Companies encouraged to file annual returns on-line

Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen today reminded companies of the April 1 deadline for filing annual returns and encouraged them to file on-line through the new state-of-the-art Companies and Deeds Online (CADO) system.

All corporations doing business in the province are required to register with the Registry of Companies and file annual returns to remain in good standing.

"It�s vital that companies file their returns on time to maintain their good standing and avoid having to pay late fees," Minister Whalen said. "With CADO now in operation, companies have the convenient and less time-consuming option of filing their annual returns electronically."

The CADO system makes it easier for companies to meet their legislative responsibilities when it comes to filing their annual return documents. On-line filing provides additional benefits to companies, including:

• records being immediately updated;
• certainty that the documents will arrive on time and not be returned for incomplete information;
• ability to file anytime, day or night, from your own computer, and
• convenient payment by Visa or Mastercard through secure channels.

"The services provided by the registries are a critical part of business in this province and I am pleased that the launch of these new online services at the registries will provide a valuable service to its users," Minister Whalen said. "This system is part of our commitment to providing more e-commerce opportunities and making greater use of information technology in the services we deliver."

The new electronic services are available on the government Web site at www.eservices.gov.nl.ca Companies or individuals requiring further information on how to use the new system can contact Lorraine Vokey at (709) 729-5724.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or 690-6157

BACKGROUNDER

• Companies and Deeds Online (CADO) is a state-of-the-art computer system designed by Xwave to provide improved and on-line services for the Registries of Deeds and Companies.
   

• The services provided by the Registries of Deeds and Companies are critical to commerce in the province. A search of the Registry of Deeds is necessary to buy a house or any property. All corporations in the province must be registered with the Registry of Companies.
   

• On June 14, 2004, the first phase of CADO was launched. An intranet system is available within the government network, it allows individuals to search property titles and company information from a computer terminal within the registry.
   

• On January 18, 2005, government announced the launch of the Internet component and the new on-line electronic services available from the Registry of Companies and Deeds through the government�s Web Site.
   

• The Internet component allows for the registration of companies and the filing of certain forms on-line, as well as enabling basic searches of the Registry of Deeds and Companies from any computer. More in-depth information pertaining to deeds is available by visiting the registry in person.
   

• The new on-line service enables individuals to access basic information at the Registry of Deeds and Companies from their own computer at anytime, day or night.
   

• Local companies are now able to register and file annual returns, name reservations, notice of directors and notice of a change of the location of their head office on-line using a credit card. Certificates of good standing can also be obtained on-line. Companies from outside the province can also file their annual returns, changes in the location of their head office and name reservations on-line.
   

• The next phase of CADO will see an improved retrieval/archival system, including the conversion of microfilm and paper documents to electronic format so they can be viewed on-line.

2005 03 18                                11:45 a.m.