If you have a creative business, you may need to register it for different things. This is so your business can operate lawfully and successfully.
Which registrations you need will depend on your business structure. For example, there are specific registrations if you are set up as a company or set up as a co-operative.
Some common types of registrations your business may need to apply for are:
Australian Business Numbers (ABNs)
An Australian Business Number (or an ABN) is an identification number for your business. It identifies your business to other people, businesses and the government.
A range of business structures may apply for an ABN. For example, independent contractors, companies and co-operatives can all have an ABN.
An ABN can help with invoicing customers, claiming GST credits and registering a domain name.
Holding an ABN also means your customers don’t have to withhold tax from the money they pay you.
To apply for an ABN you must be carrying on a business. If you haven’t yet started your business, you need to show you are doing things to start your business. For example, issuing quotes for work, advertising your services or applying for insurance.
Visit the Australian Business Register to find out whether your business is entitled to an ABN
Applying for an ABN is free if you apply directly to the Australian Business Register.
Business or trading name
A business name is the name you want your business to be known as. It is also called a trading name.
A business name must be shown on all written communication from that business.
Before registering a business name, first check whether it is available by searching the ASIC register.
Then you can register your business name with ASIC. You usually need to pay a fee.
If you want to stop others using your business name you can also protect it with a trademark.
Business.gov.au has more information about registering your business name.
You don’t have to register a business name if:
- you are in business as an individual sole trader and
- your business name is your own name.
Licences and permits
A business may require a licence or permit for:
- things the business does
- where the business is doing the activities.
For example, local governments may require permits for certain business activities in community spaces.
Certain types of work may also require police or security checks. For example, when volunteering or working with children.
Which licences you need can also depend on the structure of the business.
Providing services without the right licence or permit may be breaking the law.
Find the licences you need for your business at business.gov.au.
In practice:
Artisan market company applies for a council permit
An artisan market company wants to build a temporary stage in the local public park for local musicians to perform for people at the market. The company applies to their local council for a permit that allows them to erect the stage on public land.
Performance artist applies for a working with children (WWC) check
Sadie is a performance artist set up as a sole trader. She wants to provide her artistic performances to school-based holiday care.
Sadie finds out from the holiday care provider that she must apply for a working with children check under the laws in her state.
Sadie checks that she is required to have a WWC check with a government department and submits her application to get a WWC number.
Domain names
A domain name is the address of a website.
You don’t have to have a domain name for your business – but lots of businesses do.
If you want a website or email address for your business, a registered domain name that matches your business name is a good way to promote your services and help people find you.
You can register a domain name:
- through a website hosting company, or
- by looking for a listed registrar or reseller on www.auda.org.au
Business.gov.au has more information about registering a domain name.
In practice:
Freelance writer applies for an ABN and domain name, and registers business name to protect it with a trademark
Priya is a freelance writer who operates as a sole trader. She wants to create and record her own podcast based on her profile and experiences as a writer.
By applying for an ABN, Priya can apply for a domain name. The domain name enables Priya to build a website for uploading her podcasts and other written content she prepares.
Although she is trading using her own name, Priya decides to register her name as a business name and protects it with a trademark.
Trade marks
A trade mark registration can help protect the things that are unique or valuable to your creative business or work. For example, your businesses brand, products or services.
Trade marks can be sold or licensed. They usually last 10 years and may be renewed.
A trade mark gives the trade mark owner exclusive rights to the brand, product or services that have been registered. A trade mark can be identified by using the ® symbol.
You can search the TM tracker before registering for one yourself.
This can help work out if there is likely to be problems with registering something you would like to trade mark. For example, there may already be a trade mark registered for a business logo your business would like to use.
Learn more about trademarks and intellectual property.
More in this section:
Setting up as an independent contractor
There are lots of independent contractors in the creative industries. When you work as an independent contractor, you have your own business. This page has information to help you work out if it’s the right business structure for you and some basics on setting up.
Setting up as a company
There are lots of things to consider when deciding whether a company is the right structure for your creative business. Setting up as a company can offer benefits, but it is not straightforward and can be costly.
Setting up or joining a co-operative
A co-operative is a business structure that exists to benefit its members. It can be a useful business structure to support creative professionals working in creative industries.
Registering your business
Most creative businesses need to be registered for different things so they can operate.
Business tax
Having some knowledge of how a business works with the tax system is important for any creative business – even if tax is usually something you’re not very interested in.
Business insurance
Business insurance can protect the business and the owner if things go wrong. Some insurances are required by law. Others can be a good idea.
Record keeping for businesses and organisations
Keeping the right business records will help you keep things on track and meet your business obligations.
Employee records
Businesses and organisations must keep employee records, including about working hours, pay, leave and super.
