Easily Change Your ABN Business Name: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a business name is like naming your new baby—it’s exciting, but it can be tricky.

Whether you're starting fresh or rebranding, the name you choose will be the face of your business.

But what if you need to change your ABN business name? 

Or you’re thinking of expanding?

Let's break it down.

What is ABN Business Name? 

First things first, your ABN business name is the title under which you operate. Changing this might seem easy, but it's not always straightforward.

For instance, maybe you're looking to grow your business.

Or perhaps you want to open new branches, each with its own unique name.

This brings up a common dilemma: do you need a new ABN (Australian Business Number) for each new name, or can you register a new name under your existing ABN?

Here’s the good news—you can trade under the same ABN, as long as your business structure stays the same.

However, if you decide to switch things up and operate under a different name, you can't just change the old one.

You need to register a brand-new business name to make it official.

Why Does it Have to be This Way?

Well, registering a new business name keeps everything legal and above board. It’s a way to protect your brand and ensure your business is easily recognizable and trustworthy.

And one more thing before jumping into it!

Take a moment to figure out:

This planning is crucial to avoid hiccups later on.

Steps to Change an Existing ABN Business Name

1. Check the Availability of Your Business Name

Have you ever wondered if your dream business name is up for grabs?

It's easy to find out with ASIC Connect’s 'Check business name availability' tool.

Here's how to do it:

1. Head to ASIC Connect: Start by clicking the 'Search now' button on the ASIC Connect website.

2. Select 'Check business name availability': Choose this option from the 'Search within' drop-down box.

3. Enter Your Proposed Name: Type in the name you want to check and see if it's available.

Understanding the Results

When you check or register your business name, you'll see one of three results:

🟢 Green: The name is available. Great news!

🟠 Amber: The name needs further checking. Hang tight.

🔴 Red: The name isn’t available. Don’t worry—try tweaking it to make it unique.

Names You Can’t Use

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), certain names are off-limits, including those that:

For these special cases, you'll need written consent from the Minister or their delegate.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

The Business Names Registration Act 2011 outlines the rules for registering a business name, but other laws might also apply, especially concerning professional titles.

If you want to protect your business name from being used by others, consider registering it as a trademark. This gives you:

To learn more about trademarks and to check if your trademark is available, visit the IP Australia website and use their TM Checker tool.

2. Register a Business Name with ASIC Connect

If you're ready to register your business name, here's a simple guide to help you through the process using ASIC Connect:

Step #1: Get Your ABN Ready

You'll need an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be in the process of applying for one.

Step #2: Log in to ASIC Connect 

Step #3: Select 'Business name'

Step #4: Enter Your ABN

Type in your ABN without spaces and select 'Next'.

Step #5: Enter the Proposed Business Name

Input the name exactly as you want it to appear on the register. Remember, business names are case sensitive.

Step #6: Select the Registration Period

Choose whether you want to register your business name for one year or three years.

Step #7: Enter the Business Name Holder's Details

Provide necessary details, such as the holder's date of birth.

Step #8: Enter the Proposed Business Name Address

Input the addresses associated with the business name.

Step #9: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure the business name holder is not disqualified or convicted of offenses under the Business Names Registration Act 2011.

Step #10: Review Your Application

Step #11: Make Payment and Confirm Transaction

Pay by credit card, BPAY, or request an invoice. If you don't pay within 10 days, your application will be canceled, and you'll need to reapply.

After payment, your business name should be registered within 48 hours.

For better understanding, you can watch ASIC’s video instructions on their official YouTube channel. Here is the link.

And voila!

You have successfully changed your ABN business name.

Now, we still need to address when you need a new ABN number and how the process goes.

When Do You Need to Apply For a New ABN?

In Australia, there are certain situations where you need to apply for a new ABN (Australian Business Number):

Real-life Example 

Imagine you own a retail store called “Fashion Forward,” and you operate it as a sole trader. Your ABN is registered under this sole trader business structure.

Business is thriving, and you decide to expand.

👉 Changing Business Structure:

You decide to open an online store called “Fashion Forward Online” and convert your business to a company for liability and growth reasons.

Because the business structure is changing from a sole trader to a company, you need a new ABN for “Fashion Forward Online.”

👉 Opening a New Branch:

You also want to open a new store in a different city under a different name, “Fashion Hub,” but as a partnership with a friend.

This new branch has a different business structure (a partnership) compared to your original sole trader structure.

Therefore, you need a new ABN for “Fashion Hub” to reflect this different structure.

In these examples, both the change from a sole trader to a company for the online store and the creation of a partnership for the new retail branch require new ABNs because the business structures are different from the original.

Read this article if you need to find out how to apply for an ABN number.

What to Do When Your Business Name ABN Changes?

When your business's ABN changes, you need to transfer your business name. This involves a two-step process:

Transferring a business name involves the current and new business owners working together. 👉 If you're the current owner and the new owner wants to use the business name, you need to initiate the transfer.

Once you submit the transfer request, your registration will be canceled within 28 days.

👉 For the new owner, if you wish to continue using the business name, you'll need to register it using the transfer number provided. This process ensures the business name is officially transferred to your ownership.

👉 You'll also need to transfer the business name if there's a change in your business’s ABN or if you're changing your business structure, such as moving from a partnership to a company.

Following these steps ensures a smooth transition and keeps your business operations uninterrupted.

How ANNA Can Help You Change Your ABN Business Name?

Changing your ABN business name doesn’t have to be complicated. 

With ANNA One, you can easily register your Australian company and open a business bank account in one streamlined process.

Plus, we cover the registration cost with ASIC, so it won’t cost you a penny.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Use our search tool to instantly check if your company name is available.

2. Provide a registered office address. This is where official communications will be sent, such as letters from ASIC or ATO. The address must be in Australia.

3. Provide the name, date and place of birth, and residential address of the director and shareholder.

That’s it! 

The Benefits of Utilizing ANNA Solutions?

With ANNA, you get help with all the necessary registrations, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.

✨ One of our standout features is providing comprehensive support.

We are available 24/7 and always ready to assist with any questions or issues you might encounter.

Constant support can make a significant difference, especially during critical moments, and it can provide you with the confidence and assistance you need.

✨ ANNA also simplifies your business finances.

From managing your bookkeeping to creating professional invoices, our platform helps you stay organized and on top of your financial records.

Automated features like tax calculations and receipt matching save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.

✨ Efficient invoicing is another key benefit.

ANNA helps ensure that your invoices are paid promptly, improving your cash flow and reducing the stress of unpaid bills.

In summary, if you need to change your ABN business name, ANNA provides the tools and support to make the transition smooth.

Get started with ANNA One and register your company today!

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