Before you can apply for NDIS registration, invoice clients, or hire staff, you need to set up your business legally. This includes registering your ABN, and in some cases, an ACN (Australian Company Number) and business name.
This guide will show you how to:
Register an ABN
Register a company and get an ACN
Register a trading/business name
| Registration | What It Means | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| ABN (Australian Business Number) | Unique number for your business | Needed by all businesses |
| ACN (Australian Company Number) | Number for companies registered with ASIC | Only needed if you set up a company |
| Business Name | The name you trade under | Optional if using your own name, required if using another name |
This is the most common setup for new NDIS providers who are working alone or just starting out.
Go to 👉 https://register.business.gov.au
Click “Register” and scroll slightly to see “Select new registration to apply for”
Select:
✅ Australian Business Number (ABN)
✅ Business Name (middle option)
Click Continue, then review what you need, scroll down and click Start Applying
When asked for structure, choose:
Individual (Sole Trader)
Yes, you operate in Australia
Yes, you are starting or have started
Select Nature of Activity = “In the form of a business”
Continue the form until complete — it usually takes 10–15 minutes
If you want to run your business as a company (e.g., David Onica Pty Ltd), you’ll need an ACN as well.
Go to 👉 https://register.business.gov.au
Click “Register” and scroll to “Select new registration to apply for”
Select:
✅ Australian Business Number (ABN) (first)
✅ Australian Company and Company Name (last option)
On the next page, click Continue and then Start Applying
Choose:
Business is PRIVATE
Sub-type: Proprietary Limited
Continue through the setup and submit
💡 Your company name will also be registered automatically with ASIC when you follow these steps.
If you already have an ABN and just want to trade under a new name (e.g., “Onica Support Services”), follow these steps:
Go to 👉 https://register.business.gov.au
Click “Register” and scroll to “Select new registration to apply for”
Select:
✅ Business Name (middle option only)
Continue to the next page and click Start Applying
Select:
“I already have an ABN”
Enter your ABN and continue through the steps
You must register for GST if your business earns over $75,000 per year
BUT — NDIS services are GST-free, so even if you register for GST, you won’t charge it
It’s still smart to register for GST if:
You’re running a company
You plan to earn over $75k
You want to claim GST credits on business expenses
💡 HPA can help you decide what’s best based on your business goals.
| What You Need | Sole Trader | Company |
|---|---|---|
| ABN | ✅ | ✅ |
| Business Name | ✅ (if not using your own name) | ✅ |
| ACN | ❌ | ✅ |
| TFN for Business | Optional | ✅ |
| Bank Account | ✅ | ✅ (company account must match company name) |