Overview

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.

Eligibility

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.

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Contact details

For any questions about this topic.

Business Enquiries and General Correspondence

Australian Taxation Office

Operating address: PO BOX 3373, Penrith, New South Wales 2750

Other: 13 92 26

Website: Australian Business Register

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Related laws

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