An Alberta Annual Return is a required yearly filing that keeps your corporation in good standing with the Alberta Corporate Registry. Filing on time confirms your business details, avoids compliance issues, and prevents the risk of being struck from the registry. Understanding deadlines and requirements makes compliance simple.
Key Takeaways
- Most Alberta and extra-provincial corporations must file an Alberta Annual Return every year
- The deadline is tied to your corporation’s anniversary date, not the calendar year
- There is typically no immediate late fee, but ongoing non-compliance has serious consequences
- Missing filings can lead to administrative dissolution or being struck from the registry
- Filing online is the fastest and most reliable option
- Using a guided platform reduces errors and saves time
- Staying compliant protects your business name, status, and credibility
Quick Answer
- Deadline: Every year, based on your corporation’s anniversary date
- Where to file: Through an Alberta Corporate Registry agent or authorized online platform
- What you need: Corporation details, registered office address, and director information
- If you are late: You can still file, but continued non-compliance risks of being struck or dissolved
What Is an Alberta Annual Return
An Alberta Annual Return is a mandatory yearly filing required by the Alberta Corporate Registry to confirm that a corporation’s information is accurate and up to date. It is not a tax filing. Instead, it is a corporate compliance requirement under Alberta’s Business Corporations Act.
When you file an Alberta corporation annual return, you are confirming key information such as your registered office address and directors. This helps the province maintain an accurate public record of active businesses.
According to the Government of Alberta, annual returns are required to keep a corporation in good standing and active on the registry (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry: Annual Returns).
Who Needs to File an Alberta Annual Return in Alberta
Not every business structure is required to file an Alberta Annual Return. Understanding whether your entity must file is the first step in compliance.
Entities that must file
- Alberta corporations incorporated under the Alberta Business Corporations Act
- Extra-provincial corporations registered to operate in Alberta
- Non-profit corporations incorporated or registered in Alberta
Entities that generally do not file
- Sole proprietorships
- General partnerships
- Limited partnerships, unless specifically registered as corporations
If your business is listed as a corporation with the Alberta Corporate Registry, you are required to file an Alberta corporate registry annual return every year (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry Overview).
Alberta Annual Return Deadlines (How to Know Your Due Date)
One of the most common misunderstandings about the Alberta annual return deadline is assuming it follows the calendar year. It does not.
How the deadline works
Your Alberta Annual Return is due once every year based on your corporation’s anniversary date. This anniversary date is tied to:
- The date your corporation was incorporated in Alberta, or
- The date your extra-provincial registration became effective in Alberta
You typically have a filing window following that anniversary date. Alberta allows corporations to file annually to confirm ongoing compliance rather than assigning a fixed province-wide deadline.
The Government of Alberta confirms that corporations must file an annual return every year to remain active on the registry (Government of Alberta, Alberta Corporate Registry Annual Returns).
Alberta Annual Return Requirements (What You Need Before You File)
Before you file an Alberta Annual Return, gather the required information to avoid delays or rejections.
Typical information required
- Legal corporate name
- Alberta Corporate Access Number
- Registered office address
- Records office address if different
- Current director names and addresses
- Confirmation that the corporation is still active
The filing does not usually require financial statements or shareholder details. It focuses on maintaining accurate public records.
These Alberta annual return requirements are standardized by the Alberta Corporate Registry to ensure consistency across filings (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry Requirements).
Step-by-Step: How to File an Alberta Annual Return
Filing is straightforward when you follow the correct process.
Filing online
- Confirm your anniversary date and filing window
- Gather your corporation’s current information
- Access an authorized Alberta registry service provider
- Complete the annual return form online
- Review for accuracy and submit
Online filing is typically processed faster than manual submissions and reduces common data entry errors.
Filing through an authorized provider
You may also file through an authorized service provider such as Business Alberta Online, which works with Alberta Corporate Registry systems.
