Business fees
Generally:
We base our fees on an evaluation of these factors:
- the time and effort required and spent;
- the difficulty and importance of the matter;
- whether special skill or service has been required and provided;
- the amount involved or the value of the subject-matter;
- the results obtained;
- fees authorized by statute or regulation; and
- special circumstances, such as the loss of other retainers, postponement of payment, uncertainty of reward, or urgency.
Time and Effort required:
We consider the time required, not necessarily the time spent. In some cases, we can estimate the time required and charge a “flat fee”. However, if the work becomes more complicated than anticipated through no fault of ours, we will let you know and request additional fees for the additional work.
For example, if we quote a fee on the purchase of a business, and through no fault of ours, there are deficiencies in title or in the condition of assets that require additional work or litigation, we will request additional payment for the additional services.
Estimates:
We are happy to estimate fees before proceeding. If our estimate has to change because of a change in circumstances, we will let you know.
In some cases, we cannot estimate the total time required. For example, if we are drafting a shareholders agreement, and it will be reviewed by three or four other shareholders who may request a number of amendments, we cannot estimate the total time required. In these cases, we will quote an hourly rate depending on the complexity of the work.
Estimated incorporation fees:
- Our fee, to file “simple” articles of incorporation: $450 + GST and incorporation disbursements
- Our fee, to file “simple” articles of incorporation with client completing Corporate Request form - $350 + GST and incorporation disbursements
- Our fee, to organize the company - for a “simple” arrangement: preparing by-law and organizing resolutions, including those to approve by-law, issue shares, determine registered office, appoint permanent director(s) and officer(s), issuing share certificates; preparing registers including those of shareholder(s), share transfer(s), director(s), and related matters - an additional $750 + GST
- Our fee, to organize the company - for a “simple” arrangement, with client completing Corporate Request form - an additional $600 + GST
Additional corporate fees – Examples
- Tax advice - additional
- Drafting different classes of shares - additional
- Agreement to transfer assets to the new corporation - additional
- “Estate freeze” and corporate planning - additional
- Shareholder, management, employment, consulting, non-competition or other agreement – additional
- Intellectual property issues - additional