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If you run a business in Australia, you may need to register a business name. To do this, you will need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN). An ABN is an 11-digit identifier that makes it easier for businesses and governments to interact. You can apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR), either at the same time as registering your business name or separately. If you are registering as a joint venture, you must include each partner's ABN on the application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Australian Business Number (ABN) |
| Purpose | For tax and other business activities |
| Registration | Register with the Australian Business Register (ABR) |
| Requirements | Must be entitled to an ABN, provide tax file number (TFN) or Australian company number (ACN), include contact details |
| Process Time | Aim to review the application within 20 business days |
| Outcome | Receive a confirmation letter within 14 days or a refusal letter with reasons and options |
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What You'll Learn
Check your eligibility
When applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility and entitlement. Not everyone is entitled to an ABN.
If you are setting up a business as an individual or sole trader, providing your tax file number (TFN) will speed up the application process. If you are setting up a company, you will need to provide your Australian company number (ACN). You must obtain your ACN before applying for your ABN. If you want to become a director of a company, you will need to apply for a director identification number (director ID).
You can apply for an ABN and register a business name at the same time using the Business Registration Service. If you are registering a business name as a joint venture, you must include each partner's ABN on the application. You must also include certain contact details so that you can be contacted, and documents can be sent to you. These contact details will be available on the register, but if you are concerned about your safety, you can request that some personal details be hidden from the public.
To securely access government online business services, you will need to verify your business identity by setting up your Digital ID and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
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Apply for an ABN
To apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you must meet specific eligibility criteria. You need to be engaged in an enterprise, which can be anything from a sole trader to a corporation. You must also have a valid identity, whether as an individual or a registered business. This includes being an Australian resident or having the necessary visa if you are a foreign applicant. Your business must be legal and comply with Australian laws.
Before you apply, ensure you have accurate information about your business structure and operations. You will also need to gather necessary documents and details, including personal details such as your full name, date of birth, residential address, and contact information, as well as business information such as your legal name, business structure, commencement date, business activities, and estimated annual turnover. Certain business structures will require the submission of your associates' information, such as partners in a partnership or directors in a company.
You can apply for your ABN online in one of two ways. If you already have a myGovID account linked to your Australian Taxation Office (ATO) profile, you can apply through myGovID. Alternatively, you can apply directly through the Australian Business Register (ABR) website, but you'll need to create an ABR account first. Visit the ABR website and click "Apply or reapply for an ABN" to start your application. Follow the prompts on your chosen platform, accurately entering the gathered information.
There are a few possible outcomes after submitting an ABN application, each with a different processing time. If your application is approved electronically, you will receive your 11-digit ABN immediately upon completion, along with a confirmation document. If your application requires further verification or additional information, the Australian Business Register will need to manually review it, which can take up to 20 working days and potentially longer for complex cases. After the manual review, the application may be either rejected or approved. Typically, if your application is successful, you will receive your ABN via mail or email within two weeks.
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Register a business name
If you run a business in Australia, you may need to register a business name. This is the case if you are not trading under your own name. Before registering a business name, it is important to check if the name is available and if there are any businesses with similar names. This can be done using ASIC's Business Name Availability tool or IP Australia's TM Checker tool.
Once you have decided on a name and checked its availability, you can register your business name through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Registration costs $42 for one year and can be done via ASIC Connect. You can also apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register your business name at the same time using the Business Registration Service. Alternatively, you can apply separately for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR).
It is important to note that registering a business name does not grant you sole use of the name. To own the business name exclusively, you must register it as a trademark with IP Australia. This is not a legal requirement but provides additional protection and legal options if your business name is copied.
If you are registering a business name as a joint venture, you must include each partner's ABN on the application. Additionally, you must provide certain contact details, which may be made private upon request.
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Provide contact details
When registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN), you must include certain contact details. These details are used to send you important documents or contact you, and the public may search the register for your address. If you have safety concerns, you can request that some personal details be withheld from the public. In this case, you must provide a physical street address or PO Box in Australia.
If you are registering a business name as a joint venture, each partner must provide their ABN and contact information.
Additionally, to renew a business name, you will need your account number or ABN. You can manage your company details, including contact information, via the company officeholder portal. Here, you can also voluntarily deregister your company and update client details.
It is important to keep your ABN details, including your contact information, up to date in the Australian Business Register. If you cease business, you must cancel your ABN after fulfilling all your lodgment, reporting, and payment obligations.
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Receive your ABN
Once you have applied for an ABN, you will receive your Australian Business Number. This is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business in Australia and is used for tax and other business purposes. All companies registered with ASIC automatically receive an Australian Company Number (ACN), which can be used to apply for an ABN. You need to get your ACN before you can get your ABN.
If you are operating as a sole trader, you can use your personal tax file number (TFN). For other business structures, you can get a TFN when you apply for an ABN. You will need an ABN to operate in the GST system and claim GST credits. You must include it on your invoices, or other businesses will withhold tax at the highest rate from any payments they make to you.
The ATO and ABR websites offer comprehensive information and resources to guide you through the ABN application process. If you have any confusion about what’s required, you can consult a registered tax or business activity statement (BAS) agent for guidance.
You can also call the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 66 for help.
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Frequently asked questions
ABN stands for Australian Business Number. It is a unique 11-digit identifier that makes it easier for businesses and all levels of government to interact.
You can apply for an ABN online using the Australian Business Register. If you are a new business, you can register for an ABN for free and at the same time register for a business name or taxes such as GST and PAYG withholding. If you are setting up business as an individual, it will speed up the process if you provide your tax file number (TFN) when you apply.
Your application will be reviewed within 20 business days and you will be contacted if further information is required. If your application is successful, you will receive a confirmation letter within 14 days.
If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal number and a letter confirming the refusal and outlining the reasons for it and your options, including your review rights.
