Launch your Australian small business
without missing a step
37-item interactive checklist covering everything from ABN registration to your first marketing push. Check items off as you go - progress saves automatically.
This is the most important decision you will make early on. It affects your tax, liability, and paperwork obligations.
Cons: Personally liable for all debts, harder to raise capital.
Cons: $576 ASIC registration fee, annual review fees, more complex reporting.
Cons: Joint liability, potential for disputes, need a formal agreement.
Cons: Expensive to set up ($1,000-$2,500), complex ongoing compliance, need a trustee.
Your Australian Business Number is free to register and usually approved within minutes. You need it before you can invoice, open a business bank account, or register a domain under .com.au.
If you trade under your own legal name, you do not need to register a business name. Otherwise, register through ASIC for $39/year or $92 for 3 years. Check name availability at ASIC Connect.
Sole traders use their personal TFN. Companies, partnerships, and trusts need a separate TFN. You can apply when you register your ABN, or separately through the ATO.
Keep business and personal finances separate from day one. Most banks let you open a business account online with your ABN. Compare fee-free options from Up, ING, or Macquarie before going with a big four bank.
Requirements vary by state, industry, and local council. Use the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) to check what applies to you. Common ones include food handling, building, electrical, and real estate licences.
GST registration is mandatory once your annual turnover reaches $75,000 AUD. Below that, it is optional but can be worthwhile if your business expenses include significant GST credits. You can register through the ATO Business Portal.
Covers you if a third party is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities. Even home-based businesses should consider it. Policies typically start from $30-$50/month for $5M-$20M cover.
Required if you provide professional advice or services (consulting, accounting, IT, design, etc.). Protects you if a client claims your work caused them financial loss. Some industries mandate it by law.
Required under the Australian Privacy Act if your annual turnover exceeds $3 million, or if you handle health records or trade in personal information. Good practice for every business with a website regardless of size.
Set clear expectations with customers about refunds, warranties, liability limits, and dispute resolution. Must comply with Australian Consumer Law. The $29 launch pack includes an editable template you can adapt.
Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks are the three main options in Australia. Xero is the most popular with small businesses and accountants. Most offer free trials. Connect your business bank account for automatic transaction imports.
If registered for GST, you must lodge a Business Activity Statement (BAS) quarterly or monthly. It reports GST collected, GST paid, PAYG withholding, and PAYG instalments. Due dates are 28 days after the end of each quarter.
A common mistake is spending all revenue without setting aside tax. Open a separate savings account and transfer 25-30% of every payment you receive. This covers income tax, GST, and Medicare levy. Adjust the percentage once you know your actual tax rate.
If you employ staff or contractors who do not quote an ABN, you must withhold tax from their payments and remit it to the ATO. Register through the ATO Business Portal before your first payment to employees.
Sole traders are not required to pay themselves super, but it is strongly recommended. Contributions up to $30,000/year are tax-deductible. Set up regular transfers to your super fund - future you will thank present you.
A .com.au domain requires a valid ABN. It costs around $15-$25/year. Use Crazy Domains, VentraIP, or Cloudflare Registrar. Grab both .com.au and .com if your budget allows.
Use your domain name for email (hello@yourbusiness.com.au). Google Workspace starts at $8.40/month. Zoho Mail has a free tier for up to 5 users. A professional email address builds credibility from day one.
Start with a single page that explains what you do, who you serve, and how to contact you. Carrd ($19/year), Squarespace, or a free Cloudflare Pages site all work. Perfection is the enemy of progress - launch something simple first.
Free and essential for local businesses. Shows your business in Google Maps and local search results. Add photos, business hours, and respond to reviews. Even service-area businesses without a shopfront should set this up.
Pick 1-2 platforms where your target customers spend time. Instagram and Facebook for B2C, LinkedIn for B2B. Secure your business name on all major platforms even if you do not plan to use them all immediately.
Google your service in your area and note what competitors charge. Check their websites, Google Business profiles, and ask for quotes. You do not need to be the cheapest - understand where you sit in the market and why.
Calculate your costs (materials, time, overheads, tax) and add your margin. Common mistake: pricing too low to compete on price alone. Factor in 25-30% for tax and super, plus your desired hourly rate.
