Complete Your ABN Application

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11-digit number that is issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) operated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is used for identification by the government and the general community. This number is a requirement if you are trading as a business no matter what the size and must be displayed on invoices. It is your business’ identifier for GST, PAYG and fuel tax credit claims.

There are several reasons you may need to have an ABN, including:

• Being able to register for GST or PAYG;

• Avoid getting payments withheld (your business clients must withhold 49% of payments if you do not quote an ABN on your tax invoice);

• Enhancing the legitimacy of your business by including an ABN on your tax invoices and/or website;

• Being able to register a domain;

• Being able to register a business name; and

• To be endorsed as a gift deductible recipient or income tax exempt charity (if eligible).

You are entitled to an ABN if:

• You are a company registered under Australian Corporations law;
• You are a government entity or an entity (including individual) that is carrying on an enterprise in Australia; and
• You can demonstrate that your business structure is in place; or
• You are a non-resident of Australia, you may be entitled to an ABN if you are carrying on business in Australia or makes supplies that are connected with Australia in the course of carrying on an enterprise.

You can learn more on the ABR website here.

You will be required to provide the following information:

• Proof of identity information;
• Reason for applying for an ABN;
• Date you require the ABN to be effective from;
• Tax File Number (if applicable);
• Business locations;
• Details of your associates (e.g. public officer of your company, directors, partners);
• Industry your business is in; and
• Business activity that your business is engaged in.

There are several reasons why registration of your ABN has been delayed. These include:

• Your identity not being verified;
• Having an overdue tax return;
• You have previously registered for an ABN; or
• A previous application for an ABN was rejected.

You can lodge an objection of your application status.
See more on the ABR website.

Please note that we do not offer refunds if your application is unsuccessful.