Licences and Business Registrations

All businesses need to undertake some form of registration, even if it's simply applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN) or registering a business name. This section discusses some of the common business registrations that you will encounter and how to go about the necessary research, planning and processes for completing these registrations.

Registering a business name

Gives an overview of the different aspects of researching, selecting and registering a business name. Includes tips for choosing a name, searching the Business Names Register, restrictions on registrations, changing a business name and the registration process.

Step-By-Step: How to Register Your Business How to choose a business structure and protect your business.

Registering a trademark

Explains what a trademark is, the commercial value of a trademark, the jurisdiction of trademarks and how to register one.

Registering a company

A comparison of the differences between a business and a company and how to decide on an appropriate structure for your business. Provides directions for registering a company, should you decide that this is the preferred structure for your business.

Apply for ABN, GST, TFN, PAYG

Explains the main registrations and reports required by the Australian tax system, including the Australian Business Number (ABN), Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax File Number (TFN) and Pay As You Go (PAYG) tax instalment system.

Use BLIS to find the licences you need

The easiest way to identify all the local, state and federal licences, registrations and permits you'll need is to use the Business Licence Information Service (BLIS). BLIS will create an online report providing you with:

• the local, state and federal licences, registrations and permits you need
• downloadable application forms and links to online registrations
• contact details for local state and federal authorities you'll need to deal with