Question 1

What is an Australian Business Number (ABN)?

Accepted Answer

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique set of 11 digits that is a  which identifies your business to the government and community. 
You can use your ABN to:

- identify your business to others when ordering and invoicing
- avoid pay as you go (PAYG) tax on payments you get
- claim goods and services tax (GST) credits
- claim energy grants credits
- get an Australian domain name for your website

Question 2

Why should I register for an ABN?

Accepted Answer

To be able to legally operate as a business in Australia (e.g issue invoices, open bank accounts etc) you will need to register an ABN. If you are planning to provide freelance services, you will require an ABN for issuing invoices. You also require an ABN if you are planning on providing ride-sourcing services through Uber, Didi, Ola, etc. or food delivery services through UberEats, DoorDash, etc.

If you are running your own business, or a sole trader/freelancer - having an ABN will save you money and time in the future.

You can use your ABN to:
- identify your business to others when ordering and invoicing
- avoid pay as you go (PAYG) tax on payments you get
- claim goods and services tax (GST) credits
- claim energy grants credits
- get an Australian domain name for your website

Question 3

What information do I need to provide to register my ABN?

Accepted Answer

You will require: 
- Full legal name
- Business and Residential Address
- Birth date and place
- TFN (Tax file number)

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Question 4

How long does it take to receive my ABN?

Accepted Answer

We start reviewing your application as soon as it is received to ensure all required details are provided. We might contact you if additional information is required to process your application. Once all details have been thoroughly reviewed by the team, we submit your application for your ABN to be generated.

Question 5

Do I need a TFN (Tax File Number) to register for ABN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are required to have a TFN when starting a business and in most cases when applying for your ABN. The ABN and TFN are two separate numbers and the ABN does not replace your TFN. The ATO uses your TFN to confirm your identity.  A Tax File Number (TFN) identifies you for tax and superannuation purposes. It's your tax identity. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas. You will need a TFN to start an Australian business.

Please note: Without your TFN, your ABN application might be rejected by the ATO. In most cases, if not rejected, your application goes through a manual review process which might take up to 20 business days or more for your ABN to be generated if successful. If you are unable to provide your TFN when applying for your ABN, you can continue to apply for your ABN. Our team will contact you if you are required to submit your TFN.

Question 6

Is it possible to have two ABNs?

Accepted Answer

No, as a sole trader/individual, you only have one ABN under your name. If your ABN has been cancelled, you can reactivate it by applying though the same page.

Question 7

How do I re-activate my expired/cancelled ABN?

Accepted Answer

You can follow this link to reactivate an ABN that has expired or cancelled: https://www.applyfor-abn.com.au/abn-application (https://www.applyfor-abn.com.au/abn-application)

Question 8

How long does it take for my ABN to show as active?

Accepted Answer

It can take between 5 to 10 hours for your ABN to show as active on the ABN lookup whilst your records are activated with the ATO. 
If you are unsure on whether your ABN is active, you can use the ABN lookup service (https://abn-register.com.au/abn-lookup)to see if your ABN number is active.

Question 9

Why do we charge for ABN registration and what it covers?

Accepted Answer

We charge a professional fee starting from $71.5 (inclusive of GST) to process your ABN application. The fee covers the review, correction, lodgement, and post lodgement follow up with the ATO (if required) by an authorised and registered tax and ASIC agent. We also provide assistance with cases that are not straightforward, providing you with next steps.

Question 10

"My ABN is under manual review" - what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Once your application for ABN is submitted, the ATO might decide to put it under manual review. This could be becuse:
- You have not used your ABN for a longer period of time
- You have changed your name 
- You hold a name that is very commonly used
- You have not provided your TFN details and the ATO needs to review your identity manually.

Manual review can take up to 20 business days. Please do not submit another application in this scenario.

Question 11

When should I cancel my ABN?

Accepted Answer

You'll probably need to cancel your ABN if you are: 
- closing down your business
- changing your business structure
- no longer operating your business
You'll need to cancel your ABN if you have decided to change: 
- sole trader to a company
- sole trader to partnership
- partnership to company

Question 12

Why should I register my ABN through you?

Accepted Answer

When you submit your application to us, it first goes through a review stage by an ATO licensed and registered tax agent to ensure all details are correct. If there are issues, and we feel it can be resolved, we can contact the ATO on your behalf to help process your application. You can also choose to register for multiple business services such as Business Name, GST at the same time.