Fintax Support Limited

Company Formation Services in Australia

Registering a company in Australia requires incorporation with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act 2001, followed by obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

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ATO (Australian Taxation Office) Compliant
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Registering a company in Australia requires incorporation with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the Corporations Act 2001, followed by obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Fintax Support Limited registers proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) companies, prepares constitution or replaceable rules, appoints directors, and issues share certificates. We register your ABN, TFN, GST, and PAYG withholding accounts with the ATO, and ensure your ASIC annual review statement is filed on time.

Company Formation services in Australia

Regulatory Framework

ASIC requires an annual review statement and fee payment each year on the anniversary of registration. Companies must notify ASIC of changes to directors, shareholders, and registered office within 28 days. The ATO requires GST registration when turnover exceeds AUD $75,000, and PAYG withholding registration before the first employee payment.

ATO (Australian Taxation Office)

Our Company Formation Services in Australia

Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) Company Registration

Register a proprietary limited company under the Corporations Act 2001 through ASIC's online portal β€” Australia's most common corporate structure for private businesses seeking limited liability and a separate legal identity. A Pty Ltd company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia, no more than fifty non-employee shareholders, and shares with restricted transfer rights. We manage name availability checks, Form 201 lodgement, and ACN issuance through ASIC Connect.

Corporations Act 2001 framework

Pty Ltd incorporation under the Corporations Act with director residency, share transfer restrictions, and statutory obligations aligned to ASIC requirements.

ACN allocation

Australian Company Number issued by ASIC upon registration, serving as the company's unique identifier on the public register.

ASIC Connect lodgement

Form 201 application for registration as an Australian company submitted electronically through ASIC's online portal.

Limited liability protection

Shareholder liability limited to unpaid share value, separating personal assets from corporate debts and obligations.

How It Works

1

Structure and name clearance

Confirm Pty Ltd eligibility, check proposed company name availability on ASIC's register, and define share structure and directors.

2

Constitution or replaceable rules

Adopt a custom constitution or rely on Corporations Act replaceable rules, and prepare consent forms for directors and shareholders.

3

ASIC Form 201 lodgement

Submit application for registration through ASIC Connect with registered office address, officeholder details, and share allocation.

4

Post-registration setup

Obtain ACN and certificate of registration, apply for ABN via the Australian Business Register, and register TFN with the ATO.

Proprietary limited company registration under the Corporations Act 2001 is administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and represents the standard corporate vehicle for Australian private businesses. A Pty Ltd company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia, at least one shareholder, and a registered office within Australia β€” shares must carry transfer restrictions as required by section 112 of the Corporations Act. Registration through ASIC Connect typically completes within minutes for complete applications, issuing an Australian Company Number and certificate of registration. Companies may adopt replaceable rules under the Corporations Act or a custom constitution specifying share classes, director appointment procedures, and dividend policies. Post-registration, the company must apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register, register for a TFN with the ATO, and complete ASIC annual review obligations to maintain good standing on the public register.

Common Questions

ASIC Registration & Annual Review

Maintain your company's registration and good standing with ASIC through annual review compliance, officeholder updates, and change notifications required under the Corporations Act 2001. ASIC sends an annual review statement with a solvency resolution and annual review fee payable to renew the company's registration. We manage your ASIC compliance calendar, lodge change notifications, and process annual review payments through ASIC Connect.

Annual review compliance

ASIC annual review statement processed with solvency resolution and annual review fee payment within the prescribed deadline.

Officeholder change notifications

Director, secretary, and shareholder changes lodged promptly with ASIC through Form 484 and related notifications.

Registered office maintenance

Registered office address kept current on the ASIC register with change notifications lodged within twenty-eight days.

Deregistration prevention

Compliance monitoring to avoid ASIC-initiated deregistration for unpaid annual review fees or outstanding lodgements.

How It Works

1

Compliance calendar setup

Establish annual review due dates, solvency resolution requirements, and change notification deadlines for your company.

2

Annual review preparation

Review company details on the ASIC register, prepare solvency resolution signed by directors, and confirm annual review fee.

3

ASIC payment and lodgement

Pay the ASIC annual review fee through ASIC Connect and confirm company details are accurate on the public register.

4

Event-driven notifications

Lodge Form 484 and other ASIC notifications for director changes, registered office updates, and share structure amendments.

