Company Registration Costs in Australia (2026 Guide)
Company Registration Costs in Australia (2026 Guide)
Starting a company is an exciting step for any entrepreneur. However, understanding company registration costs in Australia in 2026 is essential before launching your business.
Many new business owners assume company registration only involves a simple government fee. In reality, the total cost includes ASIC registration fees, annual review fees, business name registration, and ongoing compliance costs.
This guide explains the real cost of registering a company in Australia and how professional assistance from Supertax can help ensure your business is set up correctly from the start.
What Are the Real Company Registration Costs in Australia?
The total cost of registering a company involves several components:
1. ASIC Company Registration Fee
A mandatory one-off fee paid to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) when registering a proprietary limited company.
2. ASIC Annual Review Fee
A yearly fee required to maintain your company’s registration and compliance status.
3.Business Name Registration (Optional)
If your trading name differs from your company’s legal name, you must register the business name separately.
4. Professional Setup Fees
Costs for accountants or company formation specialists who assist with proper company structure and compliance.
5. Ongoing Compliance Costs
These include accounting services, tax return preparation, bookkeeping software, and BAS lodgements.
Understanding these costs helps business owners plan their startup budget and avoid unexpected expenses later.
Free vs Paid Business Registrations in Australia
When setting up a company, it’s important to understand which registrations are free and which require payment.
ACN Registration
The Australian Company Number (ACN) is issued by ASIC when a company is registered.
This requires payment of the ASIC company registration fee.
ABN Registration
An Australian Business Number (ABN) can be obtained free of charge through the Australian Business Register (ABR) if you are eligible.
Director ID
All company directors must apply for a Director Identification Number (Director ID) through Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
This registration is free but mandatory.
Business Name Registration
If your business trades under a different name than your company’s legal name, a business name registration fee must be paid to ASIC.
Core ASIC Company Registration Fees (2026)
ASIC sets standard government fees for company registration and compliance.
|
Fee Type |
Payable To |
When |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Company Registration Fee |
ASIC |
One-off |
Required to register a company |
|
Annual Review Fee |
ASIC |
Every year |
Required to keep the company active |
|
Business Name Registration |
ASIC |
1 or 3 years |
Needed if using a different trading name |
These fees are indexed periodically, so it’s important to check the latest ASIC fee schedule.
DIY vs Accountant Setup: Which Option Is Better?
When registering a company, you can either do it yourself or hire professionals. Each option has advantages and risks.
DIY Company Registration
- Only pay the ASIC fee
- Higher risk of errors in company structure
- No professional guidance on tax or compliance
Online Company Formation Services
- Moderate cost
- Uses template-based setups
- Limited support and advice
Accountant-Assisted Setup
- Higher initial cost
- Correct company structure from the beginning
- Ongoing compliance and tax advice
Choosing professional assistance can prevent costly mistakes in share structure, director details, or tax planning.
First-Year Company Setup Costs Example
Consider a business owner registering BuildPro Pty Ltd.
Estimated first-year costs may include:
- ASIC company registration fee
- Accountant company setup services
- Business name registration
- Company tax return preparation
- Bookkeeping software subscription
- BAS lodgements
- First annual ASIC review fee
By planning for these costs early, business owners avoid cash flow surprises in their first year.
Ongoing Company Compliance Costs
Registering a company is only the first step. To remain compliant, businesses must budget for ongoing obligations.
Typical annual company costs include:
- ASIC annual review fee
- Company tax return preparation
- BAS and GST lodgements
- Bookkeeping software subscriptions
- Professional accounting services
- Company secretarial services
Proper financial planning ensures your company remains compliant with both ASIC and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Corporate Trustee Setup Costs
Many businesses create a family trust structure with a corporate trustee for asset protection.
However, this requires registering an additional company that acts as the trustee.
This means:
- A second ASIC company registration fee
- A second annual review fee every year
Failing to plan for these duplicate costs is a common mistake when establishing trust structures.
Common Company Registration Cost Mistakes
Many new directors underestimate the total cost of running a company.
Choosing the Cheapest Setup Option
Low-cost online registrations may result in incorrect company structures.
Forgetting the Annual Review Fee
The ASIC annual review fee must be paid every year to maintain registration.
Confusing ACN and ABN
An ACN legally establishes the company, while an ABN is used for business transactions and tax purposes.
Ignoring Ongoing Accounting Costs
Businesses must budget for tax returns, BAS lodgements, and bookkeeping services.
Planning ahead can prevent compliance issues and financial penalties.
How Supertax Can Help With Company Registration
Setting up a company correctly from the beginning can save significant time and money in the future.
At Supertax, we provide comprehensive company setup and compliance services designed to help Australian businesses succeed.
Our Company Registration Services Include
✔ Company registration with ASIC
✔ ACN and ABN registration assistance
✔ Business name registration
✔ Director ID guidance
✔ Corporate trustee company setup
✔ Company structure advice for tax efficiency
✔ Ongoing accounting and compliance support
Our team ensures your business structure is fully compliant, tax-efficient, and ready for growth.
Why Choose Supertax?
Business owners choose Supertax because we offer:
- Professional Australian accounting expertise
- Fast and accurate company registrations
- Tailored tax and compliance advice
- Ongoing business support
- Affordable startup packages
Whether you are launching a new startup, small business, or investment company, Supertax can help you build the right foundation.
Start Your Company With Confidence
Understanding the true company registration costs in Australia helps entrepreneurs plan their finances and avoid unexpected expenses.
With the right support, you can focus on growing your business while professionals manage the compliance requirements.
Contact Supertax for Company Registration Services
If you are planning to start a company in Australia, our team is ready to assist you with a smooth and compliant registration process.
Supertax – Australian Accounting & Business Advisory
📞 Phone: (03) 7074 8818
📧 Email: info@supertax.com.au
🌐 Website: http://www.supertax.com.au/
📍 Office Address:
Suite 1, 7 Bridge St
Werribee VIC 3030
Australia
Contact Supertax today to register your company, ensure compliance, and build a strong financial foundation for your business.
Other posts
