Learn who needs to register a business name, what it costs, how long it takes through Honcho, and how to manage your registration afterward.
Summary
- You must register a business name if you're a sole trader or partnership trading under a name that isn't your own legal name.
- Honcho charges $199 for 1 year or $297 for 3 years (ASIC's official fee included) and handles the entire ASIC submission for you.
- You need an active ABN and TFN to register — Honcho offers combined ABN + business name registration if you don't have one yet.
- Registration typically takes 3–5 business days; you can't legally use the name until ASIC issues your certificate.
Prerequisites
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN) — mandatory for registration. Honcho can register one for you alongside your business name if needed.
- Tax residency status — you must be a resident for tax purposes, evidenced by a Tax File Number (TFN).
- An available business name — not already registered by someone else with ASIC (see Troubleshooting if it is).
- The registration fee — $199 for a 1-year term or $297 for a 3-year term.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Register a Business Name with Honcho
- Confirm you hold an active ABN and TFN. If you don't have an ABN yet, request Honcho's combined ABN + business name registration.
- Choose your business name and check it isn't already registered with ASIC.
- Submit your application with Honcho — you can add multiple names in a single application under the same ABN, or contact the team to register by phone.
- Select your registration term: 1 year ($199) or 3 years ($297), and complete payment.
- Honcho lodges your application with ASIC in real time on your behalf.
- Wait for ASIC approval — this usually takes 3–5 business days.
- Receive your certificate — Honcho emails your digital registration certificate as soon as it's available. Wait until you receive it before producing business cards, signage, or merchandise.
Eligibility Requirements
Do I need to register a business name?
Yes — if you're operating as a sole trader or partnership and want to trade under a name that isn't your legal name, registration is required.
For example:
- "Samantha Lee" — no registration needed
- "Samantha's Creative Cakes" — must be registered
Registering also helps with branding, marketing, and establishing your business identity.
Can I register if I'm not an Australian resident?
To register a business name, you must:
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Be a resident for tax purposes (i.e. have a Tax File Number)
If you don't have an ABN yet, Honcho can help include it as part of your business name registration.
Restricted words or expressions
If your chosen name contains restricted terms (e.g. "bank," "university," "royal"), you may need special ministerial consent to proceed. Chat with a Honcho business specialist for guidance.
Registration Fees & Why Use Honcho
Fees
Registering directly through Honcho includes ASIC's official fee:
- $199 for 1 year (includes ASIC's $47 fee)
- $297 for 3 years (includes ASIC's $108 fee)
This also covers full application handling, expert support, and real-time submission to ASIC — so you don't have to deal with the process yourself.
Why use Honcho's service?
Honcho is a Registered ASIC Agent (No. 29963). Benefits include:
- Direct, real-time interface with ASIC
- No complex logins or pre-registration steps
- Fast, user-friendly application process
- Expert support via phone, email, and live chat
- Honcho receives and manages ASIC correspondence on your behalf
Managing Your Business Name
When do I need to renew?
Business names must be renewed on the same term you registered for:
- Every 1 year (if registered for 1 year)
- Every 3 years (if registered for 3 years)
Honcho notifies you 30 days before expiry and follows up to help ensure timely renewal.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes — once ASIC approves your business name, Honcho emails you a digital registration certificate.
When can I start using my business name?
Only after it's officially approved by ASIC. To avoid costly reprints, wait until you receive your registration certificate before producing business cards, signage, or merchandise.
Can I register more than one business name?
Yes. You can:
- Add multiple names in a single application
- Register them under the same ABN
- Or contact the Honcho team to register by phone
Is my business name registered nationwide?
Yes — business names registered through ASIC are valid across all Australian states and territories. If you're looking to register a name overseas, contact ASIC directly for guidance.
Can I keep my address private?
Yes. You can request address suppression by contacting ASIC directly on 1300 300 630. Honcho also offers a premium Registered Office Address or CBD Subscription — visit honcho.com.au/virtual-address to learn more.
Do I need a business bank account?
Sole traders can use a personal account, but Honcho recommends a separate business account to:
- Keep your records clear
- Simplify accounting and tax lodgement
Why is Honcho's email on my registration certificate?
As your registered ASIC agent, Honcho manages all ASIC communication on your behalf so you don't miss important updates or notices. If you'd prefer to use your personal email instead, Honcho can update it — however, this will remove Honcho as your registered ASIC agent.
Is the business name fee tax deductible?
- Your initial registration fee is considered a capital expense and can usually be claimed over 5 years (20% per year).
- Renewal fees are generally 100% tax deductible in the year they're paid.
Speak with your accountant or call the ATO on 13 28 66 for specific tax advice.
What's the difference between a business name and a trading name?
Trading names were used prior to 2012 and are now being phased out — since 2018 they're no longer displayed on the ABN Lookup. To legally operate under a business name in Australia, it must be registered with ASIC.
Troubleshooting
-
The business name I want is already registered.
- Why this happens: Another business has already registered that exact name with ASIC.
- What to do: Choose a different, available name. Try adding a location (e.g. "Creative Cakes Sydney") or a unique word or phrase, then resubmit your application.
-
I don't have an ABN yet, and can't complete registration.
- Why this happens: An ABN is a mandatory requirement for business name registration.
- What to do: Request Honcho's combined ABN + business name registration service so both are set up together in one application.
-
I want to remove Honcho's email from ASIC correspondence.
- Why this happens: As your registered ASIC agent, Honcho's email is used by default to manage all ASIC communication on your behalf.
- What to do: Contact Honcho to switch the contact email to your personal address. Note that this will remove Honcho as your registered ASIC agent going forward.