It’s common for businesses to use a trading name that differs from their legal name or registered business name.

At present, these trading names appear on the ABN Lookup results on the Australian Business Register (ABR).

From November 2018 that will change. All trading names will be removed from ABN Lookup, including those that are listed against Australian Business Numbers (ABNs). Only ASIC registered business names will still be listed.

A grace period has been in effect to allow businesses time to transition over to the new business name register.

If you think this may apply to your business, you should check which trading names are linked to your ABN.

If you want to continue to operate under those trading names you will need to register those names as business names with ASIC.

If you trade under your own name, Sarah Jones, for example, then you don’t need to register it as a business name. However, if there is more than just your name – say ‘Sarah Jones Consulting’ – then registration is required.

Once your business name is successfully registered you will receive confirmation from ASIC and your business name will be added to ABN Lookup.

Any questions? Call ASIC on 1300 300 630 for further assistance with registering your business name.

If you’d like further business advice, LDB is happy to help. Give us a call on (03) 9875 2900 or drop us a line via the contact form below.