GrowOnline Pty. Ltd. | growonline.com.au

3.1 Apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number)

An ABN is mandatory to run a business in Australia. It is free and takes approximately 20 minutes online via the Australian Business Register.

3.2 Register Your Business Name

If you trade under a name other than your own full legal name, you must register it with ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission).

  • 1-year registration: $43

  • 3-year registration: $101

  • Register at: asic.gov.au

  • Check availability first using the ASIC business name search tool

3.3 Register for GST

You must register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more. Even below this threshold, registering early is often beneficial for ecommerce businesses as it allows you to claim back GST on business expenses.

  • Register via your myGov account linked to the ATO (ato.gov.au)

  • GST rate in Australia is 10% on most goods and services

  • Lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS) quarterly or monthly

  • Some products may be GST-free (e.g., basic food, medical products)

3.4 Consider a Trademark

Protecting your brand name, logo, and tagline with an IP Australia trademark gives you exclusive rights to use them nationally. This is especially important for ecommerce where brand recognition is everything.

  • Standard trademark application: approximately $250 per class

  • Protects you for 10 years (renewable)

  • Apply at: ipaustralia.gov.au

  • Engage a trademark attorney for complex applications