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Companies

In Australia a company is a separate legal entity that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Companies are regulated under the Corporations Act 2001.

The advantages of operating a business through a company include:

  • 30% tax rate (or 28.5% for companies with a turnover less than $2,000,000 pa).
  • Limited liability – this ensures the shareholder’s liability is limited to the capital invested in the company.
  • Ability for investors to pool their investment funds together.

The main disadvantage of operating through a company is that it doesn’t receive the 50% general capital gain discount like individuals. In addition, the extra compliance and regulatory costs and directors’ legal obligations and duties need to be considered.

Before starting a company, the following steps must be undertaken:

  • Firstly, decide if the company structure is right for you.
  • Choose a company name.
  • Decide how to operate the company. This involves deciding if the company will operate under replaceable rules, its own constitution, or a combination of both.
  • Understand directors’ legal obligations.
  • Register the company with ASIC.