How to register a business in Victoria
To register a business in Victoria, you need an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the ATO, a business name registered nationally with ASIC, and any state-specific Victorian licences relevant to your activity. Business name registration is governed by the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth) and is administered by ASIC.
The framework
Business name registration is governed by the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth) (national scheme administered by ASIC). ABNs are issued under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999 (Cth). Victorian state taxes and licences arise under various Victorian Acts.
The process
Choose your business structure
Decide between sole trader, partnership, company, or trust. Each has different tax, liability, and regulatory implications. Companies are registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); other structures are simpler to set up.
Apply for an ABN
Apply for an Australian Business Number through the Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au) under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999 (Cth). The ABN is free and required for almost all businesses.
Check business name availability
Search the ASIC business name register and the trade marks register on IP Australia. Names that are identical or near-identical to existing registrations or trade marks cannot be used.
Register the business name with ASIC
Register the business name through ASIC Connect. Registration is for 1 or 3 years. The Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth) requires you to register if you trade under any name that is not your own legal name.
Register for GST if required
Register for Goods and Services Tax if your projected annual turnover is $75,000 or more (or $150,000 for not-for-profits) under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).
Register for PAYG and other ATO obligations
If you employ staff, register for Pay As You Go withholding, fringe benefits tax (where applicable), and superannuation guarantee obligations under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).
Register for Victorian payroll tax (if required)
Once your Australian wages exceed the Victorian payroll tax threshold (as set by the State Revenue Office), register for payroll tax under the Payroll Tax Act 2007 (Vic).
Check state and local licences
Use Service Victoria and the federal Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to identify Victorian state and local council licences relevant to your industry (e.g. food, building, liquor).
Register for WorkCover Victoria
If you employ workers, register for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (Vic). Cover is mandatory once remuneration exceeds the threshold.
Maintain records and renewals
Maintain accurate financial and tax records as required by the ATO and ASIC. Renew the business name registration every 1 or 3 years before expiry to avoid losing protection of the name.
Forms and templates
Common mistakes
- Trading under a name without registration
- Ignoring trade mark searches before choosing a name
- Not registering for GST when above threshold
- Missing payroll tax registration in Victoria
- Failing to renew business name registration
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio can help with business structure decisions, prepare licence checklists for your industry in Victoria, and draft basic governance documents. See /practice-areas/commercial-law or start a free trial.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Tax thresholds and licensing requirements change. Speak with an accountant and a Victorian commercial lawyer about structure and compliance.
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