Asset protection

The shareholders do not have ownership of the assets of a company. However, they are considered to have an interest in those assets. 

Directors can be personally legally liable for their actions and, in some cases, the debts of the company; for example, unpaid PAYG withholding and super guarantee contribution amounts. Directors can also be imprisoned for unlawful activity by a company. 

The money a company earns belongs to the company, not the individuals who own the company. Any property owned by a company is owned by the company as a whole. It does not belong to any one individual in that company.

Starting a small business

Steps Progress

Is my hobby a business?

9 mins

Business structures overview

5 mins

Business registrations

5 mins

Sole trader structure

7 mins

Partnership structure

10 mins

Company structure

13 mins

Trust structure

7 mins

Small business support

10 mins

Related courses

1 mins

Course Feedback