The Ontario government has made changes to the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, which allows real estate agents to carry on business using a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC). This can have huge tax benefits for agents.
What is a Professional Corporation?
A professional corporation is a corporation that provides professional services and is regulated by a professional governing body. In this case, realtors are regulated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario ("RECO") and are permitted to form Professional Real Estate Corporations ("PRECs").
- Only realtors can be voting shareholders of a PREC
- PREC is subject to oversight by RECO
- A PREC does not limit professional liability
Should I incorporate a Professional Real Estate Corporation?
Consider these factors to help you determine if a PREC will be beneficial for you:
- Are you earning enough to meet your required daily living expense?
- Do you plan to save money towards retirement?
- Do you plan on income splitting with your family members?
- Have you just begun your career or are you planning to retire soon?
Benefits of incorporating?
- Tax Deferral
A corporation is taxed at a rate of 12.5% on the first $500,000 of profits. This is much lower than the highest personal tax rate of 53%.
A corporation is not required to pay out all of its earnings. As a result of incorporating, the individual tax paid by a real estate agent will be lower because the agent only pays tax on income that has been drawn from the corporation.
- Income Splitting
Income can be split by paying dividends to spouses and adult children over the age of 25 who are actively working in the business. Income can also be split by paying a reasonable salary to a spouse and adult children.
How do I incorporate?
As per guidelines provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), each realtor must incorporate their own PREC and only the realtor can hold equity shares. Non-equity shares can be issued to family members who are not realtors. The corporation must be registered provincially with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services. Any realtor using a PREC must inform RECO. However, the PREC does not need to register with RECO. Contact Lalia CPA today for help to incorporate your PREC.
Do I have to register a new business number?
A newly incorporated PREC must register for a business number and open a HST account.
Can I choose any name for my PREC?
The only naming limitations imposed by OREA is that the name cannot suggest that the corporation is trading real estate. All other restrictions are those set out in the Ontario Business Corporations Act.
Who can be a Director/Officer?
The directors are elected by the shareholder and are responsible for representing the interest of the shareholders. In an owner-operated business, the shareholder is usually the director.
The officers of a corporation are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the corporation. Officers are appointed by the directors and, together with the directors, form the management of the corporation.
What is a Corporate Minute Book?
A minute book is a binder filled with all of the corporations record's. All corporations in Ontario are required to maintain an up to date minute book as required by the Ontario Business Corporations Act.
