The order that actually matters
The reason generic checklists don't help is that they're flat. Every item looks equally urgent, and half of them are written for a company with staff rather than someone going out on their own next month. Sequence is the whole value.
First
Decide your structure
Sole trader, partnership, company or trust. It's the decision everything else hangs off — how you're taxed, what you're liable for, what you have to report. Sole trader is the cheapest and simplest to start.
Then
Register your ABN
Free, 10–20 minutes, through the Australian Business Register. Without one, businesses paying you may have to withhold tax at the top marginal rate. Your ABN appears on ABN Lookup within 24–48 hours.
Then
Business name — only if you need it
Only if you're trading under something other than your own name. Registered with ASIC. Check availability first.
Then
GST — only at the threshold
Register once turnover hits $75,000, or if you expect to reach it in your first year. You get 21 days.
Then
Separate your money
A sole trader isn't legally required to have a business bank account, but mixing personal and business makes everything harder — records, deductions, tax time.
Ongoing
Put money aside for tax
Sole traders report business income on their personal return. Set a percentage aside from day one rather than finding out in October.
The five questions the planner asks
Answer these and the plan builds itself. Questions that don't apply are skipped.
Where are you up to?
Idea stage, setting up, or already trading — this sets everything else.
How are you setting it up?
Sole trader, partnership, company — structure changes what you need.
What kind of work is it?
Your industry decides which registrations and licences actually apply.
What do you expect to earn in year one?
Drives the GST threshold question and how much to put aside.
Do you have an ABN yet?
If not, that's usually your first step. If you do, it's skipped.
Then: your ordered plan
Short, sequenced, linking to ato.gov.au where you need it.
Get the planner
Free. We'll email the download link straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is this tax or legal advice?
No. General information to help you get started. For your situation, check ato.gov.au or talk to a registered tax agent.
How much does an ABN cost?
Nothing. Registration through the Australian Business Register is free. Be cautious of third-party services charging a fee to lodge it for you.
How long does it take to get an ABN?
Most sole traders receive theirs immediately. If the application needs manual review it can take up to 28 days.
Do I need to register for GST straight away?
Only once your turnover reaches the threshold, or if you expect to reach it in your first year.
Can I start a business while employed full-time?
Many people do. Check your employment contract for restrictions on outside business activity first.
Is my information saved anywhere?
No. Your answers stay in the browser while the file is open.