iscoverThe phasing out of unregistered trading names is a crucial step towards a more transparent and legally certain business environment in Australia. By taking the recommended actions now, a smooth transition can be ensured, writes Chris Balalovski.
The final countdown for trading names: Why Australian businesses must act before November
18 July 2025
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8 minute read
After more than a decade of transition, the sun is finally setting on trading names in Australia. From 1 November 2025, unregistered trading names will vanish from ABN Lookup, marking the end of a long phase-out that began with the launch of the national Business Name Register in 2012.
The move is part of a broader push to streamline business name registration and ensure greater transparency and legal protection for business names.
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But what exactly is a "trading name", and why does this change matter?
What are trading names?
Trading names are unregistered names which individuals and entities use for business purposes, e.g. a fictional example would be “Tom Jones Plumbing” used by a sole-trader plumber named Tom Jones. The term “trading names” may also be used to refer to business names registered by an entity under earlier state and territory or current federal corporations laws, e.g. “Tom Jones Plumbing” registered by a fictional company named Tom Jones Pty Ltd.
From 2012, trading names have been displayed on ABN Lookup (essentially for the purposes of transparency and certainty), but this will cease after the transitional period ends on 31 October 2025.
Key changes and deadlines
From 1 November 2025, the only names that will be displayed on ABN Lookup in relation to the holder of an ABN are:
- Its legal name, i.e. name of individual or name of entity;
- Its GST status; and
- Any business names registered with ASIC by it.
Importantly, unregistered trading names will not automatically become registered business names.
Statutory obligations and practical considerations
Pursuant to section 18 of the Business Names Registration Act 2011 (Cth) (“the Act”), where an entity or individual carries-on a business under a name that is not its legal name, it is obliged to register such name with ASIC as a business name.
In this context, a business must register its name in order to trade under it.
This means a business’ identity or GST registration status is only available using ABN Lookup if the business name is known and registered. The inability to confirm a business’ identity or GST registration status may impact its credibility and also the ability of its own clients to claim GST input tax credits on supplies made to them.
In addition, due to the complex interaction of corporations and “fair trading” laws, there is limited certainty that the continued use of an unregistered trading name by you will entitle you to its exclusive use in Australia.
Recommended actions for businesses
- Review current trading names: Ensure that all unregistered trading names currently in use are reviewed and determine whether they need to be registered as business names with ASIC.
- Register business names: If a business is using unregistered trading names, it is strongly recommended that they are registered as business names with ASIC to ensure transparency in dealings with third-parties.
- Update ABN details: Ensure a business’ ABN details are current with the correct business name to help avoid any disruptions in business operations.
The phasing-out of unregistered trading names is a crucial step towards a more transparent and legally certain business environment in Australia. By taking the recommended actions now, you may ensure a smooth transition.
Chris Balalovski is a business services partner at BDO in Australia.
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