Start right, grow faster

Business setup, without the guesswork

Q: What do I need to start a business in Australia?

At minimum: a business structure (sole trader, company or trust), an ABN, and a business name if you trade under anything other than your own name. Depending on turnover and activity you may also need GST registration, insurances and licences. The structure decision comes first because it shapes everything else.

Q: How much does it cost to set up a business?

As a sole trader: almost nothing (the ABN is free, a business name costs a small ASIC fee). As a company: a one-off ASIC registration fee plus professional setup. Ongoing costs differ too, which is part of the structure decision.

Q: Do I need GST from day one?

Only if you expect turnover of $75,000 or more per year (or you drive taxis/rideshare). Below that it is optional, and registering voluntarily can make sense in some cases, for example to claim GST credits on large startup purchases.

Q: Can you set everything up for me?

Yes. We advise on the structure, register the company or ABN, set up GST and PAYG if needed, and leave you with accounting software and a compliance calendar. One process, everything done correctly the first time.

Structure, ABN, registrations, GST and compliance: every piece of your setup done correctly the first time, guided by registered tax agents and ASIC agents. In English o en español.

Book a consultation Find your path

No obligation · All of Australia, online

Registered Tax Agents Registered ASIC Agents IPA & CA ANZ members English y Español

Step one: your structure

Three ways to start. Which is yours?

Simple start

Sole Trader

You are the business. Nearly free to set up, minimal admin, but unlimited personal liability. Ideal for testing an idea or side income.

Learn about Sole Trader Built to grow

Company (Pty Ltd)

A separate legal entity: limited liability, flat company tax rate, credibility with clients and lenders. The structure serious growth runs on.

Compare both

Tax, liability, costs and obligations side by side, plus the signals that tell you it's time to incorporate. Five minutes well spent.

Sole Trader vs Company

The full setup, in order

What a complete business setup looks like

Choose the structure

Sole trader, company or trust. This decides your tax, liability and costs for years, so it comes first. Compare the options.

Register the entity

For a company: ASIC incorporation with your ACN, constitution and registers. Company Registration · What is an ACN.

Get your ABN and tax registrations

ABN, TFN and PAYG withholding if you'll hire. Without an ABN, clients may withhold tax from your invoices at the top rate. ABN Registration.

Register your business name

Only if you trade under a name that isn't your own (or your company's) name. Registered with ASIC. Business Name Registration.

Decide on GST

Compulsory at $75,000+ turnover, optional and sometimes smart below it. GST Registration & Accounting.

Set up accounts and compliance

Xero configured, bank feeds connected, deadlines mapped. Foundations that save you thousands later. Startup Accounting.

Business setup guides

Go deeper on each piece

Company Registration ABN Registration ACN & Company Information Business Name Registration Sole Trader Startup Accounting

New to the Australian system?

We help foreign founders and migrants start right

Residency requirements, director rules, tax obligations you've never dealt with: starting a business in a new country is harder when the system isn't yours. We explain it clearly and set it up correctly, in English o en español.

From choosing a structure that works for non-residents to your first BAS, you get one bilingual team for the whole journey.

Talk to us in your language

Latino entrepreneurs collaborating at a coworking space in Australia

Business setup FAQ

Before you start

What do I need to start a business in Australia?

At minimum: a structure (sole trader, company or trust), an ABN, and a business name if you trade under anything other than your own name. Depending on turnover and activity you may also need GST, insurances and licences. The structure decision comes first.

How much does it cost to set up a business?

As a sole trader: almost nothing (free ABN, small business name fee). As a company: a one-off ASIC fee plus professional setup. See our pricing for fixed fees.

Do I need GST from day one?

Only if you expect $75,000+ turnover per year (or drive taxis/rideshare). Below that it's optional; registering voluntarily can make sense to claim GST credits on big startup purchases. We check your case in the consultation.

Can you set everything up for me?

Yes. Structure advice, company registration or ABN, GST and PAYG, plus accounting foundations. One process, done correctly the first time.

Start your business with specialists behind you

Book a consultation with a registered tax agent. Structure advice included, no obligation.

Book a consultation

Related: Company Registration · Services · Pricing