Leslie Massey
If you're running a business or other enterprise in Australia, you may need an ABN, or Australian Business Number. ABNs are unique 11-digit numbers that identify businesses in Australia and are used for various tax and business purposes. They are issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR), which is managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In this guide, we'll cover why ABNs are useful, when you should apply for one, what the application process looks like, and how to update your ABN information if your business changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Register | Australian Business Register (ABR) |
| Website | abr.gov.au |
| Requirements | Tax file number, Digital ID, Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM), registered business name |
| Time Taken | 20 business days |
| Entitlement | Not everyone is entitled to an ABN |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure eligibility for an ABN
To ensure eligibility for an ABN in Australia, you must be running a business or enterprise. This includes activities done in the form of a business, such as commercial sales of products or services, and other specific activities.
If your business or organisation is located outside Australia, you may still be entitled to an ABN if your enterprise involves making supplies connected with Australia's indirect tax zone. This zone includes Australia but not its external territories or certain offshore areas.
If you are renting out a residential property, you generally do not need an ABN as this does not give rise to GST or pay-as-you-go withholding obligations. However, if you are renting out an investment property, this may constitute an enterprise, and you may need to apply for an ABN.
Before applying for an ABN, you must have all the necessary information about your business. You will also need to register your company and get an ACN from ASIC if you plan to run your business through a company. Additionally, if you want to become a director of a company, you must apply for a director identification number to verify your identity with the Registrar of the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
It is important to note that not everyone is entitled to an ABN, and providing false information during the application process may result in prosecution or criminal charges.
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Register company and get an ACN
To register a company in Australia, you must obtain an Australian Company Number (ACN). This is a unique 9-digit number that identifies your company and is issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) when your company is registered.
The process of registering your company and obtaining an ACN can be done online through the ASIC website or via a Private Service Provider (PSP), such as an accountant or lawyer. Registering through the ASIC website takes approximately 15 minutes, and you should receive confirmation within 2 business days if all the required documents have been provided and the necessary fees paid.
Before registering, ensure you have chosen a company name that is not already registered to another company and that you understand your legal obligations as a company director. It is also important to note that directors must follow the Corporations Act 2001. If you plan to become a director of the company, you will need to apply for a director identification number (director ID).
Additionally, most businesses will need to apply for a registered business name with ASIC. You can carry on a business in your own name without registering a business name if you do not make any changes or additions to your name. For instance, "John Smith" can trade as "J Smith" or "John Smith" without registering, but he must register to trade as "John Smith Landscaping."
There are also third-party websites that offer assistance with registering your company and obtaining an ACN for a fee. These websites often provide user-friendly interfaces and quick turnaround times, but it is important to research these options thoroughly before providing any personal or business information.
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Apply for a business name
To apply for a business name in Australia, you must register your business name with the Australian Government's Business Registration System or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
If you plan to run your business as a company, you need to register your company and get an Australian Company Number (ACN) before you can get your ABN and other tax registrations. You can do this with ASIC when you start your company.
If you want to become a director of a company, you'll need to apply for a director identification number (director ID). You must apply for your own director ID to verify your identity with the Registrar of the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).
To register a business name, you must have an ABN or apply for one at the same time. You can apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR). If you apply this way, you will get an ABN reference number while the application is being processed.
Your application will be processed faster if you can provide information such as your tax file number. If you don't have all the information, you can still start your application and save it as you go, but issuing your ABN may be delayed.
Registering a business name does not give you exclusive rights to use it. If you want exclusive rights to your business name, you need to trademark it.
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Provide tax file number
To apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you must provide accurate details to avoid delays in processing your application. While providing your tax file number is not mandatory, doing so will help your application be processed faster.
The Australian Business Register (ABR) will need to identify you from the information you provide. If you don't have all the information, you can still start your application and save it as you go, but the issuing of your ABN may be delayed.
- Authorised contacts – this can be a registered tax or BAS agent if they are authorised to make changes or update information on behalf of the entity.
- Associates' details – associate requirements are different for each entity type.
- Business contact details, including an address, postal address, email address, and phone number. Your email address must meet specific requirements, such as being between 5-200 characters, containing no spaces, and not starting with 'support@', 'sales@', or 'info@'.
- Business activity – usually the main source of income for your enterprise, for example, agriculture, construction, investment, or manufacturing. Self-managed super funds may not be carrying on a business and therefore might not have a main business activity.
- Business locations – provide physical locations for all premises operated by your enterprise, unless there's a risk to the safety of individuals as a result of the disclosure, for example, a women's refuge.
It's important to remember that not everyone is entitled to an ABN, and you should check your eligibility before applying. If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a refusal number and a letter within 14 days confirming the refusal and outlining the options available to you.
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Verify business identity
To verify a business identity in Australia, you can use the Australian Business Number (ABN) Lookup tool. This is a publicly available database of ABN information. The ABN is an 11-digit number that identifies a business to the government, other businesses, and the public.
The ABN Lookup tool is provided by the Australian Business Register (ABR) and can be used to find ABN details about any company in Australia. You can search for a business by its name, ABN, or Australian Company Number (ACN). The ACN is a 9-digit number that identifies a company and is issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) when a company is registered.
If you are verifying your own business identity, you can set up a Digital ID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) to securely access government online business services like the ABR. You will need to register your company with ASIC and obtain an ACN before you can apply for an ABN.
Once you have an ABN, your details will be added to the ABR as either public or non-public information. Public information includes the business name, registration status, and GST status. Non-public information is only available to the ABN holder and their registered tax agent, if they use one. Eligible government agencies also have access to some non-public information.
You can request that certain details not be disclosed if you or your family would be endangered or if you have had a gender reassignment and do not want historical name data to be public.
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Frequently asked questions
ABN stands for Australian Business Number. It is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government, other businesses, and the public.
Not everyone is entitled to an ABN. To be eligible, you must be running a business or other enterprise.
Before registering, make sure you have all the required information about your business. If you are setting up as an individual or 'sole trader', providing your tax file number (TFN) will speed up the process. Companies should provide their Australian Company Number (ACN).
You can apply for an ABN on the Australian Business Register (ABR) website. It is free to register, and you will find out about your ABN as soon as you complete your online application.
You can check the status of your ABN application using ABN Lookup. If your application is successful, you will receive a confirmation letter within 14 days. If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive a refusal letter within 14 days, including the reasons for refusal and your review options.
