Set-up decision · Australian business guide
Australian Business Structures
Compare sole trader, partnership, company and trust structures through control, liability, tax, administration and growth—not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Decision path
- 01
Map ownership and control
Decide who owns assets, makes decisions and receives returns.
- 02
Stress-test risk
Compare liability, licensing, tax and administration under each option.
- 03
Document the choice
Put the entity, governance and key agreements in place before material trading begins.
Selected reading
Get the facts before choosing the document.
These are the strongest starting points for this topic. Use the official sources for the current rule, then scope legal work against your facts.
Primary sources
Source links checked 20 July 2026. Confirm the current rule before acting.
Legal work that may follow
Turn the decision into usable documents and advice.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. The right path depends on the entity, documents and commercial facts.