business.gov.au

Australian Business Number Registration - Australian Government

Description

You may require an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you are operating a business, organisation or enterprise in Australia. An ABN is a single identifier for all business dealings with the Australian Taxation Office and other government departments and agencies.

Applying for an ABN is not compulsory. However, once you have registered your entity for an ABN you will be able to:

  • register for GST and a business name
  • be endorsed as a deductible gift recipient or an income tax-exempt charity
  • get an Australian domain name.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for an ABN, you must:

  • have a business structure in place
  • be continuing or starting an enterprise in Australia.

Sole traders, companies, partnerships, trusts and superannuation funds are eligible to apply for an ABN.

When you lodge your application, you must provide proof of identity when you register. You can prove your identity by quoting your personal tax file number (in the case of sole traders) or your business or organisation's tax file number.

Duration

Ongoing

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application All No fees are required

Forms

Act(s) name

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999 Australian Government

Regulation(s) name

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020 Australian Government

Administering agency

Australian Taxation Office

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.