Need Help with Starting a Company? 2025–26 Checklist

Updated for the 2025–26 income year (tax returns lodged from 1 July 2026), with 2026–27 changes noted. Reviewed 19 October 2026.

There's a lot to think about when starting a business – product, marketing, IT and finance. Getting the set-up right (structure, registrations and systems) puts you in a strong position from day one. Here's an 8-step checklist for registering a company in Australia. As a Registered ASIC Agent (No. 38112), Top Accountants can handle the registration for you.

Step 1: Is a company right for you?

A company is a separate legal entity that can trade Australia-wide, with limited liability for shareholders and its own tax rate. But companies cost more to run and come with director duties and annual ASIC obligations. Alternatives include a sole trader, partnership or trust. The right choice depends on your risk, profit, family situation and plans for growth – get advice before you register. Note: the 2026–27 Budget announced a 30% minimum tax rate for discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028, with rollover relief for restructures from 1 July 2027, which may affect structuring decisions.

Step 2: Choose a company name

• The name can't be identical to an existing company or business name. Check availability on ASIC's register first.
• If you already hold an identical business name, the company may still be able to use it – for example, if the individual holder becomes a director or member, or each partner/trustee becomes a director or member.
• Since May 2012, business names are on one national register, so the same name can't be registered separately in different states.
• Only certain characters are allowed, and Pty Ltd companies must end with "Pty Ltd" (or "Proprietary Limited").
• Alternatively, you can register using the Australian Company Number (ACN) as the name.

Step 3: Decide how the company will be governed

Choose whether to use the replaceable rules in the Corporations Act, a constitution, or both.

Step 4: Directors, shareholders and officeholders

A proprietary company needs at least one director who ordinarily lives in Australia and at least one shareholder. Every director must have a director identification number (director ID) before being appointed. Get written consent from each director and secretary (if any).

Step 5: Registered office and principal place of business

You'll need an Australian address for the registered office (where official notices go) and the principal place of business. If you use someone else's address, you need their consent.

Step 6: Register with ASIC

Register online with ASIC (or through a registered agent). ASIC fees are indexed every 1 July, so check ASIC's current fee schedule for the registration and annual review fees. Once registered you'll receive an ACN and certificate of registration.

Step 7: Tax registrations

• ABN and tax file number for the company
• GST once GST turnover reaches $75,000 (or immediately for ride-sourcing)
• PAYG withholding if you'll pay employees or directors
• Super guarantee at 12% for employees; from 1 July 2026 super must be paid each payday under Payday Super
• Register a business name too if you'll trade under a name other than the company name

Company tax rate: 25% for base rate entities (aggregated turnover under $50 million and no more than 80% passive income); 30% otherwise.

Step 8: Set up systems and keep records

Open a company bank account, set up accounting software, and keep a company register (members, officeholders, share issues) and minutes. Money taken out of the company by shareholders or directors must be properly treated (wages, dividends or a complying loan) – drawing company money like a personal account can cause tax problems. Our bookkeeping and BAS services keep it on track.

More resources are available at business.gov.au.