Using a provider can be especially helpful for:
- Busy business owners
- Non-resident directors
- Corporations with multiple directors
- Businesses managing several compliance deadlines
Penalties and Consequences for Missing the Alberta Annual Return
A common question is whether there is an Alberta annual return late filing penalty. Alberta does not always apply an immediate monetary penalty for missing a single annual return, but the consequences can still be serious.
What happens if you do not file
- Your corporation is marked as non-compliant
- You may lose good standing with the registry
- Continued failure to file can result in administrative dissolution or being struck from the registry
The Government of Alberta states that corporations that fail to meet ongoing filing obligations may be struck or dissolved after prolonged non-compliance (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry Compliance).
Once a corporation is struck, it loses the legal right to operate under that name.
What to Do If You Missed the Deadline (Catch-Up Steps)
If you missed your Alberta annual return deadline, acting quickly can prevent further consequences.
Step-by-step catch-up guidance
- Confirm which annual returns are outstanding
- Prepare updated corporate information
- File the missed annual return as soon as possible
- Monitor your status for confirmation of reinstated compliance
If your corporation has been struck
If a corporation has already been struck from the registry, you may need to apply for reinstatement or restoration. This process can involve:
- Filing outstanding annual returns
- Paying applicable government fees
- Submitting formal restoration documents
Restoration requirements vary depending on how long the corporation has been inactive (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry Restoration).
Processing Timelines
Processing times can vary depending on the filing method and registry volume.
Typical processing ranges
- Online filings: Often processed within 1 to 3 business days
- Filings through authorized providers: Usually reviewed and submitted within a similar timeframe
- Restoration filings: May take several weeks, depending on complexity
These timelines are typical and not guaranteed. Using an online platform reduces delays caused by incomplete information.
Cost Factors
Costs associated with filing an Alberta Annual Return fall into two categories.
Government fees
The Alberta Corporate Registry charges a government filing fee for annual returns. Fees are subject to change and should always be confirmed through official Alberta sources (Government of Alberta, Corporate Registry Fee Schedule).
Service provider fees
Authorized platforms may charge an additional service fee for:
- Guided filing
- Review for errors
- Reminder systems
- Customer support
Service fees vary by provider and are separate from government charges.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections or Delays
Avoiding these common errors can save time and frustration.
- Using outdated director or address information
- Missing the filing window and assuming it is no longer required
- Confusing annual returns with corporate tax filings
- Entering incorrect corporate access numbers
- Waiting until compliance issues escalate
A guided filing process helps prevent these mistakes before submission.
Why Business Alberta Online Is the Best Way to File an Alberta Annual Return
Filing your Alberta Annual Return does not need to be stressful or time-consuming.
Business Alberta Online is designed specifically for Alberta business compliance, offering:
- Guided filing support with clear step-by-step instructions
- Fast review to reduce errors before submission
- Secure handling of sensitive corporate information
- Reminder systems to help you avoid missed deadlines
- Support for resident and non-resident business owners
Instead of navigating registry requirements alone, you can file confidently and stay compliant.
File your Alberta Annual Return online with Business Alberta Online to stay in good standing and avoid compliance risks.
FAQs About the Alberta Annual Return
Is the Alberta Annual Return the same as a tax return?
No. It is a corporate compliance filing, not a tax filing.
How often do I need to file an Alberta Annual Return?
Every year, based on your corporation’s anniversary date.
Can I file my Alberta Annual Return online?
Yes. Online filing through authorized providers is the fastest option.
What happens if I forget to file for multiple years?
Your corporation may be struck or dissolved and may require restoration.
Do non-resident directors still need to file?
Yes. Alberta corporations must file regardless of director residency.
Final Checklist
Before you file, confirm:
- Your anniversary date
- Your current corporate information
- That you are filing within the correct window
- That all details are accurate
Staying compliant protects your corporation’s legal status and reputation.
File your Alberta Annual Return today with Business Alberta Online and keep your corporation active, compliant, and worry-free.