When running a company in Australia, paperwork is an inevitable part of business life. One such important form that every company director or secretary must be familiar with is the ASIC Form 484. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this form in simple, easy-to-understand language. By the end, you’ll feel confident handling it like a pro.
What is ASIC Form 484?
The ASIC Form 484 is a document used by companies registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to notify changes to their company details. Think of it as the official way to keep ASIC updated whenever something important changes within your business.
For example, if you move your office, appoint a new director, or issue more shares, you must inform ASIC using Form 484. Failure to submit this form on time can result in penalties or even deregistration of your company.
For more official information, you can visit the ASIC website.
Why is ASIC Form 484 Important?
Imagine you recently started a successful small business. Things are going well, and you decide to bring in a new business partner who will invest money and become a director. If you don’t update ASIC about this change, your business records will be outdated. This can cause problems when:
- Applying for loans
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing legal contracts
- Attracting investors
Keeping your company information updated with ASIC helps maintain your company’s credibility, legal compliance, and smooth business operations.
When Do You Need to Lodge ASIC Form 484?
You need to lodge Form 484 whenever there’s a change in:
1. Company Office Details:
- Registered office address
- Principal place of business
2. Company Appointments and Cessations:
- Appointment of directors, secretaries, or alternate directors
- Cessation (resignation or removal) of directors or secretaries
3. Share Structure Changes:
- Issuance of new shares
- Changes to share structure or shareholding
- Cancellation or transfer of shares
4. Company Name Changes:
- Notify ASIC if your company name changes (though a separate process may be involved)
5. Company Ultimate Holding Company Details:
- Changes to the ultimate holding company details
A Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Startup
Sarah recently started her online retail company. A few months in, she decides to open a physical store, so she changes her business address. She also adds her friend Mark as a new director to help with operations. Both of these changes require lodging ASIC Form 484 to update her company’s official records.
Had Sarah ignored this obligation, her company would face compliance issues, possible fines, and difficulties with banks and suppliers who rely on ASIC records for verification.
How to Fill Out ASIC Form 484: Step-by-Step Guide
Filling out Form 484 might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite manageable when broken down into steps.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Your company’s ACN (Australian Company Number)
- Director/shareholder details
- Details of changes (new address, share issue, new appointments, etc.)
Step 2: Access the Form
You can download Form 484 directly from the ASIC website. Alternatively, many companies use their ASIC registered agent to manage this process online.
Step 3: Select the Correct Sections
Form 484 consists of several sections, but you only need to complete the parts relevant to your change:
- A1: Change of address
- B1-B4: Changes to appointments and cessations
- C1-C3: Share structure changes
- D: Ultimate holding company changes
Step 4: Complete the Form
Fill in the required sections carefully. Double-check all names, addresses, and numbers for accuracy.
Step 5: Lodge the Form
You can lodge Form 484:
- Online via ASIC Connect (recommended)
- Through your ASIC registered agent
Hint: If you use professional help like Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd, they can handle the entire process for you, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many companies face issues due to simple mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Delaying submission: Lodge your form within 28 days of the change to avoid late fees.
- Incorrect details: Typos or incorrect data can cause delays or penalties.
- Incomplete form: Ensure all necessary sections are completed.
Using an experienced professional like Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd ensures you avoid these pitfalls.
How Much Does It Cost to Lodge Form 484?
The good news is that lodging ASIC Form 484 is generally free of charge if done within the stipulated timeframe. However, if you submit it late, ASIC may impose late fees:
- $93 (as of 2025) if late but within 1 month
- $387 (as of 2025) if more than 1 month late
Avoiding these fees is another reason why timely lodgement is essential.
Can Someone Help Me With ASIC Form 484?
Absolutely! While you can certainly lodge Form 484 yourself, many businesses prefer to use a registered ASIC agent to avoid mistakes and save time.
Companies like Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd specialize in handling ASIC compliance matters. Their experienced team will:
- Prepare and lodge your form accurately
- Ensure compliance with ASIC regulations
- Provide ongoing support for all your business compliance needs
With Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd, you can focus on growing your business while they handle the paperwork.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with ASIC might sound like a headache, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding ASIC Form 484 empowers you to keep your business in good standing, avoid penalties, and maintain professional credibility.
If paperwork isn’t your strength or you simply prefer peace of mind, let the experts at Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd handle it for you. Their professional team ensures that your compliance requirements are always up-to-date.
Don’t let a missed form stand in the way of your business success. Contact Perfect Accounting PTY Ltd today and take one less worry off your plate!