ASIC registration maintenance under the Corporations Act 2001 requires companies to pay an annual review fee and confirm company details remain accurate on the public register. ASIC issues an annual review statement approximately two months before the review date β€” the anniversary of the company's registration β€” requiring payment of the annual review fee and a solvency resolution signed by directors confirming the company can pay its debts as they fall due. The annual review fee is set by ASIC and indexed periodically; failure to pay within the prescribed period may result in late fees and eventual deregistration. Beyond annual review, companies must notify ASIC within twenty-eight days of changes to directors, secretaries, registered office, principal place of business, and share structure through Form 484 lodgements on ASIC Connect. We manage annual review payments, solvency resolutions, and ongoing change notifications to maintain uninterrupted good standing.

Common Questions

ABN (Australian Business Number) Application

Apply for an Australian Business Number through the Australian Business Register β€” the unique eleven-digit identifier required for GST registration, PAYG withholding, business invoicing, and dealings with government agencies. An ABN links your entity to the ABR and must be displayed on tax invoices and business correspondence. We prepare and submit ABN applications through the ABR portal and coordinate linkage with your ACN, TFN, and GST registrations.

11-digit ABN identifier

Unique Australian Business Number issued through the ABR serving as the master identifier for tax and government registrations.

Australian Business Register

ABN application submitted through the ABR portal with entity details, business activity, and tax registration selections.

Multi-registration linkage

ABN connects company ACN, TFN, GST, and PAYG withholding registrations under a single entity profile on the ABR.

Tax invoice compliance

ABN displayed on tax invoices and business documents as required for GST-registered entities and B2B transactions.

How It Works

1

Eligibility and structure review

Confirm entity type, business activity, and entitlement to an ABN based on carrying on an enterprise in Australia.

2

ABR application preparation

Complete ABN application with ACN or TFN details, business address, activity description, and associate information.

3

ABR portal submission

Submit ABN application through the Australian Business Register online portal and receive immediate or pending confirmation.

4

Linked registration activation

Verify ABN issuance, activate GST and PAYG withholding registrations, and update business banking and invoicing systems.

The Australian Business Number is an eleven-digit identifier issued by the Australian Business Register that confirms a business entity's registration for tax and government purposes. Companies apply using their ACN, while sole traders and partnerships use their TFN, with the ABN linking all ATO program registrations under a single ABR profile. ABN entitlement requires that the entity is carrying on or starting an enterprise in Australia β€” including commercial activities, charities, and not-for-profit organisations meeting ABR eligibility criteria. Applications submitted through the ABR portal typically receive immediate ABN allocation for straightforward cases, though complex structures or identity verification issues may require manual ABR review taking up to twenty-eight days. The ABN must appear on tax invoices where the entity is GST registered and is used by customers to verify supplier legitimacy through the ABN Lookup tool. We coordinate ABN application with post-incorporation setup to ensure the identifier is active before commercial operations commence.

Common Questions

TFN (Tax File Number) Registration

Register your company, partnership, or trust for a Tax File Number with the Australian Taxation Office β€” the unique identifier required for income tax returns, PAYG withholding, and all ATO correspondence. A company TFN is separate from directors' personal TFNs and must be obtained before lodging tax returns or registering for GST. We coordinate TFN registration through the ATO alongside ABN application and entity setup.

Entity TFN allocation

Tax File Number issued by the ATO for the company, partnership, or trust β€” distinct from individual director or partner TFNs.

ATO registration pathway

TFN registration coordinated through the ATO as part of ABN application or standalone entity registration process.

ABN and TFN linkage

Company TFN linked to ABN on the Australian Business Register for unified ATO account management and tax lodgements.

ATO online services access

TFN enables access to ATO online services for income tax, BAS lodgement, and PAYG withholding account management.

How It Works

1

Registration requirement assessment

Confirm entity type and TFN registration pathway β€” typically bundled with ABN application for companies and trusts.

2

Entity details preparation

Compile ACN, entity name, registered address, officeholder details, and business activity for ATO registration.

3

ATO registration submission

Submit TFN registration through the ABN application on the ABR portal or ATO paper form for standalone entity registration.

4

ATO account verification

Confirm TFN allocation, verify ATO online services access, and link TFN to GST and PAYG withholding registrations.

Tax File Number registration with the Australian Taxation Office provides a unique identifier for companies, partnerships, trusts, and sole traders to lodge income tax returns, register for GST, and manage PAYG withholding obligations. A company receives its own TFN separate from the personal TFNs of its directors and shareholders β€” the company TFN is used on all corporate tax lodgements, activity statements, and ATO correspondence. For most newly registered companies, TFN allocation occurs automatically as part of the ABN application through the Australian Business Register, linking the TFN to the company's ACN and ABN on a unified ATO profile. Standalone TFN applications for trusts and partnerships not requiring an ABN may be submitted directly to the ATO. The TFN must be quoted on payment summaries, annual tax returns, and business activity statements. We coordinate TFN registration with ASIC incorporation, ABN application, and GST registration to ensure all tax identifiers are active before the entity's first tax obligations arise.

