We have recently received a number of queries from clients regarding “business name renewal” notices and emails that appear to require urgent payment. In many cases, these are not official ASIC communications, but third-party notices that can significantly overstate what is actually required.
ASIC may issue correspondence by email or post regarding business name renewals. However, publicly available business details are also used by third parties to send notices that can resemble official ASIC communication.
These notices typically include reference numbers, renewal dates, and urgent wording designed to prompt immediate payment. In reality, many are issued by private companies offering optional services that are not required to maintain a business name registration.
ASIC charges a standard fee of $44 per year or $102 for three years to register or renew a business name. This is the only mandatory cost.
By contrast, third-party providers sending renewal-style notices often charge significantly more for optional services that can be completed directly through ASIC.
Common third-party providers
A number of private companies send renewal-style correspondence to business owners using publicly available registration information.
While these companies often state they are not affiliated with ASIC, the timing, wording, and presentation of their notices can create the impression that payment is compulsory. In some cases, businesses have reportedly paid hundreds of dollars for services that simply mirror the ASIC renewal process.
In addition, some of these providers also appear in online search results when users search for terms such as “ASIC business renewal”. These websites can look professional and legitimate, and often allow users to enter business details as part of the sign-up or renewal process, which can further add to the confusion.
How to check your renewal notice is genuine
Business name registrations are managed by ASIC. Unless you have authorised a third party (such as your Accountant) to manage your registration on your behalf, renewal notices should be issued directly in relation to your ASIC record.
There are a few simple ways to check whether a renewal notice is genuine:
- Check the sender details carefully. Official ASIC correspondence will reference ASIC and use official .gov.au domains. If the email address or website does not end in .gov.au, it is not an official government source.
- Review the timing of the notice. ASIC renewal reminders are generally issued ahead of the expiry date. If a notice arrives unexpectedly or does not align with your known renewal timing, it should be treated with caution.
- Verify independently through ASIC. You can confirm your business name registration and renewal date directly using the ASIC Business Name Register. Keeping your renewal date recorded separately can also help you quickly identify any suspicious correspondence.
Conclusion
ASIC advises business owners not to click links or pay invoices directly from unexpected notices, and instead to log in directly through official channels to confirm any renewal requirements.
If you’ve received something that doesn’t look quite right, please do not click on any links. Instead, speak with ASIC or your accountant at Highview. We are here to help you confirm whether it is a legitimate document or a scam.
