If you run a business, you generally need one. Without an ABN, businesses can have tax withheld from payments, and you cannot register a business name or claim GST credits.

The ATO does not charge for an ABN. Our fee is $99 and covers preparing and lodging your application and support if the ATO queries it.

Can I get an ABN without a TFN?

Yes, a TFN is optional. Providing one helps the ATO confirm your identity faster, so it is worth including if you have it.

How long does it take to get an ABN?

Many applications are processed quickly once lodged. If the ATO needs to check your identity or details, it can take longer.

Can I use my ABN for a business name?

Yes. You need an ABN to register a business name, and the ABN holder is the owner of the name. A sole trader can register a name under their own ABN.

What is the difference between an ABN and an ACN?

An ABN is an 11-digit number issued by the ATO for tax and business dealings. An ACN is a 9-digit number issued by ASIC to a registered company. A company has both.

Can I cancel and reactivate my ABN?

Yes. You can cancel an ABN when you stop trading. If you start trading again, you can reactivate the same ABN rather than apply for a new one.

Does a sole trader and a company use the same ABN?

No. A sole trader holds an ABN in their own name, while a company holds its own ABN separate from its owners. Which you need depends on how you set up your business.

ABN Registration

Apply for a new Australian Business Number. Available for an existing company or for a sole trader operating in their own name.

Start Registration

ABN Re-activation

Re-activate an ABN you have held before, after re-commencing your business. Have the previous ABN handy to get started.

Start Re-activation

Who needs an ABN

Most people running a business in Australia need an Australian Business Number. You need one to register for GST or register a business name, and without one, businesses you invoice may have to withhold tax from your payments. It suits sole traders, freelancers and companies.

Setting up a company? An ABN is a separate step from registering the company. Want to trade under a different name? You will need an ABN first to register a business name.

Sole trader ABN or company ABN

A sole trader holds an ABN in their own name and is personally responsible for the business. A company holds its own ABN, separate from the people who own it, and needs an ACN first. Pick the option on the form that matches how you trade.

What you need to apply

Your full name and date of birth (or the company's ACN)
Your residential and business address
A description of your business activity
Your tax file number (TFN) if you have one. It is optional, but it helps the ATO confirm your identity faster.

What it costs and how long it takes

The ATO does not charge for an ABN. Our fee is $99, which covers preparing and lodging your application and support if the ATO has questions. Many applications are processed quickly once lodged, but the ATO may take longer if it needs to verify your details.

ABN reactivation

If you held an ABN before and it was cancelled, you can reactivate it when you start trading again. Use Start Re-activation above and keep your previous ABN handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ABN?: If you run a business, you generally need one. Without an ABN, businesses can have tax withheld from payments, and you cannot register a business name or claim GST credits.
Is an ABN free?: The ATO does not charge for an ABN. Our fee is $99 and covers preparing and lodging your application and support if the ATO queries it.
Can I get an ABN without a TFN?: Yes, a TFN is optional. Providing one helps the ATO confirm your identity faster, so it is worth including if you have it.
How long does it take to get an ABN?: Many applications are processed quickly once lodged. If the ATO needs to check your identity or details, it can take longer.
Can I use my ABN for a business name?: Yes. You need an ABN to register a business name, and the ABN holder is the owner of the name. A sole trader can register a name under their own ABN.
What is the difference between an ABN and an ACN?: An ABN is an 11-digit number issued by the ATO for tax and business dealings. An ACN is a 9-digit number issued by ASIC to a registered company. A company has both.
Can I cancel and reactivate my ABN?: Yes. You can cancel an ABN when you stop trading. If you start trading again, you can reactivate the same ABN rather than apply for a new one.
Does a sole trader and a company use the same ABN?: No. A sole trader holds an ABN in their own name, while a company holds its own ABN separate from its owners. Which you need depends on how you set up your business.