Common Questions

Trust Establishment (Family, Discretionary, Unit)

Establish a family, discretionary, or unit trust through a professionally drafted trust deed β€” a flexible structure widely used in Australia for asset protection, income distribution, and estate planning. A discretionary trust gives the trustee discretion to distribute income and capital among nominated beneficiaries, while a unit trust divides beneficial interest into fixed units similar to shares. We draft trust deeds, appoint trustees, and coordinate ABN and TFN registration through the ABR and ATO.

Trust deed drafting

Professionally prepared trust deed specifying trustee powers, beneficiary classes, distribution rules, and vesting provisions.

Discretionary and unit structures

Family discretionary trusts and fixed unit trusts configured for asset protection, income splitting, and investment holding.

Asset protection framework

Trust structure separating beneficial ownership from legal control, supporting asset protection and estate planning objectives.

Income distribution flexibility

Discretionary income and capital distribution among beneficiaries optimised within trust deed powers and tax rules.

How It Works

1

Trust structure selection

Assess family discretionary, unit, hybrid, or fixed trust suitability based on asset types, beneficiaries, and tax objectives.

2

Trust deed preparation

Draft trust deed specifying settlor, trustee, appointor, beneficiary classes, distribution powers, and vesting date.

3

Trust execution and settlement

Execute trust deed with settlor settlement sum, appoint trustee and appointor, and establish trust bank account.

4

ABN and TFN registration

Apply for trust ABN via the Australian Business Register and register trust TFN with the ATO for tax lodgement obligations.

Trust establishment in Australia is governed by the trust deed β€” a private legal document rather than a statute-based registration β€” creating a fiduciary relationship where the trustee holds assets for the benefit of nominated beneficiaries. Discretionary family trusts are the most common structure, giving the trustee discretion to distribute income and capital among a defined class of beneficiaries including family members, related entities, and charities. Unit trusts divide beneficial interest into fixed units held by unitholders, functioning similarly to a partnership or company without separate legal personality. The trust deed specifies the settlor who establishes the trust with a nominal settlement sum, the trustee who administers assets, the appointor who may replace the trustee, and beneficiary entitlements. Trusts require ABN registration through the Australian Business Register and TFN registration with the ATO where the trust carries on an enterprise or derives assessable income. Stamp duty may apply to trust establishment and property transfers into the trust in certain states. We draft trust deeds and coordinate tax registrations aligned with your asset protection and distribution objectives.

Common Questions

Partnership & Sole Trader Registration

Register a sole trader or partnership business structure for entrepreneurs who do not require company incorporation but need a formal business identity for banking, licensing, and ATO registration. Sole traders operate under their own legal name or a registered business name, while partnerships require a partnership agreement and shared ABN registration. We manage business name registration on ASIC's national register, partnership agreement drafting, and ABN application through the ABR.

Sole trader setup

Business name registration and ABN obtained for individual entrepreneurs operating unincorporated ventures under their TFN.

Partnership agreement drafting

Written partnership agreement documenting capital contributions, profit sharing, management authority, and dispute resolution.

Business name registration

Trading name registered on ASIC's national business names register where operating under a name other than the legal name.

Low-cost formation pathway

Minimal formation fees compared to Pty Ltd incorporation β€” suitable for small ventures testing market viability before scaling.

How It Works

1

Structure suitability review

Assess sole trader or partnership eligibility, unlimited liability exposure, and tax implications compared to Pty Ltd alternatives.

2

Business name and agreement

Register business name on ASIC's national register and execute partnership agreement with partner signatures where applicable.

3

ABN and TFN registration

Apply for ABN through the Australian Business Register using individual TFN and activate GST registration if thresholds apply.

4

Licence and compliance setup

Obtain industry licences, local council approvals, and workers' compensation insurance before commencing operations.

Sole trader and partnership structures are unincorporated business forms governed by state partnership legislation and ATO tax rules rather than the Corporations Act 2001. A sole trader operates the business personally under their TFN, reporting business income on their individual tax return, and remains personally liable for all business debts and obligations. Partnerships involve two or more partners sharing profits and losses according to a partnership agreement, with each partner jointly and severally liable for partnership debts. Both structures require ABN registration through the Australian Business Register when carrying on an enterprise, and business name registration on ASIC's national register when trading under a name other than the individual's legal name. Unlike a Pty Ltd company, these structures offer no limited liability shield β€” personal assets remain exposed to business creditors. GST registration with the ATO becomes mandatory when annual turnover exceeds $75,000. We advise on structure selection and coordinate registration with industry licensing and insurance requirements.

