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A company is a type of business structure where your business forms a separate legal entity. This means the company has the same rights as a natural person and can incur debt, sue and be sued.

Unlike a sole trader or a partnership structure, you’re not liable (in your capacity as a member) for the company’s debts. Your only financial obligation is to pay the company any amount unpaid on your shares if you are called on to do so. However, directors of the company may be held personally liable if found to be in breach of their legal obligations.

Companies are expensive and complicated to set up, and generally suit people who expect their business income to be highly variable, and want the option to use losses to offset future profits.

Key elements of a company

There are key elements you should know if you’re looking at starting your business as a company.

A company:

  • is a separate legal entity
  • is a more complex business structure to start and run
  • involves higher set up and running costs than other structures
  • requires you to understand and comply with all obligations under the Corporations Act 2001
  • means that business operations are controlled by directors and owned by the shareholders
  • means company members have limited liability
  • means the money the business earns belongs to the company
  • requires an annual company tax return to be lodged with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • requires you to complete an annual review and pay an annual review fee
  • directors are required to complete a declaration of solvency each year
  • means wider access to capital
  • directors are required to have a director ID.

Tax and legal obligations

Your company must register for goods and services tax (GST) if your turnover is $75,000 or more. The registration threshold for non-profit organisations is $150,000. The ATO has more detailed information on your tax obligations as a company.

Companies and directors have key legal and reporting obligations they must comply with. Some of the more common obligations include:

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