By Bennett Carroll Solicitors – Commercial Lawyers Brisbane | Ipswich | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast
Running a business in Queensland involves more than just day-to-day operations—it also means staying on top of critical legal obligations. From ASIC renewals to contract deadlines, even one missed date can create unexpected risk or cost.
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, we’re commercial law experts with a strong track record of supporting businesses across Queensland whether you’re in Brisbane, Ipswich, the Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping businesses navigate the legal landscape with confidence and clarity.
✅ 14 Key Business Compliance Dates You Shouldn’t Miss
Here’s a practical checklist of essential dates every business owner should review and track:
1. ASIC Company Annual Review
Required annually to confirm company details and pay your ASIC review fee. Missed deadlines can result in deregistration, forfeiture of property to ASIC and/or penalties and interest charges.
2. Business Name Renewal (ASIC)
Typically required every 1 or 3 years. Failure to renew could lead to loss of your trading name and a breach of the Business Names Act.
3. Trade Mark Renewal Date
Trade marks last 10 years in Australia. Missing the renewal date could put your brand protection at risk.
4. Domain Name Renewal
Your digital presence relies on your domain. Letting it expire can disrupt operations and damage credibility.
5. Trust Deed Review (Family or Discretionary Trusts)
Regular reviews ensure your trust remains compliant with legal and tax changes. If trusts are being used as part of a broader asset protection strategy, note the law is constantly evolving and you should be discussing those evolutions, and how to amend the document to ensure it stays protective, at least annually with your solicitor.
6. Lease Renewal Date
Commercial leases often have strict notice periods. Missing these can impact your ability to renew or renegotiate terms.
🔗Read more on this here: Commercial Lease Red Flags: What to Look For Before You Sign
7. Contract Renewal or Review Dates
Including franchise, supplier, and employment agreements. Stay ahead of expiry dates to avoid disputes or auto-renewals.
🔗 Read more on this here:Navigating Business Contracts: How a Contract Lawyer Can Safeguard Your Interests
8. Privacy Policy & Website Terms Updates
Annual or post-change reviews ensure compliance with privacy legislation and limit liability. It’s also important to update your standard trading terms, or ‘terms and conditions’, whether on a website or a quote form (or anywhere else), as the case law is ever-changing and we rarely see a set of terms that cannot be significantly improved to align with the latest law (and avoid striking out of terms deemed unsuitable by the courts).
9. Insurance Renewal Date
While technically not legal, this is critical for risk management. Align it with your business legal review if possible. This is particularly important if you lease commercial property.
10. Superannuation Fund Review
For SMSF-linked businesses or trusts, annual legal and financial reviews help maintain compliance and efficiency. Annual audits are also generally mandatory.
11. Company Officer Changes
Directors, secretaries, or shareholders must be updated with ASIC to avoid compliance issues. Changes to these, or addresses, need to be communicated to ASIC within a certain timeframe otherwise penalties and further action can be taken by the regulator.
12. Shareholder Agreement Review
Ensure it still reflects your current business arrangements—especially if your business is growing or evolving. It’s common for people to forget to update their shareholders deed or agreement, particularly as directors or shareholders cycle in and out over the years.
13.Franchise Agreement Renewal
Important for both franchisors and franchisees. Deadlines under the Franchising Code of Conduct must be met.
🔗 Read more on this here: Maximising Lease and Franchise Agreement Renewals
14. Litigation or Regulatory Deadlines
If your business is facing legal action, mediation, or ongoing regulatory compliance, diarise all key deadlines carefully. Depending upon the matter type, failure to file material within time (usually 28 days) triggers an ‘automatic win’ (default Judgment). Default Judgments can be set aside if you hurry, but it’s at the Court’s discretion and a serious hurdle you don’t need to navigate by acting quickly.
Why These Dates Matter
Overlooking compliance dates can result in:
- Loss of business name or intellectual property
- Missed renewal rights under contracts
- Financial penalties
- Disruption to leases or key supplier agreements
As your legal problem solvers, we’re here to help you stay protected throughout your business journey—not just when problems arise.
Free Legal Health Check – For Business and Life
Whether you’re running a company, managing a trust, or planning your future, our Free Legal Health Check can help identify risks, gaps, and opportunities—both personal and commercial. It’s obligation-free and tailored to your situation.
Start your Free Legal Health Check here
This is ideal for reviewing:
- Contracts and agreements
- Business structure
- Leases and franchises
- Succession planning and wills
Related Articles for Business Owners
- Is Your Current Lawyer Truly Supporting Your Business Goals?
- Commercial Lease Risk Assessment
- Franchise Agreement Renewal Guide
- How a Contract Lawyer Can Safeguard Your Interests
See more → Business Law Articles
Why Choose Bennett Carroll Solicitors?
✔ Over 50 years of experience
✔ Offices in Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast
✔ Fully electronic legal services available—or meet in person
✔ Practical, business-focused advice to save you time and money
Ready to Protect Your Business?
Let’s help you stay on top of your legal obligations—without the stress.
🔗 Contact Bennett Carroll Solicitors
📍 Local offices across Queensland
🌐 Explore our Commercial Law Services
📞 Call us on 1300 334 566
