Common offences for sole proprietorships & partnerships
Learn about common offences and penalties under the Business Names Registration Act 2014.
Last updated 29 January 2026
This page lists four common offences under the Business Names Registration Act 2014.
Failing to notify ACRA of changes
You must update any changes to your business details within 14 days.
This includes changes to your:
Business address
Owner or representative's particulars
More details: Late lodgement penalties, section 20(1) (opens in new tab).
Undischarged bankrupt managing a business
Undischarged bankrupts cannot manage or run a business without:
Written permission from the Official Assignee
Leave from the High Court
More details: Section 34(1) (opens in new tab).
Operating without proper registration
You must register your business before you start operating, unless you are a sole proprietor using only your full legal name.
You cannot carry on business:
Without being registered
Under a different business name from your registered name
Under a business name after its registration has been cancelled or ceased
More details: Section 35(1)(a) (opens in new tab).
Providing false information
You must not give ACRA false or misleading information when you submit any documents or statements.
This includes:
Providing information you know is untrue
Leaving out important details that make your submission misleading
Providing information you have good reason to believe is false
More details: Section 35(1)(c) (opens in new tab).