Know Before You Sell: AU/NZ Business Registration
Before you can purchase wholesale products for resale in Australia and New Zealand, there are a few steps you need to take to register your business and ensure you're operating legally.
Australia
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Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN):
➤ https://www.abr.gov.au
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If you opt to do sales under any name that is not your legal name, then you must also:
Register your Business Name with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
➤ https://abn-register.com.au - This is required if you trade under a name other than your own.
- There is an annual cost associated with registration.
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Starting a New Business Guide https://business.gov.au/guide/starting?section=Beforeyoustart
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GST registration is only mandatory if your annual gross sales exceed $75,000 AUD.
- Be prepared to provide the following information upon enrollment:
- Business name or legal name
- Example 1: Cassie Garven (Legal Name)
- Example 2: Love Stuff (Registered Business Name)
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GST Number (if applicable)
New Zealand
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Apply for an New Zealand Business Number (NZBN):
➤ https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/manage-your-nzbn/setting-up-your-account/
- Trade as a Sole Trader
- Use your legal name and IRD # (Inland Revenue Department/Tax Identification #)
- Your IRD doubles as your GST # if registered.
- Example: Phoebe Guthrie Trading as Pure Romance (Sole Trader)
OR
- Form a Limited Company (LTD) – this requires a separate IRD # and GST # (if applicable).
- GST registration is only mandatory if your annual gross sales exceed $60,000 NZD.
- Example: Love Stuff NZ Ltd (Registered Company)
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Starting a New Business Guide https://www.ird.govt.nz/situations/i-am-starting-a-new-business
- Be prepared to provide the following information upon enrollment:
- Business name or trading name
- Example 1: Phoebe Guthrie Trading as Pure Romance (Sole Trader)
- Example 2: Pure Romance NZ Ltd (Registered Company)
- IRD Number – your personal or company IRD #
- GST Number (if applicable)
