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Societies
From this page you can download and print, to your own printer, most of the Society Act forms and information packages. Forms on this page are available to fill in online. For those forms which can be submitted to the Corporate Registry on paper, complete the form online, download to your printer, sign and date the form and then forward to our office, along with the required fee. Note that some forms have an instruction page(s) which should be printed and referenced during completion of the form online. A society is a not-for-profit organization. Any funds or profits must be used only for purposes of the society itself. Funds or profits cannot be distributed to a member of a society without the member giving appropriate compensation to the society first. Societies are not required by law to incorporate. However, there are benefits to incorporating. When a society is incorporated, it acquires all of the powers of an individual, as well as an independent existence -- separate and distinct from its members -- and an unlimited life expectancy. If you have any questions about whether or not to incorporate, you should see a lawyer. Societies are incorporated in B.C. according to the provisions of the Society Act. Copies of the Act and regulations are available from Crown Publications in Victoria at 250 386-4636. Every director and member of a society should read the Society Act and regulations. By filing the necessary documents and paying the required fees, five or more individuals can form a society. Charities Directorate The Canada Revenue Agency registers qualifying organizations as charities, gives technical advice on operating a charity and handles audit and compliance activities. To find out about registering a charity contact the CRA. Registered charities are required to file an annual information return with the CRA. A portion of each annual return is available to the public on the CRA's Web site. Here you will also find a useful resource called Giving to Charity: Information for Donors. This user-friendly tool provides information about tax savings, donation receipts, the regulation of charities and how to be an informed donor. Complaints about Registered Charities If you have a concern about a particular registered charity, you can contact the CRA. Due to confidentially requirements, actions taken by the CRA will not be made public, except in the case of revocations. B.C. Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch For information on bingos, casinos, raffle tickets and gaming at fairs, exhibitions and social clubs contact the B.C. Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch in Victoria at 250 387-5311.
Information Packages:
Name Reservation: The first step in incorporation of a society is the approval of the name through the Names Unit of the Corporate Registry. Once your name is approved, it is reserved for you for a period of 56 calendar days. Any renewals of the reservation period will require payment of another reservation fee. A name will not be available if it is similar to the name of an existing company. This is so the public is not confused or mislead by similar corporate names. Refer to the Information on Reserving Your Corporate Name (PDF550KB) information package for procedure to apply for your name approval. Documentation: Each society requires a constitution and bylaws, list of first directors and notice of address. The constitution will set out the name and purposes of the society and may contain other provisions. The bylaws set out the rules of conduct of the society. The constitution and bylaws can be submitted on one of three formats: Form 1 if you choose to adopt the bylaws as set out in Schedule B of the Society Act; Form 2 if you choose to adopt the bylaws as set out in Schedule B of the Society Act but wish to make some changes or additions; and Form 3 if you want to define your own bylaws for the society. Refer to the Incorporation of a British Columbia Society (PDF448KB) package for additional information. Forms:
ANNUAL REPORTS AND CHANGES TO FILED INFORMATION (MAINTENANCE) Once a society is incorporated, it is responsible for filing certain documents and associated fees with the registrar to maintain its active status. Refer to the Maintaining Your BC Society (PDF66KB) information sheet for additional information. Forms:
Important information on the Form 10, Copy of Resolution:
A resolution, other than one changing the number of directors or removing a director, does not take effect until it is filed with the registrar. Filing Fee: Special resolution,
except a special resolution for borrowing, $50. Special resolution for
borrowing $40. Ordinary resolution $40. Directors' resolution $40.
Information Package: Failure to Comply, section 71 of the Society Act If a society has for two years failed to file with the registrar the annual report or any other return, notice or document required by this act to be filed, the registrar may strike the corporation off the register. If they have failed to comply with the Act, the dissolution process occurs in three steps beginning with a letter which is sent to the society, at its registered office address. After one month from the date of the letter above, and providing the registrar has not received any indication the society intends to comply, a notice will be published in the British Columbia Gazette of the intent to strike the society from the register. At any time after one month after the date of publication of the notice above, and providing the registrar has not received any indication of the society's intent to comply, the registrar may strike the society from the register. The registrar publishes notice of every dissolution in the British Columbia Gazette. Voluntary Dissolution, section 71 of the Society Act A society may dissolve voluntarily by filing with the registrar:
The resolution and affidavit(s) are submitted to the registrar along with the fee.
Information Package:
Society, section 71 of the Society Act If a society has been struck from the register for any reason, an application may be made to the B.C. Supreme Court for an order restoring the society to the register. The order must be made within ten years from the date the society was struck from the register and upon restoration the society is deemed to have continued in existence as if it had not been struck from the register. The registrar will require all delinquent filings and applicable fees be submitted and acceptable for filing before the restoration will be completed. The Act also provides for a restoration for a specific purpose or limited period up to two years, in which case the delinquent filing would not be required. As the restoration process can be complicated, it is suggested that you contact the Corporations Unit to discuss your options and requirements.
Information Package:
Information Packages:
Voluntary Cancellation of an Extraprovincial Society, section 71 of the Society Act An extraprovincial society which has ceased to carry on business in British Columbia may submit a notice in letter form stating it has ceased to operate in British Columbia and wishes its extraprovincial registration be cancelled. The notice must be originally signed by a current officer or director of the society and submitted with the fee. Form:
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