What is Sole trader? A Guide for Australian BusinessesBusiness setup

By Space Penguin
June 2, 2026
5 min read

The simplest business structure in Australia where an individual operates a business in their own name or under a registered business name. Sole traders are personally liable for all business debts and must obtain an ABN, register for GST if turnover exceeds $75,000, and use their home address or a virtual address for business correspondence.

Understanding the fundamentals of Australian business setup is essential for any entrepreneur or sole trader. Whether you are just starting out or looking to optimise your existing setup, understanding Sole trader is an important step.

Key points

  • ABN required for all businesses operating in Australia
  • ASIC registration mandatory for companies
  • Choosing the right business structure impacts liability and tax
  • A registered business address must be a real street address

Why it matters for your business

In today's evolving Australian business landscape, staying informed about concepts like Sole trader gives you a competitive edge. From sole traders and freelancers to growing companies, these fundamentals apply across all business types and sizes.

How Space Penguin can help

Space Penguin provides flexible workspace solutions, virtual addresses, and business support services across Australia. Whether you need a professional registered address, a coworking desk, or a private office, we have options to suit every stage of your business journey.

Explore our full glossary for more essential Business setup terms and definitions.