Business name registration

[projectKen]

I have an idea for a side business that would predominantly be web based but may also lead to some consulting work. As with many businesses of this type it may never get off the ground or attract any customers for some time. Business structure will be sole trader but I would like to trade under another name thus I need to register a business name in my state. I note that in registering a business name the conditions state that you must commence trading within 2 months of business name been issued. I have settled on a name and it is not in use, I would like to apply for it now however doubt I will be up and running ready for business within 2 months nor could I guarantee any custom were it up and running.

It also would appear that I require the business name registration to purchase the .com.au but not .com. I definitely wish to purchase the domains now so I can move forward with WWW development, however would hate to buy up without the certainty of business name registration confirmation.

Any tips on the best approach?

[AshleyWhiteBusiness]

Why can't you proceed in two months. If the name is not taken then I bet it will be okay.

[JakeThomas]

Hi ProjectKen,

Just a slight correction - you don't need a business name to register a .com.au - you need an ABN.

I thought I would launch my business in a few months when I started up - but it ended up taking me 4.

What state are you launching your business? As rules vary slightly from state to state.

[projectKen]

I am in Victoria.

I had heard that you can register a .com.au with a business name registration.

Last thing I want to do is purchase domains then discover I am unable to register the business name. I contacted consumer affairs regarding the 2 month commencement period, alas they didn't have an answer for me.

[JakeThomas]

Hmm, I haven't heard anything about requiring to commence trade within 2 months of purchasing the business name - to be honest, I don't think that is correct. A lot of businesses take far more than 2 months to create, and I it would put a bit of a stopper on them if they didn't know what the business would be called!

Also, in regards to registering a .com.au - yes, you need an ABN and no, a business name won't suffice.

[projectKen]

If you look at the registration form which can be downloaded at https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/ca...ia?mode=bnextr you will see the condition re 2 months.

I agree that it doesn't make a lot of sense, based on those conditions I would have to register the business name, upon notification of it been approved, obtain an ABN in order to purchase the .com.au, setup the Webpage and other media ready to trade within 2 months, then if I haven't managed to pass one transaction within the 2 months notify CAV and then what, do I lose the name of which I've just set everything up under?

[JakeThomas]

I see where you are talking about. I know a few people in consumer affairs down there, will give them a call for you on Monday and get some clarification =)

[AshleyWhiteBusiness]

Just a slight correction - you don't need a business name to register a .com.au - you need an ABN.

Oh I miss that.

But still needs a name for the business

[Mics]

Ken, I registered my business name in October last year and I am still not trading. It is taking a LONG time. In QLD it is the same rule......you cannot register a business unless you plan to trade within 2 months of registration. But 'trade' is a ambiguous term. As I am registered for GST, I am still technically trading, as I have to do BAS and declare expenses. That is how I got around the 2 month rule and the ATO is cool with this, even if you do BAS quarterly as far as I am aware.

I registered as soon as I had the money to pay for it, as I did not want someone else taking the name of the business or the domain name. If you are trading under your own name, the rules are a little different in terms of registration.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Mics