ACN Fees: What It Costs To Register And Maintain A Company

Thinking about setting up a company in Australia? You’ll need an Australian Company Number (ACN). It’s an exciting step for a growing business, but it also comes with government fees and ongoing compliance costs you’ll want to plan for from day one.

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical ACN-related fees, what else ASIC may charge across the life of your company, and practical ways to keep your costs under control without cutting corners. We’ll also touch on the must‑have legal documents that protect your company as it grows.

Let’s make sense of ACN fees so you can budget confidently and set up your company the right way.

What Is An ACN And When Do You Need One?

An ACN is a unique nine‑digit number issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) when you register a company. It helps identify your company in the corporate register and must appear on public documents such as invoices, contracts and your website.

You’ll need an ACN if you decide to operate via a company structure (Pty Ltd), rather than as a sole trader or partnership. Many owners choose a company for limited liability protection, a more professional market presence, and future growth (for example, raising capital or adding co‑founders).

When you successfully register, ASIC issues an ACN and your certificate of registration. If you’re unsure about the practical steps, our Company Set Up service streamlines the process so you get your ACN and documentation right the first time.

How Much Are ACN Fees To Register A Company?

There are two buckets to think about at the start: the one‑off government fee to register a company and any optional extras you choose during setup.

1) ASIC Registration Fee

ASIC charges a government fee to register a proprietary limited company. This fee is indexed periodically, so the exact amount can change. It’s wise to check the latest schedule before you file. ASIC’s government charges are also adjusted from time to time, which is why articles like our overview of the ASIC fee increase are useful to keep on hand when budgeting.

2) Business Name And Name Reservation (Optional)

Registering a company automatically secures the company’s legal name (for example, “Example Pty Ltd”). If you want to trade under a different name (for example, “Example Coffee”), you’ll usually register a business name as well. ASIC charges separate fees for a one‑year or three‑year business name period. If you’re not ready to register the company but want to hold a proposed name, you can reserve a company name for a short time for a government fee.

3) Constitution (Optional Cost Consideration)

You can adopt the replaceable rules in the Corporations Act or use a tailored Company Constitution at registration. A constitution doesn’t attract a government fee, but it is a sensible early investment that can prevent costly disputes about decision‑making, share rights and director powers later.

4) Professional Setup Support (Optional)

Many founders engage a lawyer to handle setup tasks (name checks, constitution, share structure, ASIC lodgement) and to avoid mistakes that trigger amendment fees later. This isn’t a government fee, but it often saves time and money overall.

Ongoing ASIC Fees After You Get Your ACN

Once ASIC issues your ACN, there are recurring fees and obligations. Build these into your cash flow so they never become a surprise.

Annual Review Fee

Every year, ASIC sends your company an annual statement and invoice on the anniversary of its registration. You pay the annual review fee and confirm your company details are accurate. Missing the deadline can attract late payment penalties.

Late Fees And Penalties

If you don’t pay the annual review fee or lodge certain forms on time, ASIC applies late fees on top of the base charge. Late penalties increase the longer an amount remains outstanding, so it pays to diarise key dates and act early.

Solvency Resolution (No Government Fee, But Mandatory)

Directors must pass a solvency resolution each year confirming whether the company can pay its debts as and when they fall due. While there isn’t a separate fee to pass the resolution itself, failing to manage this properly can cause issues with the annual review process and your overall compliance record. Our overview of solvency resolutions explains how this works in practice.

Other Common Company Fees And Charges

Beyond registration and the annual review, you may encounter ASIC charges when company details change or when you request copies and extracts.

• Changes To Company Details: Updates to directors, addresses or share structure must be lodged with ASIC, typically using the forms that replaced the old “Form 484” process. Lodging late can attract penalties, and administrative mistakes can take time to unwind. If you’re changing directors, shareholdings or officeholder addresses, our guide to ASIC Form 484 style changes is a helpful primer.
• Copies And Extracts: Ordering a company extract or historical documents involves small government fees. These are common when banks, landlords or investors require official evidence of your company’s details.
• Deregistration: If you close the company, there’s a deregistration fee and steps to follow. Failing to pay outstanding ASIC amounts can delay the process.
• Reinstatement: If a company is deregistered and needs to be reinstated, additional fees and requirements apply.

Keep in mind certain changes also have legal prerequisites. For example, appointing or resigning directors needs board approvals, and share issues or transfers may need member approvals and proper records to be valid under your constitution and the Corporations Act.

ACN Fees Vs ABN And Business Name Costs

It’s easy to mix up the ACN with other registrations. Here’s how they differ from a cost and compliance perspective:

• ACN (Company Only): Issued by ASIC when you register a company. Includes the one‑off registration fee and then annual review fees, plus charges for certain changes and documents.
• ABN (All Business Types): An Australian Business Number is issued by the Australian Business Register for tax and identification purposes. There’s no government fee to apply for an ABN, but you must meet eligibility criteria.
• Business Name (Optional): If you want to trade under a name that isn’t your company’s legal name, you register a business name with ASIC and pay the one‑year or three‑year fee for that registration period.

If you’re setting up a company, you’ll deal with ACN fees and may also register a business name if you want a different trading name. If you’re operating as a sole trader, you won’t have ACN fees, but you may still choose to register a business name if you aren’t trading under your personal name.

How To Keep Your ACN Costs Down (Practical Tips)

You can’t avoid government fees entirely, but you can avoid unnecessary charges and penalties. Here’s how.

