The two entities are complementary: Lexstart brings speed and accessibility, Barricad Avocats brings legal depth and strategic judgment.

An annual update confirms or updates information filed in the public registry (directors, address, ultimate beneficiaries, etc.). An amendment to the articles modifies fundamental elements of the corporation, such as its name, share structure, or business restrictions. It is a distinct and more structural legal process that requires the assistance of Barricad Avocats.

Yes. The address can be used immediately after subscribing, whether in the articles of incorporation, the Lexstart incorporation form, or for REQ filings. A 48-business-hour activation period applies for full setup of the client portal and operational mail management.

A shareholders’ agreement is not automatically public, but confidentiality is not absolute. For a corporation governed by Quebec’s Business Corporations Act, the existence or termination of a unanimous shareholder agreement that restricts or removes directors’ powers must be declared to the Registraire des entreprises. Creditors may also consult a unanimous shareholder agreement in the corporation’s records. The agreement’s text, the declaration of its existence and statutory inspection rights are therefore different matters.

Source: Quebec Business Corporations Act, sections 32 and 215 (French). Have a professional verify the rules applicable to your corporation and agreement.

If you primarily operate in Quebec without short-term national expansion plans, provincial incorporation under the QBCA is generally sufficient. It protects your name in Quebec. Federal incorporation under the CBCA is relevant if you want to operate in multiple provinces or protect your name nationally. A federal corporation must still register in Quebec to operate there, which involves additional steps and fees.

The template is designed to be versatile and cover most common service-based activities. It can be adjusted by the client to fit their specific needs, but remains a standard template with no customization performed on the platform.

Yes. An incorporated company must file an annual corporate tax return even if no revenue was generated. This is part of maintaining good standing with federal and provincial tax authorities.

Our guide covers when the T2 and CO-17 apply, and what happens when a corporation with no revenue files nothing.

Yes. Terms of Use usually include limitation of liability clauses related to errors, service interruptions, or damages resulting from the use of the site.

Yes. Decode covers the full IP spectrum: trademarks, patents, copyright, industrial design protection, and non-disclosure agreements in an IP context. If your business creates something unique (technology, design, process, innovation), a consultation with Decode to identify what can be protected is a strategic step.

Customization is recommended if you operate a complex e-commerce business, sell internationally, offer subscriptions, or have specific refund policies. A legal mandate can be opened with Barricad Avocats.

After your order, you receive a confirmation email with your file summary. The Lexstart team takes over, validates the information, and proceeds with filing at the appropriate registry. You will be contacted if clarifications are needed. Average timelines are specified in the confirmation email.

Yes. Decode supports Quebec entrepreneurs and businesses in protecting their intellectual property in Canada and internationally. The team understands the specific challenges of startups and growing SMEs looking to secure their commercial identity and innovations from the earliest stages of development.

Incorporation opens significant tax opportunities: choosing between salary and dividends, income splitting between shareholders, using the small business deduction, planning corporate withdrawals, and preparing for potential government programs. A Barricad tax specialist can concretely identify how to optimize your corporation's tax structure based on your situation.

No. The guides are freely accessible on the Lexstart website without subscription or registration. They are designed to help entrepreneurs better understand their obligations and options before starting any procedures.

The Lexstart team can initiate a direct referral to Barricad Fiscalistes based on your situation. You can also contact Barricad Fiscalistes directly through their website to schedule a consultation. Your corporation's information already documented at Lexstart facilitates rapid file handling.

As a self-employed person, you operate under your personal name and are directly liable for all debts and obligations. Income is reported on your personal tax return at the personal marginal rate, significantly higher than the corporate rate in Quebec. By incorporating, you create a separate legal entity. The corporation pays tax at the corporate rate, which is much lower. You control when and how you compensate yourself (salary, dividends, or both). Personal liability is in principle limited to obligations you have personally guaranteed.

A traditional lawyer bills hourly and takes time. Lexstart offers the same legal guarantees but at a fixed price delivered online within days. For standard incorporations or annual updates, it is faster and more accessible. For complex situations, Barricad lawyers and tax advisors take over.

