I Initiated a Transfer to my Business Name Before Company Registration (How to Fix It)

Common Mistake: Transferring a Business Name Before Company Registration (How to Fix It)

Purpose: This Help Centre article explains what to do if you (or your client) initiated a business name transfer before registering a Pty Ltd company, which often leads to an ASIC rejection.

---

What’s Happened

• The company application was rejected because the proposed company name matches a registered business name that is currently being transferred.
• ASIC won’t approve the company until the business name transfer is complete.

---

Quick Fix (Recommended)

1. Complete the business name transfer to the right party
   The business name should be transferred to a director or a shareholder of the new company.
   – They must have a personal or entity ABN.
   – If a director/shareholder does not have an ABN, they can apply here:
   https://app.easycompanies.com.au/register-an-abn?type=individual

2. Use your ASIC transfer number to complete the transfer
   Transfers are lodged as a “new registration” using the transfer number provided by ASIC.
   You can complete this step here:
   https://app.easycompanies.com.au/register-a-business-name
   Ensure when prompted, you enter the ABN of a director/shareholder of the new company.

3. Tell us when the transfer is complete
   Once you receive the ASIC confirmation, contact EasyCompanies and we’ll re-lodge your company.
   – You don’t need to change the company name spelling; we’ll handle name matching when we lodge.

---

Alternative Option (Slower)

• Cancel the transfer
  This can only be done by contacting ASIC directly. It is typically slower and not recommended unless necessary.

---

After Your Company Is Registered

• Keep the business name registration active if you will continue using it.
• When you’re ready, you can transfer the business name into the company’s ABN for clean ownership alignment.

---

FAQs

How long will the business name transfer take?
We will send a confirmation after submission – usually takes 10-15 minutes, check your email for the transfer outcome and reference details.

Is there a fee for the transfer?
Yes, EasyCompanies charges a fee for business name transfers/registrations.

All information provided on this webpage is general information about our products and services. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be professional advice of any kind and should not be relied on as such. You should obtain specific financial, legal or other professional advice before relying on the content of this webpage. By not seeking such advice, you accept the risk that the information on this webpage may not meet the specific needs of your business. Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law in accordance with our website terms and conditions.

Updated — Aug 21, 2025