Common Questions

Business Name Registration

Register your business name on ASIC's national business names register β€” mandatory when trading under a name other than your legal entity name, personal name, or registered company name. Business name registration does not create a separate legal entity or provide name ownership rights equivalent to a trademark. We conduct name availability searches, lodge business name applications through ASIC Connect, and manage two-year renewal cycles.

National name availability

Business name searched against ASIC's national register and Australian trade mark database before registration lodgement.

ASIC national register

Business name registered on ASIC's national business names register linking the name to the holder's ABN or ACN.

Two-year renewal cycle

Business name registration renewed every two years through ASIC Connect to maintain active status on the national register.

Legal name distinction

Clear guidance on the difference between business name registration, company registration, and trade mark protection.

How It Works

1

Name availability search

Search ASIC's national business names register and IP Australia trade mark database for conflicts with the proposed name.

2

Holder eligibility confirmation

Confirm the applicant holds a valid ABN or ACN and is entitled to register the business name under ASIC requirements.

3

ASIC Connect lodgement

Submit business name registration application through ASIC Connect with holder details and proposed trading name.

4

Renewal calendar setup

Establish two-year renewal reminders and coordinate business name updates if holder ABN or entity details change.

Business name registration on ASIC's national register is required when an individual, partnership, company, or trust trades under a name that is not their legal entity name or personal name. Registration links the business name to the holder's ABN or ACN on a searchable public register but does not create a separate legal entity, confer exclusive name ownership, or provide trade mark protection. A company registered as 'Example Pty Ltd' may also register 'Example Solutions' as a business name for branding purposes without incorporating a separate entity. Business names are registered for two-year periods and must be renewed through ASIC Connect before expiry to avoid removal from the register. Identical business names may be registered by different holders in different states under the national system, though ASIC may refuse names that are identical to existing registrations in the same class. Trade mark registration through IP Australia provides stronger brand protection than business name registration alone. We coordinate business name registration with ABN application, company incorporation, and trade mark advice where brand protection is a priority.

Common Questions

GST Registration with ATO

Register your business for Goods and Services Tax with the ATO to collect and remit GST on taxable supplies and claim input tax credits on business purchases. GST registration is mandatory when annual turnover exceeds $75,000 β€” or $150,000 for non-profit bodies β€” with voluntary registration available below the threshold. We manage GST registration through the ABN application on the ABR and configure BAS lodgement periods for your finance team.

$75K registration threshold

Mandatory GST registration when current or projected annual turnover exceeds $75,000 β€” $150,000 for non-profit bodies.

10% GST compliance

GST collected on taxable supplies at the standard 10% rate with input tax credits claimed on eligible business purchases.

BAS lodgement periods

Monthly, quarterly, or annual Business Activity Statement periods established based on turnover and ATO assignment.

Input tax credit setup

ITC tracking configured to recover GST paid on business purchases against GST collected on taxable sales.

How It Works

1

Registration obligation review

Assess current and projected turnover against the $75,000 threshold and determine mandatory versus voluntary GST registration timing.

2

GST registration via ABR

Register for GST through the ABN application on the Australian Business Register or add GST to an existing ABN registration.

3

BAS reporting period setup

Confirm monthly, quarterly, or annual Business Activity Statement lodgement frequency assigned by the ATO.

4

Invoice and remittance workflow

Establish tax invoice formats with ABN and GST details, input tax credit procedures, and electronic BAS lodgement through ATO online services.

GST registration with the Australian Taxation Office authorises a business to collect Goods and Services Tax at the standard rate of ten percent on taxable supplies and claim input tax credits on GST included in business purchases. Registration is mandatory when current or projected annual turnover exceeds $75,000, or $150,000 for not-for-profit bodies β€” voluntary registration below these thresholds enables input tax credit recovery on startup expenses. GST registration is typically included in the ABN application through the Australian Business Register, linking the GST account to the entity's ABN and TFN on a unified ATO profile. Registered businesses lodge Business Activity Statements reporting GST collected, input tax credits claimed, PAYG instalments, and PAYG withholding obligations at monthly, quarterly, or annual intervals depending on turnover. Tax invoices must include the supplier's ABN and GST amount for purchases over $82.50 including GST. We coordinate GST registration with ABN setup and configure BAS reporting workflows before the entity exceeds registration thresholds or issues its first taxable invoice.