No. The articles define the corporation's legal structure, while the shareholders' agreement governs the contractual relationship between shareholders. Both documents serve distinct and complementary purposes.

No. The annual update confirms or updates information filed in the public registry. Any change to the corporation's articles, such as a name change or share structure modification, requires a separate formal amendment process handled by Barricad Avocats.

The annual update is the mandatory yearly confirmation of corporate information. A current update must be filed whenever a change occurs during the year, such as a change of address, director, or business activity. Both filings ensure that the public record remains accurate with the REQ.

The model includes mechanisms governing major decisions and share transfers, contributing to protecting minority shareholders. More specific or complex protections may require a customized agreement through Barricad Avocats.

Contract templates (shareholders' agreement, service contract, employment contract, T&C, GTS, PIPP) are standalone products sold separately, available directly through the platform. Some are a natural complement after incorporation, particularly the shareholders' agreement for corporations with multiple partners.

A trademark protects a name, logo, or slogan identifying your business or products. A patent protects an invention (new and useful product or process) for 20 years but requires detailed public disclosure. Copyright automatically protects original works (text, code, music, art) without registration, though registration facilitates legal recourse. Decode can guide you toward the most appropriate protection for your situation.

Contract templates are delivered immediately after purchase and are non-refundable once downloaded, as the service has been rendered. For incorporations, if the file has not yet been submitted to the government registry, a refund request may be considered. Government fees already paid to the authorities are never refundable. Full details are specified in Lexstart's General Terms of Sale.

Essential clauses typically include right of first refusal, share transfer restrictions, buy-sell mechanisms for death or disability, governance rules, non-compete provisions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Yes. The Bankeo matching service is completely free for entrepreneurs. Bankeo is compensated by the accountants listed on its platform. The accountant's fees are negotiated directly based on your needs and file complexity.

Yes. Lexstart reserves the right to modify its Terms of Use at any time. Users will be informed of significant changes. It is recommended to consult this page regularly to stay up to date.

Yes. All guides published on Lexstart are written and validated by the Lexstart and Barricad group legal team. They explain Quebec business law clearly and accessibly to entrepreneurs. They do not constitute personalized legal advice but provide a solid foundation for understanding key issues before making decisions.

General Terms and Conditions of Sale are a legal document governing the sale of products or services. They define pricing, payment terms, delivery, warranties, and refund conditions.

A current update must be filed when changes occur during the year, such as a change of address, director, or business activity. It must be submitted within the legal timeframe to ensure public records remain accurate. Failure to report changes may expose the corporation to penalties.

Domiciliation means using a distinct professional address as your corporation's registered office, rather than your personal address. In Quebec, the registered office address is public information accessible through the REQ registry. Domiciliation protects directors' privacy and gives a professional image to the corporation, even for entrepreneurs who work from home.

It includes the types of personal information collected, the purposes of collection, how data is stored and protected, sharing practices, the rights of individuals, and procedures for correcting or deleting data.

You submit your request online describing your needs (business size, sector, required services, location preferences). Bankeo analyzes your request and connects you with CPA accountants from its network that match your profile. You receive proposals and choose the professional you want to work with.

Yes. Barricad Avocats can review an existing shareholders' agreement, identify gaps or provisions that are no longer adapted to the corporation's current situation, and propose appropriate amendments. This approach is particularly recommended before an investor entry or structural change.

Yes, but the Privacy Policy must specify with whom the data is shared and for what purpose. Partners must also comply with applicable data protection requirements.

Absolutely. The contract cannot provide conditions below what the Act Respecting Labour Standards guarantees: minimum wage, vacation, statutory holidays, and termination rules. If a clause provides less than the law, the law applies and the clause is void. The contract serves to go beyond the law and govern what it does not cover.

Refund conditions vary depending on the stage of the file. If the registry filing has not yet been made, a refund may be possible. Once documents have been filed, government fees are non-refundable. Full details are specified in Lexstart's General Terms of Sale.

You receive the articles of incorporation, organizational resolutions, share certificates, and digital minute book. These documents form the official legal foundation of your corporation and are required to open a corporate bank account and complete tax procedures.

