Business Formation Help Centre

Quick solutions to common challenges faced during company registration and business setup in Australia

Document Rejection During Registration

Your application gets bounced back with vague feedback about "incomplete documentation" or "insufficient information." This happens more often than you'd think, especially when ASIC's automated systems flag something that looks off.

Step-by-Step Resolution Process

1 Review the rejection notice carefully - Look for specific field references or document codes mentioned

2 Cross-check your ID documents - Ensure scanned copies are clear, in colour, and show all four corners

3 Verify address documentation - Bank statements or utility bills must be dated within the last 3 months

4 Double-check director consent forms - Each director needs a separate, signed Form 201 with witnessed signatures

Document Quality

Always scan at 300 DPI minimum. Phone photos often get rejected due to poor resolution or lighting issues.

Name Availability

Check company name availability through ASIC Connect before submitting your application to avoid unnecessary delays.

Important Note:

If your application gets rejected twice, consider consulting with a registered agent. Sometimes a fresh perspective catches details you might have missed.

Banking Delays and Account Setup Issues

You've got your ACN, but banks are making you jump through hoops. Some want additional verification, others seem confused about your business structure. The whole process feels like it's designed to frustrate you.

Banking Roadmap That Actually Works

1 Gather your complete company package - ASIC certificate, constitution, director identification, registered office details

2 Book appointments with 2-3 banks - Don't rely on online applications for new companies; face-to-face meetings work better

3 Prepare your business activity summary - Banks need to understand what you'll actually be doing, not just your industry category

4 Bring initial deposit funds - Having money ready to deposit shows you're serious and can speed up approval

Bank Relationships

If you have personal banking history with a bank, start there. Existing relationships often smooth the business account process.

Timing Strategy

Apply for banking within 2 weeks of company registration. Some banks flag older companies without banking as higher risk.

Alternative Options

Consider digital business banks like Up or Xero Bank if traditional banks are being difficult. They often have simpler requirements.

Watch Out For:

Some banks will approve your account but then freeze it after the first deposit. This usually happens when your business activity doesn't match what you described during setup.

Tax Registration and ABN Complications

The ATO wants more information about your business activities, or your ABN application is sitting in limbo. Maybe you're confused about GST registration timing, or wondering if you need to register for PAYG when you don't have employees yet.

Tax Setup Made Simple

1 Complete your ABN application immediately after incorporation - Don't wait; the 28-day window makes everything easier

2 Describe your business activities in plain English - Avoid jargon; the ATO wants to understand what you actually do

3 Set up GST registration if you expect ,000+ turnover - You can register earlier if you want to claim input credits

4 Configure your Business Activity Statement (BAS) reporting - Monthly if GST registered with high volume, quarterly otherwise

Record Keeping

Start tracking expenses from day one, even before you earn income. Setup costs are often tax deductible.

Professional Help

Consider engaging an accountant early in 2025. Tax laws changed in late 2024, and professional guidance prevents costly mistakes.

Software Setup

Choose accounting software before your first transaction. Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks all integrate well with ATO systems.

Common Mistake:

Don't register for PAYG withholding until you actually need it. The ATO will send you nil reports to complete, which just creates extra paperwork.

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