Reason 1: Identical Business Name
ASIC's message: "The proposed name is considered identical to that of the already registered business name(s) listed below."
Why this happens: You're trying to use an existing business name, but either the ABN entered doesn't match, or the business name owner isn't listed as a shareholder in the new company.
How to fix it:
Go back to the first page and select 'Use an existing business name,' then enter the correct ABN.
Check that the business name owner (as listed on the ABR) is also listed as a shareholder, and that their details match the ABR exactly. Check here.
Once everything lines up, select 'Lodge Application' on the final page to resubmit.
2: ABN Mismatch
ASIC's message: "V557 ABN is not that of the business name"
Why this happens: You're registering a new company against an existing business name, and either the ABN or the shareholder details don't match what's on record.
How to fix it:
Confirm the ABN is correct using ABN Lookup.
Confirm the business name owner's details match ASIC Connect:
Individual owner: must be listed as a shareholder. Common trip-ups: maiden name or middle name used on ASIC Connect but not on the application.
Partnership owner: every partner must be listed as a shareholder in the new company.
Company owner: include the full legal name, including "Pty Ltd."
Once everything matches, select 'Lodge Application' to resubmit.
Reason 3: Address Validation Failed
ASIC's message: "A non-residential address for an officeholder is only allowed if approved under S205D(2) of the Corporations Act 2001."
Why this happens: ASIC has flagged the officeholder's (director's) address as commercial rather than residential.
How to fix it:
Check for terms like "floor," "level," or "suite" in the address, since these often trigger this error.
Use a residential address. Virtual office or building addresses aren't accepted unless you've been given express permission by ASIC.
Double-check the postcode and suburb against a maps service.
Once corrected, select 'Lodge Application' to resubmit.
4: Restricted Words or Phrases
ASIC's message: "The name, in the opinion of ASIC, the context in which it is proposed to be used, is considered to be undesirable..." followed by the restricted word or phrase (e.g. "Crown").
Why this happens: Certain words need ASIC's prior approval before they can be used in a company name, even if the word is only part of another word (e.g. "Bank" inside "Banksmeadow"). ASIC will usually manually review these.
How to fix it:
Check the list of restricted words to confirm which one applies.
Seek prior approval for the name directly through ASIC, if you'd rather keep it.
Or choose an alternative name: check availability here.
Once you've updated the name, select 'Lodge Application' to resubmit.
Reason 5: Invalid ACN/ARBN
ASIC's message: "V097 ACN/ARBN does not match with company name"
Why this happens: Similar to an ABN mismatch, but this one applies when a corporate shareholder's ACN or company name doesn't match ASIC's records.
How to fix it:
Confirm the shareholder's name includes the legal element ("Pty Ltd").
If you're setting up a dual structure, make sure the holding company is already registered before completing this one.
Verify the ACN is an exact match via the ASIC portal.
Once confirmed, select 'Lodge Application' to resubmit.
What you need to do: Contact our support team directly:
Call us on 1800 529 728 and select option 2
Or reach out to us on Live Chat