How do I know if a company is the right structure?

A company can suit when you want limited liability, multiple owners, investment, or to separate business and personal finances. It may not suit micro businesses with low risk or those eligible for simpler sole trader setups. Compare with a trust or sole trader after getting advice.

How long does it take to set up a company in Australia?

With the right information, ASIC registration can often be completed the same day. ABN/TFN and tax registrations are commonly issued within minutes to a few days. End‑to‑end setup (software, payroll, reporting) usually takes 1–2 weeks depending on complexity.

What does company setup cost?

Expect an ASIC fee plus professional fees. Accountants may offer a fixed package covering incorporation documents, registrations and software setup, or bill hourly. Ask for an itemised scope so you can compare like‑for‑like.

Company Set Up Accountant | Accounting Help for New Companies

Q: What does company setup usually involve?

In Australia it typically covers director ID, ASIC company registration (ACN), TFN/ABN, GST and PAYG withholding (if required), bank account setup, payroll with Single Touch Payroll and super, bookkeeping software configuration, initial minutes and registers, and appointing an ASIC agent for ongoing annual review.

Q: What should I compare before choosing a provider?

Check scope (ASIC registration, tax registrations, software and payroll setup), turnaround time, fixed-fee vs hourly pricing, ongoing ASIC agent support, experience with your industry and software, and how they handle deadlines and handover.

Q: What should I read next?

If you’re refining your brief, review Business Structure Advice, ABN Registration Help, Business Name and Tax Set Up, and the New Business Accounting Checklist. If you’re ready to proceed, use the form on this page to request help.

How this usually works

A practical company setup follows a clear path so you can trade sooner and stay compliant from day one. Here’s the typical workflow a company setup accountant will run:

1) Structure and director checks: Confirm that a company is the right fit versus a trust or sole trader, obtain/verify Director IDs, and confirm shareholders and officeholders.

2) ASIC registration: Lodge the application, issue the ACN, adopt a constitution, record share allotments and prepare initial minutes and statutory registers. Set the registered office and, if engaged, appoint an ASIC agent.

3) Tax registrations: Apply for the company TFN and ABN. Register for GST if required, and for PAYG withholding if you plan to hire or pay directors’ fees/salaries.

4) Banking and systems: Open the company bank account, set up bookkeeping software (e.g. Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks), chart of accounts, invoice templates and receipt capture.

5) Payroll setup: Enable Single Touch Payroll, superannuation (via a clearing house) and payroll tax checks if applicable to your state.

6) Handover and schedule: Provide the compliance calendar (BAS, STP, super, income tax, ASIC annual review), set reporting rhythms and outline who does what internally vs. your accountant/bookkeeper.

Set up my company See the new business checklist

Australian context to keep in view

Directors must have a Director ID before incorporation or appointment.
An ABN is required for trading and for GST registration. Businesses that don’t quote an ABN may have payments withheld by payers in many cases.
GST registration is mandatory when projected or actual GST turnover reaches $75,000 (taxis/ride‑share must register regardless of turnover).
Set up Single Touch Payroll and superannuation contributions from your first payroll; the super guarantee rate is currently legislated to increase over time.
Companies pay a corporate tax rate (many small businesses qualify as base rate entities). Profit distributions to owners are handled via salaries, dividends or loan rules (e.g. Division 7A) rather than drawings.
ASIC annual review happens each year; keep company details current and pay the review fee on time to avoid penalties.

Ask about GST and payroll setup

What to compare before you commit

Scope

Confirm the proposal includes ASIC incorporation, constitution, share certificates, TFN/ABN, GST and PAYG registrations, payroll/STP setup, software configuration and initial minutes/registers.

Software fit

Choose a provider strong in your preferred stack (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) and tools like receipt capture and payment gateways. Ask them to explain the workflow, not just list software names.

Turnaround and communication

Get clear timeframes (often same‑day ASIC with 1–2 weeks for full setup), who’s responsible for each task, and how urgent issues are escalated during busy periods.

Commercial fit

Compare fixed‑fee vs hourly pricing, inclusions/exclusions, ASIC agent service, meeting rhythm, and whether you want compliance‑only or ongoing advisory/reporting support.

Compare providers with my brief

Best next steps

Define your outcome in one sentence (e.g. “Incorporate and start payroll in two weeks” or “Register and migrate to Xero with GST from day one”). Then shortlist providers against that outcome, not just the title “company setup”.

If you are still refining scope, these pages help narrow the brief: Business Structure Advice, ABN Registration Help, Business Name and Tax Set Up, and the New Business Accounting Checklist. If you are ready to proceed, use the form below.

Start my company setup Accountant for New Companies

Frequently asked questions

What does company setup usually involve?

In Australia it includes Director IDs, ASIC incorporation (ACN), constitution and share allotments, TFN/ABN, GST and PAYG registrations as needed, bank account opening, bookkeeping and payroll setup (STP and super), and appointing an ASIC agent plus initial minutes and registers.

How do I know if this service suits my business?

It suits when you want limited liability, multiple owners, or to separate business and personal finances. If your risk and turnover are low, compare options in Business Structure Advice before incorporating.

What should I compare before choosing a provider?

Compare scope and inclusions, turnaround, software depth, fixed fee vs hourly, ongoing ASIC agent service, and how they support BAS, payroll and reporting post‑setup.

How long does it take to set up a company?

ASIC registration can be same‑day with the right information. Allow 1–2 weeks to complete software, payroll and reporting setup depending on complexity.

What should I read next?

See ABN Registration Help, Business Name and Tax Set Up, and the New Business Accounting Checklist, or use the form below to request help.

Company Set Up Accountant