The template is primarily structured for consumer sales (B2C) in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act. For strictly B2B sales, different rules apply as the CPA does not apply. If your business model is primarily B2B, the template remains usable but may need adjustments. Barricad Avocats can assist with this adaptation.

Lexstart refers to Barricad Fiscalistes for needs that go beyond standardized procedures: personalized tax planning, corporate structure reorganization, complex compensation questions, real estate taxation, retirement planning through the corporation, and business valuation.

Yes. Government fees (REQ for Quebec, Corporations Canada for federal) are added to the Lexstart fee. These fees are set by the authorities and vary by chosen structure. They are always shown separately in the pre-payment summary, with no surprises.

Lexstart focuses on corporate procedures. Trademark filing is a distinct process requiring IP specialization: prior art searches in Canadian and international databases, risk analysis, drafting product and service descriptions, filing with CIPO, and monitoring the examination process. Decode specializes in this area.

Yes. The model includes a right of first refusal mechanism requiring a shareholder wishing to sell shares to first offer them to existing shareholders under predefined conditions, limiting unwanted third-party entry into ownership.

The Lexstart agreement is a standard model covering the most common corporate situations. A customized agreement from Barricad Avocats is tailored to the company's specific tax, financial, and strategic context, particularly when investors, complex preferred shares, or advanced estate planning are involved.

The agreement provides an automatic buy-sell mechanism allowing the remaining shareholders or the corporation to purchase the affected shareholder's shares based on a predefined valuation method, ensuring business continuity and preventing heirs from becoming involuntary shareholders.

The Lexstart model is suitable for early-stage or growing startups with relatively simple ownership structures. It regulates share transfers, governance, and buy-sell mechanisms. When institutional investors or complex financial clauses are involved, a customized agreement through Barricad Avocats is more appropriate.

Terms of Use govern how the site or service is used: access rules, permitted behaviors, responsibilities. The Privacy Policy explains how users' personal data is collected, used, and protected. Both are distinct and complementary documents.

Yes, but these clauses must meet strict criteria to be valid in Quebec: reasonable duration, territory, and scope. Proper drafting is essential to ensure enforceability. For sensitive situations (technology, trade secrets), Barricad Avocats can assist with custom drafting.

Yes. Law 25 requires that it be easily accessible to anyone whose personal information you collect. It must be published on the company website in a visible and permanent manner.

In Quebec, a corporate name must comply with the Charter of the French Language. It generally must include a French element or meet applicable linguistic rules. Exceptions apply for registered trademarks. A name availability check is recommended before submitting an incorporation request.

A service agreement is a legal contract that governs the relationship between a service provider and their client. It specifies the services offered, the parties' obligations, payment terms, liability, and termination conditions. It is an essential safeguard to prevent misunderstandings and secure the business relationship.

A standard incorporation is generally completed within approximately 5 business days once all required information has been submitted and validated. This timeline includes drafting the articles, structuring the share capital, and filing with the appropriate registry. Government processing times may vary slightly, but Lexstart actively monitors each file.

If you have a commercial lease in your corporation's name, using that address as the registered office is perfectly valid. Domiciliation is most useful for entrepreneurs who work from home, do not yet have a fixed office, or want a prestigious address in Old Montreal to strengthen their image.

A corporate name must comply with registry rules (REQ or Corporations Canada), avoid confusion with existing businesses, and meet Quebec's linguistic requirements. Lexstart performs a name check as part of the incorporation process.

Ideally as early as possible, and if possible before or just after your incorporation. In Canada, the first filer has priority. If you are building a brand for commercial use, waiting for others to file before you is a real risk. The process generally takes 12 to 18 months to complete.

A Privacy Policy is a legal document explaining how your business collects, uses, stores, and shares the personal information of your clients or users, in accordance with Quebec's Law 25. Its publication is mandatory for any organization that collects personal information.

Yes. A significant portion of the information filed with the Quebec enterprise registrar is publicly accessible, including the head office address and the names of directors. It is important to keep this information accurate and up to date.