Common Questions

Registered Office & Agent Services

Provide a compliant registered office address and ASIC agent services for Australian companies required to maintain a registered office within Australia under the Corporations Act 2001. The registered office receives official ASIC correspondence, court documents, and statutory notices on behalf of the company. We offer registered office facilities, mail handling, and ASIC lodgement agent services for domestic and foreign companies operating in Australia.

Registered office address

Compliant Australian registered office maintained for ASIC correspondence, court documents, and statutory notice receipt.

Mail handling and forwarding

ASIC correspondence, legal documents, and official notices received and forwarded to directors promptly.

ASIC agent services

Registered ASIC agent lodging Form 484, annual review, and change notifications on behalf of the company.

Foreign company support

Registered office and local agent services for foreign companies registered as Australian registered bodies under the Corporations Act.

How It Works

1

Registered office setup

Appoint a compliant Australian registered office address meeting Corporations Act requirements for document receipt during business hours.

2

ASIC register update

Lodge Form 484 notification of registered office address with ASIC Connect and update company details on the public register.

3

Correspondence management

Receive ASIC annual review statements, court documents, and regulatory correspondence and forward to company directors.

4

Ongoing agent services

Lodge ASIC change notifications, annual review payments, and compliance filings as registered agent on the company's behalf.

Every company registered under the Corporations Act 2001 must maintain a registered office in Australia where ASIC correspondence, court documents, and official notices can be served during business hours. The registered office address appears on the ASIC public register and must be updated within twenty-eight days of any change through Form 484 lodgement on ASIC Connect. Companies without a physical Australian office β€” including foreign companies registered as Australian registered bodies β€” commonly appoint a professional registered office service to satisfy this statutory requirement. Registered office services include mail receipt, document forwarding to directors, and monitoring of ASIC correspondence for annual review statements and compliance notices. ASIC registered agents may also lodge change notifications, annual review payments, and Form 484 updates on behalf of client companies. Failure to maintain a current registered office or respond to ASIC correspondence may contribute to deregistration proceedings. We provide registered office and agent services for domestic Pty Ltd companies and foreign entities registered under Part 5B.2 of the Corporations Act.

Common Questions

Company Constitution & Shareholder Agreements

Draft a company constitution and shareholder agreement tailored to your Corporations Act 2001 requirements, share structure, and governance preferences for Pty Ltd and public companies. The constitution governs internal company rules β€” either replacing or supplementing replaceable rules β€” while a shareholder agreement contracts between shareholders on matters outside the constitution. We prepare custom governance documents aligned with ASIC registration and shareholder protection objectives.

Custom constitution drafting

Company constitution prepared with share class definitions, director appointment rules, and dividend policies for ASIC registration.

Shareholder agreement preparation

Shareholder agreement documenting pre-emptive rights, drag-along and tag-along provisions, dispute resolution, and exit mechanisms.

Share structure design

Ordinary, preference, and non-voting share classes configured to accommodate founders, investors, and employee equity plans.

Governance protections

Transfer restrictions, board composition rules, and deadlock resolution provisions incorporated for shareholder protection.

How It Works

1

Governance requirements review

Assess shareholder composition, investment terms, director appointment preferences, and replaceable rules coverage gaps.

2

Constitution drafting

Prepare company constitution specifying share classes, director powers, meeting procedures, and replaceable rules modifications.

3

Shareholder agreement preparation

Draft shareholder agreement covering transfer restrictions, pre-emptive rights, valuation methodology, and dispute resolution.

4

Execution and ASIC lodgement

Execute constitution and shareholder agreement, lodge constitution with ASIC if required, and maintain copies in the company register.

A company constitution is the primary governance document for Australian companies under the Corporations Act 2001, specifying share classes, director appointment and removal procedures, dividend policies, and meeting requirements. Companies may rely on replaceable rules in the Corporations Act as their constitution or adopt a custom constitution that modifies or replaces those default provisions β€” a custom constitution is lodged with ASIC upon registration or adoption by special resolution. Shareholder agreements are private contracts between shareholders addressing matters not covered by the constitution, including pre-emptive rights on share transfers, drag-along and tag-along provisions for exit events, valuation methodologies for share buybacks, and deadlock resolution mechanisms. Unlike the constitution, shareholder agreements bind only contracting parties and are not filed with ASIC. Amendments to the constitution require a special resolution of shareholders and may require ASIC notification, while shareholder agreements are amended by written consent of the parties. We coordinate constitution and shareholder agreement drafting with Pty Ltd incorporation to deliver a complete governance framework from registration day.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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