Business Set Up Articles

Expert articles and practical legal guides on business set up for australian businesses.

Family Trust vs Company: Which Should You Choose in Australia?

Family Trust vs Company: Which Should You Choose in Australia?

Choosing between a family trust and a company is one of the biggest early decisions you’ll make as a business owner in Australia. Both structures can help you protect assets, manage risk...

20 October 2025
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Which Legal Documents Do Small Businesses Need In Australia?

Which Legal Documents Do Small Businesses Need In Australia?

Getting your legal documents in order is one of the smartest early moves you can make as a small business owner in Australia. The right paperwork does more than “tick a box”....

20 October 2025
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Independent Contractor Agreement Template in Australia: Key Terms

Independent Contractor Agreement Template in Australia: Key Terms

Hiring independent contractors can be a smart way for small businesses in Australia to scale quickly, access specialist skills, and control costs. But without the right written agreement, you’re exposed to scope...

20 October 2025
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Do Sole Traders Need an ABN in Australia?

Do Sole Traders Need an ABN in Australia?

If you’re planning to sell goods or services in Australia under your own name, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: do I need an Australian Business Number (ABN) as a...

20 October 2025
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Corporate Veil In Australia: Meaning, Piercing, And How To Protect It

Corporate Veil In Australia: Meaning, Piercing, And How To Protect It

If you run your business through a company in Australia, one of the biggest benefits is the “corporate veil”. In simple terms, your company is its own legal person. It can enter...

20 October 2025
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Indemnification in Australian Business Contracts: Meaning & Safe Use

Indemnification in Australian Business Contracts: Meaning & Safe Use

If you read or sign a lot of business contracts, you’ve almost certainly seen an indemnity clause. It can look a bit dense on the page - often a long sentence, capitalised...

20 October 2025
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Do You Need A Business Lawyer?

Do You Need A Business Lawyer?

When you’re building a small business in Australia, there’s a lot on your plate - from finding customers and managing cash flow to hiring staff and protecting your brand. Legal issues sometimes...

19 October 2025
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Should You Use a Free Non-Disclosure Agreement Template in Australia?

Should You Use a Free Non-Disclosure Agreement Template in Australia?

If you’re sharing sensitive information with a supplier, contractor, potential investor or collaborator, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is often the first document you’ll reach for. A template can look like a quick...

19 October 2025
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Shell Companies in Australia: Uses, Risks and How They Work

Shell Companies in Australia: Uses, Risks and How They Work

“Shell company” can sound mysterious - even shady - but the reality is more practical. In Australia, many legitimate small businesses create a company that’s initially dormant or asset‑light while they prepare...

19 October 2025
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What Does Franchise Mean in Business?

What Does Franchise Mean in Business?

“Franchise” is a word you’ll hear a lot in the small business world - from coffee chains to home services and retail - but what does a franchise actually mean in business...

19 October 2025
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What Does Paid In Arrears Mean in Australia?

What Does Paid In Arrears Mean in Australia?

If you manage payroll in a small business, you’ve probably come across the phrase “paid in arrears”. It’s common across many industries in Australia, especially where hours vary week to week, or...

19 October 2025
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How To Start An NDIS Business In Australia

How To Start An NDIS Business In Australia

Thinking about starting an NDIS business? It’s a meaningful way to build a sustainable venture while supporting people with disability to reach their goals. Whether you plan to offer support work, community...

19 October 2025
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How To Update Your ABN Details On The ABR

How To Update Your ABN Details On The ABR

Keeping your Australian Business Number (ABN) details current isn’t just housekeeping - it’s essential for staying compliant, getting paid on time and making sure government agencies, banks and customers can reach you....

18 October 2025
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Understanding the Trust Tax Rate in Australia

Understanding the Trust Tax Rate in Australia

Trusts are popular with Australian small businesses because they can offer flexibility for profit distributions and help with asset protection. But when it comes to “how much tax does a trust pay?”,...

18 October 2025
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Responsible Manager Requirements for Financial Services in Australia

Responsible Manager Requirements for Financial Services in Australia

If you’re applying for (or maintaining) an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL), one of the first questions that comes up is: who will be your Responsible Manager? For small financial services businesses,...

18 October 2025
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Hiring an Employment Contract Lawyer in Australia

Hiring an Employment Contract Lawyer in Australia

Hiring your first team member is a big milestone. It also comes with real legal responsibilities - and the paperwork can feel daunting if you’re not prepared. An employment contract lawyer helps...

18 October 2025
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What Does Ex GST Mean? How To Price, Quote And Invoice In Australia

What Does Ex GST Mean? How To Price, Quote And Invoice In Australia

If you sell goods or services in Australia, “ex GST” and “inc GST” show up everywhere - on price lists, quotes, invoices and contracts. But what does ex GST actually mean for...

18 October 2025
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Contractor Licence NSW: What You Need To Know

Contractor Licence NSW: What You Need To Know

Thinking about winning building or trade work in New South Wales under your own banner? If you carry out residential building or specialist trade work in NSW, you’ll generally need a contractor...

18 October 2025
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Service Agreement Templates In Australia: What To Include

Service Agreement Templates In Australia: What To Include

If you sell services in Australia, a well-drafted service agreement isn’t just “nice to have” - it’s the backbone of how you get paid, manage scope, and reduce risk. Whether you’re a...

18 October 2025
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Holding Company Structures In Australia Explained

Holding Company Structures In Australia Explained

Thinking about a holding company structure for your small business? It’s a popular way to separate risk, protect assets and plan for growth - without overcomplicating day-to-day operations. In this guide, we’ll...

18 October 2025
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Trademark Registration Cost in Australia: What To Budget

Trademark Registration Cost in Australia: What To Budget

Building a memorable brand is exciting - but protecting it with a registered trade mark is what keeps copycats at bay and adds real value to your business. If you’re weighing up...

18 October 2025
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How to Find a Company TFN in Australia

How to Find a Company TFN in Australia

Running a business means dealing with identifiers like TFN, ABN and ACN on a regular basis. If you’re setting up accounting software, onboarding a new bookkeeper or opening a business bank account,...

18 October 2025
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Force Majeure Clauses in Australia: What To Know

Force Majeure Clauses in Australia: What To Know

When business is running smoothly, contracts feel straightforward. But unexpected disruptions happen - floods, supply chain shocks, cyber incidents, strikes, or a pandemic-level event. That’s where a force majeure clause can help...

18 October 2025
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What Is a Shell Company in Australia?

What Is a Shell Company in Australia?

If you’ve heard the term “shell company” in the news, it may sound mysterious - or even risky. But for small business owners in Australia, understanding what a shell company is (and...

18 October 2025
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