The standard template is not designed for institutional or venture capital investors (who will require anti-dilution rights, liquidation preference, drag-along, tag-along), agreements with multiple shareholders in complex structures, advanced integrated estate planning, and multi-entity corporate restructurings. In these cases, Barricad Avocats drafts a fully customized agreement.

The annual update must be filed each year during the period determined by the REQ, generally tied to the corporation's anniversary date or fiscal year end. Meeting this deadline is essential to avoid additional fees or a non-compliant status in the registry.

No. Your accountant files the corporate income tax return (T2) and may update certain registry information, but they generally do not update the minute book. Corporate resolutions, share issuances, and transfers must be documented separately. The minute book is a distinct corporate responsibility.

A customized agreement is recommended when external investors, multiple complex share classes, advanced financial clauses, structured financing rounds, or significant tax considerations are involved. In these situations, Barricad Avocats can assist with drafting a tailored agreement.

A startup's share capital should be structured according to its growth vision, potential investors, and founders' tax planning. A flexible structure allows multiple share classes (common, preferred, voting, non-voting) with distinct rights. This approach simplifies fundraising, protects founders, and allows future share issuances without repeatedly amending the articles.

Lexstart guides are educational resources designed to inform, not to replace professional legal advice. For any important decision such as structure choice, investor entry, or complex contract drafting, it is recommended to consult a Barricad Avocats lawyer or a Barricad Fiscalistes tax advisor.

The annual update primarily concerns filing with the REQ. The minute book is a separate internal corporate record. Depending on the company's situation, additional internal updates may be required. Barricad Avocats can assist with this process to ensure full compliance.

Yes. The contract can include clauses on payment terms, late interest, the right to suspend services for non-payment, and collection costs. These clauses are essential but must be communicated to the client before signing to be enforceable.

Covered in-year updates include registered office address changes, director or officer changes, and REQ information updates. Amendments to the articles of incorporation, new share issuances, or corporate restructurings are not included in the subscription and are handled separately.

From the Lexstart platform, a referral to Barricad Avocats can be initiated directly. You can also contact Barricad Avocats through their website to schedule a consultation. The Lexstart team facilitates the referral and transfer of the existing file to avoid any repetition of information.

Barricad Fiscalistes specializes in taxation: planning, optimization, corporate reorganizations, compliance, and representation before tax authorities. Barricad Avocats handles business law: drafting and reviewing agreements, transactions, corporate structures, and governance. The two entities are legally distinct but work closely together to provide comprehensive support.

Compliant status confirms that the corporation fulfills its legal obligations. It strengthens credibility with financial institutions, suppliers and partners. Annual compliance is part of sound corporate governance and protects the company's legal continuity.

They generally include pricing, payment terms, delivery timelines, refund policies, warranties, liability, and cancellation terms.

No. You are free to choose any financial institution. If you choose BNC, you benefit from the simplified process and the $350 refund. If you prefer another institution, Lexstart documents are recognized by all Canadian banks.

Yes. The Commission d'accès à l'information of Quebec can impose significant financial penalties on businesses that do not comply with Law 25. Amounts vary based on the severity of the violation and the size of the organization. Beyond penalties, the absence of a Privacy Policy exposes you to dispute risks with clients or employees over data management.

The simple model includes two share classes: Class A shares with voting rights and an optional Class B without voting rights. This is sufficient for most entrepreneurs starting alone or with one partner. The advanced model includes up to 21 share classes with distinct rights (dividends, voting, liquidation). This is relevant if you plan to bring in investors, optimize dividend splitting between shareholders, or structure participation for key employees.

Yes. Certain clauses vary depending on the nature of the business, especially regarding delivery, returns, warranties, and service performance. The Lexstart template is structured to cover most common situations but may require adjustments based on your activity. Barricad Avocats can assist with this adaptation.

Yes. Multiple entities can be coordinated to ensure structured and centralized tracking of annual obligations. This is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs who own more than one corporation.

It typically includes a description of the services, deliverables, fees, timelines, intellectual property, limitation of liability, confidentiality, and termination terms.

Yes. The Lexstart team can assist you in both French and English. The platform and documents are available in both official languages.