Complete Business Registration Guide
Interactive tools, cost calculators, and step-by-step guidance for every registration you need.
Interactive Tools & Calculators
Calculate costs, timelines, and requirements instantly
Registration Cost Calculator
See exactly how much your business registration will cost
Your Registration Costs
Registration Timeline
How long will each step take?
Your Registration Timeline
GST Requirement Calculator
Find out if you need to register for GST
Document Checklist Generator
Get a complete list of documents you'll need
Documents You'll Need
ABN (Australian Business Number)
Your essential 11-digit business identifier • FREE • Takes 5-20 minutes
What It Is
An ABN is your unique 11-digit identifier used for all tax purposes, invoicing, and identifying your business to the ATO and other businesses. It's completely free to register and is essential for operating legally in Australia.
Cost & Timeline
Cost: $0 (Free)
Processing Time: Instant to 2 business days
Renewal: Never expires (but update if details change)
How to Register
1. Visit Australian Business Register (ABR)
2. Click "Registrations" then "Register for an ABN"
3. Complete the online form (10-20 minutes)
4. Receive your ABN instantly or within 1-2 days
✓ Who Needs It?
- All sole traders operating a business
- All companies, partnerships, and trusts
- Anyone invoicing other businesses
- Required to avoid 47% withholding tax
- Needed for most business bank accounts
✗ What It's NOT
- Not a business name or trademark
- Not a company registration
- Doesn't protect your business name
- Doesn't provide liability protection
- Not evidence of tax registration
You can register for your ABN and GST at the same time in a single application. This saves time if you know you'll need GST registration.
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
The 10% tax on goods and services • FREE to register • Required $75k+
What It Is
GST is a 10% tax on most goods and services. When registered, you charge GST on your sales (added to your prices) and can claim back the GST you pay on business expenses. You report this quarterly or monthly via a Business Activity Statement (BAS).
Cost & Timeline
Cost: $0 (Free to register)
Processing Time: Usually 1-2 weeks
Reporting: Quarterly or monthly BAS required
The $75,000 Threshold
You MUST register when your annual turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits). This includes expected future turnover, not just past earnings. Ride-share and taxi drivers must register regardless of turnover. Register through the ATO Business Portal.
✓ When to Register
- Mandatory: Turnover $75,000+ per year
- Mandatory: Taxi/ride-share drivers (any turnover)
- Optional: Under $75,000 (can register voluntarily)
- Beneficial: If making large business purchases
- Required: To claim fuel tax credits
✗ Consider Carefully
- Increases your prices by 10%
- Requires quarterly BAS lodgments
- More bookkeeping and admin work
- Cash flow management becomes critical
- May need accountant assistance
The GST you collect isn't your money - it belongs to the ATO. Set aside 10% of your GST-inclusive income in a separate account to avoid cash flow problems when BAS is due.
Business Name Registration
Your official "trading as" name • $39/year or $91/3 years
What It Is
A business name is the name you trade under, different from your legal name (sole trader) or company name. It's registered with ASIC and appears on public searches. Think of it as your "trading as" name that customers see.
Cost & Timeline
Cost: $39 for 1 year OR $91 for 3 years
Processing Time: Instant if approved
Renewal: Must be renewed before expiry
✓ Who Needs It?
- Sole traders NOT using their full legal name
- Companies trading under a different name
- Partnerships and trusts (usually required)
- Example: "John Smith" → "Smith Plumbing"
- Example: "XYZ Pty Ltd" → "Easy Cleaning"
✗ What It's NOT
- Not a company or business entity
- Not a trademark (no exclusive rights)
- Doesn't stop others interstate using it
- Not a substitute for company registration
- Offers no liability protection
Register for 3 years instead of 1 year. It's cheaper per year ($30/yr vs $39/yr) and saves you from annual renewal admin.
Company Registration (ACN)
Creating your Pty Ltd company • $528 setup + $281/year
What It Is
This is the formal process of creating a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company. Upon registration with ASIC, you receive an Australian Company Number (ACN). Your company is now a separate legal entity with limited liability protection for directors and shareholders.
Cost & Timeline
ASIC Registration Fee: $528 (includes first year's annual review fee)
Processing Time: 1-2 business days
Annual ASIC Fee: $281 (due each year)
✓ Why Choose a Company?
- Limited liability protection for directors
- Separate legal entity from owners
- More professional image for clients
- Easier to raise capital and bring in investors
- Potential tax planning benefits
- Can have multiple shareholders
✗ Keep in Mind
- Higher setup costs ($528)
- Annual ASIC fees ($281/year)
- More compliance and paperwork
- Directors have legal obligations
- Must lodge company tax returns
- More complex to close/wind up
As a director, you have legal duties under the Corporations Act. This includes acting in the company's best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining proper financial records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' errors and save yourself time and money
Mistake #1: Registering a Business Name Instead of a Company
Many people think registering a business name gives them the same protection as a company. It doesn't. A business name is just a trading name - it offers NO liability protection and doesn't create a separate legal entity.
Mistake #2: Not Registering for GST When Required
If your turnover exceeds $75,000, you MUST register for GST. Failing to do so can result in penalties, back-payments, and serious ATO complications.
Mistake #3: Using Personal Bank Accounts for Business
Mixing personal and business finances is an accounting nightmare. For companies, it's actually illegal to operate without a separate business bank account.
ClearLedger can handle all your business registrations and ongoing compliance. We'll make sure everything is set up correctly from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers to your most common questions
An ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit identifier for all businesses used for tax and invoicing purposes. An ACN (Australian Company Number) is a 9-digit number given exclusively to companies registered with ASIC. If you have a company, your ABN will incorporate your ACN (the last 9 digits of your ABN are your ACN).
You MUST register for GST when your business turnover reaches $75,000 per year ($150,000 for non-profits). This includes your expected future turnover, not just historical earnings. Taxi and ride-share drivers must register for GST regardless of turnover.
A Company Name is the legal name of your proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company registered with ASIC (e.g., "XYZ Trading Pty Ltd"). A Business Name is a "trading name" that you register separately (e.g., "Sparkle Cleaning"). A company can register multiple business names.
If you're a company, yes - it's legally required. If you're a sole trader, it's not legally required, but it's HIGHLY recommended. It makes bookkeeping, tax, and financial reporting infinitely easier.
Yes, absolutely! Everything can be done online - you never need to visit a physical office. ABN registration is through ABR, GST registration through the ATO portal, and company/business name registration through ASIC's website.
Official Government Resources
Direct links to all the registration portals
📄 Australian Business Register (ABR)
Register for your ABN, update business details, and check ABN validity.
Visit ABR Website →
🏢 ASIC
Register companies, business names, and access company searches.
Visit ASIC Website →
💰 ATO Business Portal
Register for GST, apply for TFN, lodge BAS, and all tax-related registrations.
Visit ATO Website →
🏠 Business.gov.au
Your central hub for all Australian business information and registrations.
Visit Business.gov.au →
Ready to Get Started?
We've covered everything you need to know. Now it's time to take action.