Trading names

A trading name was a name used by an entity or person to trade under. A trading name is not a registered business name.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) collected trading names before 28 May 2012. They are currently displayed on the Australian Business Register (ABR).

Current situation

Since 28 May 2012, the ABR no longer collects or updates trading names.

Any existing trading names collected before this date will be displayed on ABN Lookup until 31 October 2018. After this date, they will be removed.

You are still able to maintain the details of your trading name with the ATO for taxation purposes. However updates are not passed onto the ABR or ABN Lookup and will not be available to the public.

Registering a trading name as a business name

To continue using a trading name, register it as a business name.

Use ASIC’s Check business name availability search to see if the name you want is available or phone Mitchell Partners in Melbourne on 03 9895 9333 for further assistance.

Source ASIC