Plan Your Structure And Details Carefully Before Lodgement

Most “change of details” amendments are avoidable with good planning. Decide your share classes and ownership split, your registered office and principal place of business, and initial directors before you press submit. This reduces later amendment work (and the risk of late fees).

Use A Fit‑For‑Purpose Constitution

A clear, workable constitution reduces disputes and administrative back‑and‑forth. The cost of a tailored Company Constitution is often less than the time and expense of fixing governance issues later.

Know The Director Requirements Early

Every proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. If you’re setting up with overseas founders, get across the Australian resident director requirements early to avoid delays and repeat lodgements.

Calendar Compliance Dates

Put your annual review fee due date in a calendar with reminders. Do the same for tax lodgements and any state or industry registrations you hold. Late penalties add up quickly, and they’re entirely avoidable.

Record Company Decisions Properly

Resolutions and minutes help you prove decisions were valid, which matters when banks, investors or regulators review your records. Templates like a Directors Resolution can keep your paperwork tidy and consistent.

Keep ASIC Details Up To Date

If a director moves, a shareholder transfers shares, or your registered office changes, update ASIC promptly to avoid penalties. When in doubt, get quick advice so you lodge the right form once and on time.

Step-By-Step: From ACN Application To First Year Of Compliance

To put the costs and tasks into context, here’s a typical timeline and where fees arise.

Step 1: Decide On Your Company Name And Structure

Check if your preferred name is available and whether you’ll also need to register a business name. Confirm your share structure and classes. Think about how many shares you’ll issue initially and who will hold them, noting basics in resources like how many shares a company can have if you’re weighing up options.

Step 2: Prepare Your Governance Documents

Adopt a constitution and put in place founder agreements. If you have more than one owner, a Shareholders Agreement helps you agree on decision‑making, exits, dispute processes and how further capital is raised.

Step 3: Lodge Your Company Registration

Apply to ASIC, pay the company registration fee and receive your ACN and Certificate of Registration. Set up your company register and bank account, and apply for an ABN and tax registrations as needed.

Step 4: Execute Documents Correctly

Use correct signing blocks for companies, whether under section 127 of the Corporations Act or using delegated authority under section 126. If you’re new to this, resources on signing under section 127 and section 126 help you avoid execution issues that can delay deals.

Step 5: Set Your Compliance Rhythm

Note your annual review date and board meeting cadence. Pass your solvency resolution each year and ensure ASIC details are current. If you change directors or shareholdings, lodge the correct form promptly to avoid late fees or errors lingering in the public record.

What Legal Documents Should Your Company Have?

Getting your ACN is step one. Having the right legal documents in place will reduce costly disputes and keep you compliant as you trade and grow.

• Company Constitution: Your internal rulebook for director powers, meetings and share rights. A tailored Company Constitution aligns governance with your specific business and investor expectations.
• Shareholders Agreement: Sets out how founders make decisions, transfer shares, bring in investors and resolve disputes. A well‑drafted Shareholders Agreement is one of the best “cost savers” you’ll ever put in place.
• Directors’ Resolutions And Minutes: Keeps a clear trail of decisions. A consistent directors resolution format makes audits and due diligence simpler.
• Customer Terms And Supplier Contracts: Clear terms reduce cancellations, non‑payment and scope creep. For online businesses, website or platform terms are essential; for services, a Service Agreement is key.
• Employment Contracts And Policies: If you hire staff, put compliant Employment Contracts and workplace policies in place so you meet Fair Work obligations from day one.
• Privacy Policy: If you collect any personal information (customers, leads or employees), ensure you have a compliant Privacy Policy and internal practices to match.

Which documents you need depends on your model, but most companies will need several of the above before they start trading. Doing this early can prevent expensive rework and disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions About ACN Fees

Do ACN Fees Change Over Time?

Yes. ASIC updates government charges periodically, and late fees can also change. Check the current schedule before lodging applications and keep an eye on regulatory updates like the ASIC fee increase so your budget stays accurate.

Are There Extra Fees If I Have Overseas Directors Or Shareholders?

The ASIC fees themselves are generally the same, but you’ll need to meet the requirement for an Australian‑resident director, and extra steps may be required to verify identities and execute documents properly. Planning for the resident director requirement from the outset helps you avoid amendment lodgements (and potential late fees) later.

Can I Avoid Late Fees?

Yes. Most late charges are avoidable. Calendar your annual review date, pay invoices on time, and lodge any company changes promptly. If something’s complex-like a restructure or share issue-get help early so you file the right forms once.

Do I Need To Keep ASIC Documents On File?

Absolutely. Keep your certificate of registration, constitution, share register and meeting minutes organised. Banks, landlords and investors often ask for them, and tidy records save you from ordering extra (paid) extracts from ASIC.

Key Takeaways

• ACN fees include a one‑off ASIC registration fee at setup and an annual review fee every year your company remains registered.
• Expect additional charges for late payments, change‑of‑details lodgements, extracts and, if needed, deregistration or reinstatement.
• Costs evolve over time, so check current ASIC charges and plan for changes noted in updates such as the ASIC fee increase.
• Careful planning-share structure, directors, addresses and a fit‑for‑purpose constitution-reduces amendments and avoidable fees.
• Good governance documents like a Company Constitution and a Shareholders Agreement help prevent costly disputes and keep you investor‑ready.
• Staying on top of ASIC compliance (annual review, solvency resolution, timely lodgements) is the simplest way to avoid penalties.

If you’d like a consultation about ACN fees and setting up your company the right way, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no‑obligations chat.