How to choose a company registration in Australia (2026 checklist)

Choose a company registration by checking these five things first: (1) relevant credentials and registration with the appropriate industry body, (2) a minimum of 50+ public reviews averaging 4.5+, (3) transparent itemised pricing in a written quote, (4) availability within your timeframe, and (5) responsiveness to your initial enquiry. Shortlist 3 candidates, ask the same 5 questions of each, and choose the one that scores highest on communication and value — not just the lowest price.

ASIC fee for Pty Ltd: $611. Professional service fees on top: $299-$1,499 depending on package. Total typical cost: $911-$2,110 fully set up. Sole trader ABN is free via abr.gov.au. DIY via ASIC Connect: just the $611 fee but requires you to handle all paperwork. After registration, expect ongoing costs: $310/year ASIC review fee, accountant fees ($1,200-$3,500/year), and registered agent ($100-$300/year if you don't want your home address public).

ABN: instant via abr.gov.au if simple, 1-7 days if reviewed. Pty Ltd registration: 1-3 business days standard, same-day available with most major providers (Lawpath, Sleek, Sprintlaw). Once registered, you'll receive ACN (Australian Company Number) immediately, full registration certificate within 24 hours, and TFN within 28 days. To be fully operational (with bank account, GST registration, etc.) plan for 1-2 weeks total.

Sole trader: simpler tax, free ABN, no ASIC fees, but unlimited personal liability and personal income tax rates (up to 45%). Best for: side hustles, freelancers earning under $100k, low-risk businesses. Pty Ltd company: $611 setup + $310/year ASIC fee, but limited liability protection, 25% flat company tax rate (vs 45% personal), easier funding, better for selling business later. Rule of thumb: switch to Pty Ltd once you're earning over $80,000/year, hiring employees, or carrying any liability risk.

Yes. Companies need their own ABN — it's separate from any personal ABN you might hold as a sole trader. Most company registration services apply for the company ABN as part of the setup process (no extra cost). The company ABN is linked to the company's ACN. You can run multiple businesses (different trading names) under one company's single ABN, or set up multiple companies each with their own ABN — depends on your structure preferences.

ABN (Australian Business Number): 11 digits, identifies your business for tax/GST purposes, every business needs one. ACN (Australian Company Number): 9 digits, issued by ASIC only when you register a Pty Ltd company. TFN (Tax File Number): identifies you for income tax. Sole traders use their personal TFN; companies have a separate TFN. ACN is required for companies in addition to their ABN. So a Pty Ltd company has all three: ACN (from ASIC), ABN (from ABR), and TFN (from ATO).