Everything you need to operate legally in NSW. Follow the steps below to get your ABN, insurance, and compliance documents sorted. Most steps take under 10 minutes.
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Choose Your Path
Working solo? Go with Sole Trader. Building a team? Company structure gives you more options.
A Cleaner
Sole Trader
Free ABN registration
Simplest tax structure
No company registration fees
Public liability insurance
No workers comp needed (solo)
— Personal liability for debts
— Taxed at personal rate
WE Cleaner
Company (Pty Ltd)
Separate legal entity
Limited liability protection
Hire employees / subcontractors
Company tax rate (25%)
FM companies prefer to contract companies
$ ASIC registration ($576/yr)
$ Workers comp required if employing
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RequiredFree
Register for an ABN
Your Australian Business Number is the foundation of your cleaning business. Required to invoice FM companies and operate as a contractor.
Sole Trader: Register as an individual. Use your personal TFN. You'll get an 11-digit ABN instantly online. Select "Cleaning Services" (ANZSIC code 7311) as your business activity.
Company: Register your Pty Ltd company with ASIC first ($576), then apply for a company ABN. You'll need a registered company name, director details, and a registered office address.
Free (Sole Trader)·$576 ASIC fee (Company)·10–15 min
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RecommendedFree
Register for GST
Required if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more. Many FM companies prefer GST-registered contractors. You can register during ABN application or add it later.
Tip: Even below $75K, voluntary GST registration lets you claim input tax credits on equipment, supplies, and vehicle expenses. Lodge quarterly BAS (Business Activity Statement) to the ATO.
Covers you if a third party is injured or their property is damaged while you're working. FM companies require a minimum of $10M–$20M coverage before you can be assigned to any site.
Sole Trader: Individual cleaner policies start from ~$25–$45/month for $10M cover. Look for policies that include "care, custody and control" for keys and property access.
Company: Business policies cover all employees and subcontractors under your company. Costs vary by team size and revenue. Get a combined business insurance package for the best rate.
In NSW, if you employ anyone (including yourself in some structures), workers compensation is mandatory. It covers workplace injuries and rehabilitation costs.
Sole Trader (no employees): You are generally NOT required to have workers comp if you work alone with no employees. However, consider personal accident insurance as an alternative to protect your income if injured on the job.
Company (with employees/team): Workers comp is mandatory in NSW if you engage any workers. Managed by icare through licensed insurers. Premiums depend on your industry rate, wages paid, and claims history. Cleaning industry rate is ~2.5–4% of wages.
Not required (Sole Trader solo) | ~2.5–4% of wages (Company)
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Required
Subcontractor Statement
FM companies will ask you to complete a Subcontractor's Statement before starting work. This declares your ABN, insurance, workers comp status, and payroll tax status. Required under the Payroll Tax Act 2007 (NSW).
What you'll need to fill in:
• Your ABN
• Workers compensation policy number (or exemption declaration)
• Payroll tax status (most sole traders and small companies are exempt)
• Signature confirming the statement is true