Register your business in the right order

If you're carrying on a business in Australia, you'll generally need an ABN. You also need to register a business name if you trade under a name other than your own, and a company only if you choose that structure. Some industries also need a state or council licence.

An ABN is the number that identifies your business for tax and invoicing. A business name is the name you trade under. A company is a separate legal entity with its own ACN. Many businesses hold two of them, and some hold all three.

With Sprintlaw, a standard company registration is the $636 ASIC fee with no service fee. Business names start from $51 + GST with ASIC’s fee included. Our ABN service fee is shown before you start, and you can also apply for an ABN directly with the Australian Business Register for free.

ABNs and business names are usually ready within 24 hours. The ABR can take up to 28 days if it needs to review an ABN application, and ASIC can take longer if a name needs a closer look. Most eligible company registrations are confirmed within 1-3 business days.

Once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits), or from day one if you provide taxi or ride-sourcing services. You can add GST to your ABN application, or add an ABN and GST when you register your company.

No. ASIC needs an active ABN, or the reference number from an ABN application in progress. If you don't have one yet, you can add ABN registration while you register your business name.

No. ABNs are issued nationally by the Australian Business Register, and business names and companies are registered nationally with ASIC. What changes by state and council is licensing, such as food, building or liquor licences.

Yes, related registrations can be added as you go. For example, add the company’s ABN when you register your company, or add an ABN while you register a business name. Each add-on is priced before you pay.

Yes. Sprintlaw is an incorporated legal practice regulated by the Law Society of New South Wales. Registration is self-serve, and our lawyers are here for the legal work that comes next.