Society
A society can choose to incorporate to promote benevolent, philanthropic, patriotic, religious, charitable, artistic, literary, educational, social, professional, recreational, sporting or any other useful goals. It can't be incorporated for the purpose of carrying on any trade, industry or business.
Societies may charge fees, but any surpluses are kept in the societies to promote their objectives. The surpluses can't be distributed to the societies' members.
Incorporated societies have a separate legal status from their members, so liability is limited to the amount of fees or dues that the members pay. Directors may be personally liable for the debts of the society. Societies can sue or be sued under their legal names.
The Registry of Joint Stock Companies does not supervise the conduct of societies or help resolve internal disputes. The Registry only provides help with the forms and documents that get filed with them.
Steps to incorporate
Registering a society is a 2-step process. You need to:
- Submit a Name Reservation Request form.
- Once the name has been approved, prepare and submit the incorporation documents, including:
- Memorandum of Association
- by-laws
- Pay the incorporation fee.
Once incorporated, you are responsible for updating the Registry when any of your information changes.
Societies must renew each year by submitting a renewal form, fee and financial statements. Documents filed at the Registry become part of the public record.
For more information on incorporating a society, see Society Incorporation: Overview and Instructions.
Contact information
Telephone:
902-424-7770
Toll-Free: (within Canada)
1-800-225-8227
Hours of Operation: (except holidays)
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Atlantic Standard Time
Fax:
902-424-4633
Mailing Address:
Registry of Joint Stock Companies
P.O. Box 1529
Halifax, NS
B3J 2Y4
Email:
Locations:
Head Office
9th Floor, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax
Access Nova Scotia Centre
144 Robert Angus Drive
Amherst
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149 Church Street
Antigonish Mall Annex, Suite 3
Antigonish
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81 Logan Road
Bridgewater
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250 Baker Drive, Suite 134
Dartmouth
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300 Horseshoe Lake Drive
Bayers Lake Business Park
Halifax
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5 Shylah Drive
Kentville
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486 Sackville Drive
Lower Sackville
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218 MacSween Street, Suite 22
Port Hawkesbury
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94 Lawrence Boulevard
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380 King's Road
Moxham Centre
Sydney
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15 Alderbrook Drive
Truro Heights
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10 Starrs Road, Suite 127
Yarmouth