Many Australian business owners receive emails or letters that look like official renewal notices for business names or company registrations. While these communications can appear legitimate at first glance, they are often sent by private third-party providers rather than government agencies.
Organisations such as Registry Australia operate independently of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). They provide a genuine lodgement service, but their marketing approach can be confusing. By using publicly available ASIC data, these companies send renewal notices that closely resemble official correspondence, which can lead recipients to believe payment is required.
In many cases, the fees charged by these providers are significantly higher than those payable directly through ASIC. While using a third-party service is optional, businesses are not obligated to engage them to meet their compliance requirements.
A key distinction to be aware of is the source of the communication. Official ASIC notices will be issued directly by via official channels or an email address ending in @asic.gov.au. Third-party communications will usually include a disclaimer noting that the sender is not affiliated with ASIC, though this is often less prominent.
To avoid unnecessary costs, it’s important to verify any renewal notice before making payment. Checking your status directly via ASIC’s official portal, or speaking with your accountant, can help ensure you are acting on accurate information.
As part of our service, we monitor your ASIC obligations and will notify you when renewals are genuinely due, including the correct payment details. If you ever receive a notice you’re unsure about, feel free to verify it with us before taking action.
Do you require help?
If you would like to discuss your renewal obligations or need help with your business registration, please reach out to our team through the contact form, or by calling us at 02 8226 1655.
Important Information – General Advice Disclaimer:
The information provided in this communication is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider its appropriateness in relation to your own circumstances and seek independent financial advice where necessary. We recommend consulting a licensed financial adviser before making any investment or financial decisions. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