Package your services into 2-3 clear tiers. Makes it easier for customers to choose and increases your average sale. Include a "most popular" option in the middle. List clear deliverables for each tier.
Stripe and Square are the easiest to set up for online and in-person payments. Both charge around 1.75% + 30c per transaction. Bank transfer is free but slower. Have at least two payment options available for customers.
Your invoices must include your ABN, business name, invoice number, date, itemised charges, GST amount (if registered), and payment terms. Most accounting software includes invoice templates. The $29 launch pack includes an editable template.
Document the steps from first inquiry to project kickoff. Include a welcome email template, intake questionnaire, contract signing, and deposit payment. A smooth onboarding process sets the tone for the entire client relationship.
Protect yourself and your clients with a clear agreement covering scope, timeline, payment terms, IP ownership, cancellation policy, and liability limits. Never start work without a signed agreement, even for friends and family.
Even as a solo operator, tracking tasks prevents things from falling through the cracks. Trello (free), Notion (free), or Asana (free for individuals) all work well. Pick one and actually use it.
Your existing network is your most powerful marketing channel at launch. Post on LinkedIn, share with friends and family, email former colleagues. Be specific about what you do and who you help. Ask them to share with anyone who might need your services.
Find where your target customers hang out - Facebook groups, Reddit communities (r/AusFinance, r/AustralianAccounting), industry forums, or Slack communities. Contribute value first, then mention your business naturally. Never spam.
Give people a reason to try you now rather than later. Launch discounts, free consultations, or bonus deliverables all work. Set a clear deadline to create urgency. Your first 5-10 clients are about building a portfolio and getting reviews.
Email is still the highest-ROI marketing channel. Mailchimp (free up to 500 contacts), ConvertKit, or Buttondown all work. Add a signup form to your website. Send a simple newsletter with useful content - not just promotions.
Key dates: quarterly BAS due 28 days after quarter end (Oct 28, Feb 28, Apr 28, Jul 28). Annual tax return due October 31 (self-lodged) or later if using a tax agent. Mark these in your calendar now.
The ATO requires you to keep records for 5 years. Use cloud-based accounting software that automatically backs up. Keep digital copies of all receipts (use the ATO app to snap photos). Organise by financial year and expense category.
Common deductions: home office expenses, vehicle costs, phone and internet, tools and equipment, professional development, insurance premiums, accounting fees, and marketing costs. Keep receipts for everything over $10.
A good accountant will save you more than they cost. They can advise on structure, deductions you might miss, and keep you compliant. Ask other small business owners for referrals. Budget $500-$1,500 per year for basic small business tax services.
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Starting a business in Australia
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ATO, ASBFEO 2025
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist specific to Australia?
Yes. Every item covers Australian requirements - ABN registration through the Australian Business Register, GST thresholds set by the ATO, state-based licensing, and Australian insurance requirements. If you are starting a business in Australia, this is built for you.
Do I need to complete items in order?
Not strictly, but the sections are arranged in a logical sequence. Business structure and ABN registration should come first since other steps depend on them. After that, you can work through sections in whatever order suits your situation.
What is included in the $29 launch pack?
The complete launch pack includes all 37 checklist items as a downloadable PDF, plus editable templates for privacy policy, terms of service, invoice template, client contract, and service agreement. Everything you need to go from idea to legally operating business.
Do I need to register for GST straight away?
Only if you expect your annual turnover to exceed $75,000 AUD. Below that threshold, GST registration is optional. However, some businesses choose to register voluntarily to claim GST credits on purchases.
What business structure should I choose?
Most people starting out choose sole trader - it is the simplest and cheapest to set up. You can always restructure later as your business grows. Our structure guide page compares all four options in detail.
How long does it take to complete everything on this list?
Most people can complete the essential items (structure, ABN, bank account, basic online presence) within 1-2 weeks. The full checklist including marketing and operations setup typically takes 4-6 weeks of part-time effort.
Is the checklist progress saved?
Yes. Your progress is saved to your browser's local storage automatically. You can close the page and come back later - all your checked items will still be there. Clearing your browser data will reset your progress.