Cost to Register a Company in Australia 2026 (Full Breakdown)

Registering a company in Australia is more affordable than most people think — but the sticker price is only part of the story. Here’s exactly what it costs to register a Pty Ltd in 2026, plus the ongoing responsibilities every director takes on the day the company comes to life.

What it costs to register (upfront)

There are two components to the upfront cost: the ASIC government registration fee and the service fee you pay a provider (like us) to prepare and lodge everything correctly.

Item	Cost	Paid to
ASIC company registration fee	$636	ASIC (government)
Cheap Company Setup service fee	$60	Us
Total to get registered	$696	—

The ASIC fee of $636 applies from 1 July 2026 (it was $611 in the prior year — ASIC indexes it annually). That fee is fixed by the government and is the same no matter who you register through. What varies between providers is the service fee on top. Our fee covers preparing your company constitution, member and director consents, share structure, and lodging the Form 201 with ASIC so your ACN is usually issued the same day.

What it costs to keep the company (ongoing)

A company is an ongoing legal entity, so there is one predictable annual cost you should budget for from day one:

Item	Cost	Frequency
ASIC annual review fee	$342	Every year, on your registration anniversary
Late payment (up to 1 month over)	+$102	Penalty
Late payment (more than 1 month over)	+$428	Penalty

Each year ASIC sends an annual review notice around your registration anniversary. You pay the $342 review fee and confirm your company details are still correct. Pay it on time and there are no penalties; miss the deadline and the late fees above are added automatically. A company that pays for three years in advance can lock in the fee, but most small companies simply pay annually.

Beyond ASIC, your other ongoing costs depend on your situation — typically accounting/tax return preparation, and bookkeeping software if you use it. These aren’t government fees, so they vary widely.

Your responsibilities as a director

Registering is quick. Running the company compliantly is the ongoing part. Here are the core obligations every Australian company director takes on:

1. Get a Director ID (before you’re appointed)

Every director must have a Director Identification Number (Director ID) — a unique 15-digit identifier you keep for life. You must apply for it yourself through Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS); it’s free, and it must be in place before you’re appointed as a director. It’s a personal legal requirement, not something a service provider can do for you.

2. Keep ASIC details current (within 28 days)

If anything on the company register changes — registered office address, directors, shareholders, share structure — you must notify ASIC, usually within 28 days. Late notifications attract fees. Keeping details current is one of the most commonly missed obligations, so build a habit of updating ASIC whenever something changes.

3. Pay the annual review fee & confirm details

As above — respond to the annual review notice each year, pay the $342 fee, and confirm the company’s details are accurate. This is what keeps the company registered and in good standing.

4. Keep proper financial records

The Corporations Act requires companies to keep written financial records that correctly record and explain transactions and financial position, and to retain them for at least seven years. Good records also make your tax return and any future sale or audit far simpler.

5. Meet your director duties

Directors have legal duties: to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company, to act with care and diligence, to avoid conflicts of interest and improper use of position or information, and — critically — to prevent the company trading while insolvent. Trading on when the company can’t pay its debts can expose you to personal liability.

6. Stay on top of tax and reporting

Depending on your turnover and activities you may need to register for an ABN, GST (once turnover reaches $75,000), and PAYG withholding if you employ staff. The company lodges its own tax return, and if registered for GST, regular BAS statements. An accountant is worth it here — which is exactly why many people choose a company structure with professional support in place.

So — is it worth it?

For $696 up front and $342 a year, a Pty Ltd gives you limited liability, a flat 25–30% company tax rate, credibility with clients and banks, and a structure you can grow, bring in partners, or sell. For many small business owners that’s a straightforward yes. If you’re still weighing it up against staying a sole trader, read our full comparison below.

Ready to register?

We’ll prepare and lodge everything with ASIC and your ACN is usually issued the same day — all for a $60 service fee on top of the government charge.

Keep reading:

This article is general information only and current as at 2026. ASIC fees are indexed annually — always check current fees at asic.gov.au. It is not financial, legal or tax advice; consider your own circumstances or speak to a licensed professional.

Ready to register your company?

Skip the extras and hidden fees. Register a company in Australia for a flat $60 service fee plus the $636 ASIC government fee — constitution and every registration document included, usually ready the same day.

How much does it cost to register a company in Australia? (2026)