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ABN and sole trader startup checklist for Australia
Starting as a sole trader is mostly paperwork done in the right order. This checklist walks through the usual steps and links the official page for each, so you can check the current rules yourself.
1. Check that sole trader is the right structure
A sole trader is the simplest structure: you and the business are the same legal person, and business income goes in your individual tax return. The ATO explains the tax side of each structure on its business structures key tax obligations page.
2. Apply for an ABN
You apply through the Australian Business Register. Applying directly is free, as the ABR and business.gov.au explain. Be wary of sites that charge to lodge it for you.
3. Register a business name, if you need one
If you trade under anything other than your own name, you generally need to register a business name with ASIC. See Register a business name. Trading under your exact personal name doesn't need one.
4. Decide on GST
You must register for GST once your GST turnover reaches the threshold on the ATO's Registering for GST page ($75,000 for most businesses), and some industries, such as ride-sourcing, must register from day one. Below the threshold it's optional; registering means charging GST and lodging a BAS.
5. Set up records from day one
Keep a separate bank account, save every receipt, and log income and expenses as they happen. The ATO's guide to setting up your business invoices covers what your invoices should show.
6. Licences, insurance and the rest
Many trades and services need a state licence, and most businesses should think about public liability insurance. Requirements vary by industry and state, so check your industry's regulator. Then plan for tax: as a sole trader nobody withholds tax from your business income, so set money aside each time you're paid.
General information only, not tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked ato.gov.au page for the current version, or ask a registered tax agent about your situation.
- GST calculator: add or remove 10% GST — runs in your browser, nothing is sent anywhere.
- Tax set-aside calculator for 2026–27 — runs in your browser, nothing is sent anywhere.
Want it done for you? ABN & Sole Trader Startup Checklist (PDF, DOCX, XLSX)
Our checklist turns these steps into 40 tick-boxes across 11 sections, each linked to its official government page, so you can work through setup in order.
- Fillable 9-page A4 PDF checklist
- Editable .docx version
- .xlsx tick-list with a progress count
- 25 official sources, facts checked 15 Nov 2026
US$7.99 one-time on Whop. Instant download.
See it on Whop →Related guides
- GST and BAS tracker spreadsheet for Australian sole traders
- How much should I charge as a sole trader in Australia?
- Small business templates for Australian sole traders
General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check the official pages linked above, or ask a registered tax agent, before you rely on anything here. Last checked 16 Nov 2026.