When you run a website for your business, there’s a number of important details you should always have on it. This includes your business’s name, contact details, and terms and conditions. In this article, we’ll explain whether you are legally required to include your Australian Business Number (ABN) on your website as well.
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What is an Australian Business Number (ABN)?
An ABN is a unique eleven-digit number allocated to businesses by the ATO. Businesses which make more than $75,000 per year are legally required to have an ABN because they will also need to register for GST. Despite this, it’s always a good idea to have one regardless of how much money your business brings in. Whether you’re a sole trader, partnership or company, an ABN is usually necessary. To get an ABN, you can easily apply online.
Where do I need to display my ABN?
If you’re trading, you are legally required to display your ABN on certain documents. This includes receipts and invoices. If you don’t include your ABN on an invoice, the business you’ve invoiced can withhold 46.5% of their payment to you. It is also useful for many other purposes such as:
- Purchasing from or supplying to other businesses
- Registering for PAYG Withholding
- Claiming Goods and Services Tax (GST) credits
- Registering an Australian website domain name
Websites
Most businesses in Australia operate a corresponding website. This might be simply for informational purposes or to sell products online. In either event, it’s important that the details you provide are accurate and up to date. If you apply for a domain name that ends with .com.au or .net.au, then you will need to provide your ABN upon registration. However, once you have registered your domain name, there is no legal requirement for you to display your ABN on your website. However, certain documents on your website such as your terms and conditions and privacy policy will contain your ABN. In any event, it is best practice to show your ABN on your website.
Conclusion
Your business’s website should outline all the important details that customers will want to know about you. It is generally a good idea to display your ABN on your website, although there is no legal requirement for you to do so. If you have further questions about ABNs, it may be worth getting in touch with a business lawyer.
