Company Registration

Starting a business in Australia is a detailed process that involves a set of specific legal requirements. Here’s a general overview of what you need to consider.

Business structure: Choose the appropriate business structure for your needs. This may include:

• Sole Trader

• Partnership

• Company

• Trust

Australian Business Number (ABN): Apply for an ABN. It’s q unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government and community.

Business Name Registration: If you’re trading under a name different from your own, you’ll need to register a business name with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).

Taxation: Understand your tax obligations. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific guidelines for businesses regarding income tax, GST and other taxes.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): If your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more, you’ll need to register for GST. Once registered, you’ll need to include GST in your prices, and you can claim credits for the GST included in the price of purchases for your business.

Licenses and Permits: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need various licenses or permits to operate legally. These can be industry-specific, such as those for hospitality, construction or health services.

Fair Work Information Statement: Provide all new employees with the Fair Work Information Statement before, or as soon as they start their job.

Superannuation: Ensure that you understand your superannuation obligations. Generally, you’ll need to pay super for an employee if they’re 18 years or over or if they work at least 30 hours per week.

Insurance: Depending on your business type, you might need various insurances, such as public liability, professional indemnity, or workers’ compensation.

Privacy and Data Protection: If your business collects personal information, you must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988.

Intellectual Property: Consider if you need to protect any intellectual property (IP) associated with your business, such as trademarks, patents, or copyrights.

Industry Specific Regulations: Certain industries have additional regulations and standards, such as food businesses, construction or childcare.

Work Health and Safety (WHS): Ensure you comply with WHS obligations to provide a safe workplace.

Please be aware that this list only provides an overview of your requirements. If you need further information or assistance ensuring you meet the legal requirements when creating a business, please contact us.

Although there is no legal requirement to engage a lawyer to register a company, seeking legal expertise is recommended. Registering a company is a complex and time-consuming process. Hiring a lawyer can make this complicated process easier to navigate and help you ensure your company satisfies all the legal requirements necessary in Australia.

At Inkling Law, we are experts in the legal needs of small and medium businesses, including company registration.

Expert Guidance: our team of expert professionals has years of experience in commercial legal advice and regulatory compliance, and know the ins and outs of what’s required to register a business.

Time-Saving: time is money, especially for a new business. Instead of getting bogged down with paperwork and bureaucracy, let us handle the registration while you focus on building your business.

Wide-ranging expertise: we can handle all your registration needs and answer all your questions. We can not only help you register your company, but answer all your questions from what type of business structure you should employ to what policies you need to implement; and even assist in drafting them!

We can help take care of all your business registration needs. Get in touch today so you can focus on what you do best, building your business!