Business Structures & Setup
Pty Ltd Company Registrations
Registering a Pty Ltd company is one of the most important steps a business owner takes. PHC & Associates handles the full ASIC registration process — from choosing the right share structure to setting up your constitution and understanding your obligations as a director from day one.
1000+
Structures Set Up
CPA
Certified
ASIC
Registered Agent
What's Included
Everything Covered in This Service
Full ASIC company registration — ACN, company name, and registered office
Share structure design — share classes, number of shares, and initial shareholders
Director and secretary appointments and consent forms
Company constitution — standard or customised
ABN, TFN, and GST registration for the new company
Bank account setup coordination
Director obligations briefing — what you must do and by when
Post-registration compliance checklist provided
Key Concepts
What You Need to Know
Understanding the essentials helps you make better decisions and ask the right questions.
The Registration Process
ASIC registers companies within 1–3 business days. Once registered, the company receives an ACN, and we then obtain the ABN and TFN through the ATO. The whole process typically takes 3–5 business days end-to-end.
Choosing Your Share Structure
Most small companies use a simple single class of ordinary shares. However, multiple share classes give flexibility for different voting rights, dividend entitlements, and future ownership transfers. We advise on the right structure for your situation.
Standard vs Custom Constitution
ASIC provides a default set of company rules (replaceable rules). Most small companies adopt a custom constitution instead — which gives greater flexibility around share transfers, director powers, and dispute resolution.
Director Obligations
Company directors have legal duties under the Corporations Act — including duties of care, to avoid insolvent trading, and to act in the best interests of the company. We brief all new directors on these obligations at setup.
Why It Matters
Why This Matters for Your Business
The decisions you make at setup have long-lasting consequences — financially, legally, and operationally.
Structure Matters Before You Incorporate
The decisions you make when incorporating — share classes, director appointments, constitution — are far easier to get right at the start than to change later. Amendments require ASIC filings and sometimes shareholder resolutions.
Directors Are Personally Liable for Insolvent Trading
If a company continues trading while insolvent, directors can be held personally liable for debts incurred during that period. Understanding this obligation from day one is critical.
A Company Separates Business from Personal Risk
Unlike a sole trader, a company is a separate legal entity. Business debts and liabilities sit with the company — not with you personally — provided the company is properly maintained.
Tax Planning Starts at Incorporation
The share structure you choose at incorporation determines who can receive dividends and at what tax rate. Getting this right at the start avoids costly restructuring later.
Compliance Obligations Begin Immediately
From the moment a company is registered, ASIC annual review fees, solvency resolutions, and lodgement obligations apply. Missing these in year one sets a poor precedent.