Changes to business registration cuts red tape

Helen Hull | June 12, 2012

The way business names are registered has been changed in an attempt to cut costs and red tape for businesses across Australia.

The Federal Government and every State and Territory Government has now passed legislation to allow the first unified national business names registration service.

Prior to the changes which came into effect on 28 May 2012, businesses had to register their names separately – with different fees, forms and processes – in each State and Territory in which they trade. This can cost up to $1,000.

Under the changes businesses will pay one fee of $70 to register a business name nationally for three years.

Businesses will also only have to go through one registration process, which will save time as well as money.

Applying to register or renew a business name can now be done simply online and in most cases businesses will receive confirmation of their registration straight away.

Importantly, existing businesses do not need to do anything when the new service is launched. Their existing state or territory business name registrations will be automatically transferred to the new national register.

We ask you click through to the Red Tape Consultation area and share your experiences with red tape by answering the following questions. We welcome you to provide anecdotal evidence and any supporting material to explain your circumstances.