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Business Names

A business name is simply a name or title under which a person or other legal entity may conduct its business.

The purpose of the Register of Business Names is to provide a means of finding out the details of the proprietors of a Business where the Business is not trading under the proprietor's name.

Be aware that registering your Business Name does not give you ownership of that name. Registering a particular name does not stop another person from registering a similar name in another state.

If a company carries on a business in a name which is different to its company name, it must register the business name with the appropriate State/Territory authority.

Businesses which are not companies (eg, sole traders and partnerships) are required to register their business name. The exception to this is if they conduct their activity only under the name of the person or persons involved (ie, first name and surname, or initials and surname).

Registration or use of a business name does not create a legal entity (whereas registration of a company does) and does not allow the use of privileges to which a company is entitled, such as a corporate tax rate or limited liability. A business name has no legal status.

Contacting the Office of Fair Trading

NSW Website : www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

Victoria Website : www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Queensland Website : www.consumer.qld.gov.au

ACT Website : www.business.act.gov.au

WA Website : bizline.docep.wa.gov.au

Tasmania Website : www.consumer.tas.gov.au

South Australia Website : www.ocba.sa.gov.au

Northern Territory Website : www.nt.gov.au

Company Register We always provide a fully completed Company Register with all your statutory documents as required under section 1302 of the Corporations Act 2001 along with a bank account kit.

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