If you are not sure what name to give your new company when you register with ASIC, a name is not essential or compulsory. It can be the exclusive company number (ACN) automatically issued by ASIC upon registration. The ACN can be utilised as your company name if you wish, & subsequently can be changed at a future time if the relevant documentation is lodged with ASIC, the only catch being a fee involved to do this.
If there is already a company registration with the name you want, you will need to choose a different one. If there is an identical business name registered & you are not the business name holder, the same applies & you will have to think up a new one. ASIC also has a restricted list of certain words they do not allow to be used in a company name.
Company type
Companies are set-up for all sort of reasons, so there are different types for different purposes. They can be created for sole traders, businesses, charities, & as corporate trustees for discretionary trust / unit trust set up or self managed superannuation fund.
Company addresses
Both registered office address & business address (if different from office address) to be provided to ASIC. They do not allow post office boxes for any address associated with a company registration.
Directors
An Australian propriety limited company requires a minimum of one director to register with ASIC. They will need the director’s full name, residential address (ASIC allows foreign directors provided at least one is an Australian resident) date of birth, & place of birth.
Shareholders
ASIC will need to know shareholder names & addresses, amount & type of shares issued. They do not require dates or places of birth for shareholders, unless they are also directors.
ACNs & who needs one
An Australian Company Number (ACN) is a nine digit number issued automatically by ASIC when your new company is registered.
What next?
Visit this link of ASIC
Registry Search to check if your company’s name is available
To register a company, click Alshelf and complete the easy to follow questions, pay the appropriate fee & you are done.
Your new company’s certificate & ACN are generally emailed to you within the hour.