what is the equivalent of an llc in australia

Australia doesn’t have a US-style LLC; the closest everyday equivalent is a proprietary limited company, or Pty Ltd. It gives owners limited liability and a separate legal personality, but unlike an LLC, profits are taxed at the company rate (generally 25% for small base-rate entities) rather than flowing through to owners. You’ll need at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia, at least one shareholder, an ACN, and registration with ASIC; an ABN and GST registration may also apply. Directors run the show; shareholders own the shares; liability is limited to any unpaid amount on those shares. If you want pass-through tax treatment, you’d look at a partnership or trust instead, but you lose the company-style liability shield. In short: Pty Ltd for liability like an LLC, different tax plumbing, same grown-up responsibilities.