You need an ABN if you are carrying on an enterprise in Australia. That includes most sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts that are supplying goods or services. Contractors who invoice clients generally need an ABN. If you do not quote an ABN when required, the payer may need to withhold 47% from your payment.

What do I need to apply for an ABN?

Have your tax file number (TFN) for individuals/partners/directors, your legal names and dates of birth, a business name if applicable, your business address and contact details, the proposed start date, a description of your activities, and—for companies or trusts—your ACN or trust deed details.

Do I need to register for GST with my ABN?

Register for GST if your GST turnover is $75,000 or more ($150,000 for non-profits) or if you provide taxi or ride-sourcing services regardless of turnover. You can choose to register below the threshold. You can also add PAYG withholding if you will employ staff and PAYG instalments if the ATO requires you to pay tax in instalments.

ABN Registration Help | Get Set Up the Right Way

Q: How long does ABN registration take?

Online ABN applications are often approved immediately when your identity and details match ATO/ASIC records. If more checks are needed, approval can take up to 28 days. Applications can be refused if you are not yet carrying on an enterprise or your details are incomplete.

Q: Is ABN registration free?

Yes. ABN registration with the Australian Business Register (managed by the ATO) is free. Some private services charge a fee to prepare and manage the application, but the ABN itself has no government fee.

Q: Can I backdate or cancel an ABN?

You can backdate your ABN to when you started or acquired the enterprise if you have evidence of activity. You must cancel your ABN when you cease the enterprise. Keep your details—address, contacts, business activities and business name—up to date on the register.

How ABN registration usually works

A good ABN registration process starts by choosing the right structure and confirming you are carrying on (or starting) an enterprise. From there, prepare the right information, lodge the application, add any tax registrations, and connect the result to your bookkeeping and payroll.

Typical steps:

Decide on structure: Business Structure Advice.
Collect details: TFNs for individuals/directors/partners, ACN for companies, trust deed for trusts, business and postal addresses, start date, activity description.
Apply online with the Australian Business Register (managed by the ATO). Most genuine startups receive an ABN immediately; some take up to 28 days.
Add registrations as needed: GST, PAYG withholding (if hiring), PAYG instalments (if required), and register a business name if trading under a name that is not your legal name: Business Name and Tax Set Up.
Set up your accounting workflow so invoices show your ABN, GST is recorded correctly, and BAS lodgements happen on time: Bookkeeping and BAS agent services.

Talk to an accountant about my ABN Follow the new business checklist

Eligibility and Australian context

You need an ABN if you’re carrying on an enterprise in Australia. Hobby activities are not eligible.
If you don’t quote an ABN on invoices when required, payers may need to withhold 47% from payments (no‑ABN withholding).
GST registration is mandatory at $75,000+ GST turnover ($150,000 for non‑profits) and for taxi/ride‑sourcing services regardless of turnover.
ABN is different to ACN (for companies) and business name registration (via ASIC). Many new businesses need all three in the right order.
Keep your ABN details up to date and cancel the ABN if you cease the enterprise.

If you are not sure whether you meet the “carrying on an enterprise” test, read our Help Centre or get tailored guidance below.

Ask if I’m eligible for an ABN

What to compare before you commit to paid help

Scope

Confirm the service covers structure selection, ABN application, adding GST/PAYG, and first‑month bookkeeping setup so your invoices and BAS align from day one.

Software fit

Make sure your provider can configure your accounting stack (e.g. Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks), invoice templates, GST codes and payroll correctly the first time.

Turnaround and communication

Ask how quickly they can lodge the application, how they’ll track any ABR follow‑ups, and what happens if identity checks delay the ABN.

Commercial fit

Compare fixed‑fee setup versus hourly cleanup, and whether you want compliance‑only or ongoing support for BAS, payroll and tax: Tax, BAS, Payroll.

Get expert help with ABN + GST

ABN, GST and payroll — how they connect

Your ABN is the anchor ID for invoicing and ATO registrations. Once issued:

Update invoice templates so your ABN displays and GST is calculated correctly if registered.
Register PAYG withholding if you will pay employees, and set up Single Touch Payroll within your software.
Set a BAS cycle (monthly or quarterly) and agree on a record‑keeping workflow with your bookkeeper.
Use ABN Lookup to check counterparties’ ABNs when needed, and request a Statement by a Supplier if a contractor has genuine grounds not to quote an ABN.

Building these links early prevents rework and ATO penalties later.

Set up my invoices, BAS and payroll

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying before you meet the enterprise test or using the wrong start date.
Choosing the wrong structure and needing to re‑register later.
Forgetting to add GST when you must, or adding GST when you don’t understand the reporting that follows.
Mismatch between legal name, business name and invoice details.
Not updating addresses and contacts, or failing to cancel the ABN when you cease.

If you’re unsure on any of the above, get a quick review first.

Request an ABN pre‑check

Best next steps

Decide on your structure, list your registrations (ABN, GST, PAYG), and outline the software you prefer. If you are forming a company, see Company Set Up Accountant. If you’re brand new, start with the New Business Accounting Checklist.

Shortlist providers who explain the process clearly and can connect ABN setup to bookkeeping, BAS and payroll without rework.

Get matched to the right advisor Explore the New Business hub

Frequently asked questions

Who needs an ABN?

You need an ABN if you are carrying on an enterprise in Australia and issuing invoices. This includes most sole traders, companies, partnerships and trusts. If you don’t quote an ABN when required, a payer may need to withhold 47% from your payment.

How long does ABN registration take?

Many online applications are approved instantly if your details match ATO/ASIC records. If more verification is needed, it can take up to 28 days. Applications can be refused if you are not yet carrying on an enterprise or details are incomplete.

What information do I need to apply?

Have TFNs for individuals/partners/directors, ACN for companies, trust deed details for trusts, business and postal addresses, activity description and start date. Decide whether you will also register for GST and PAYG withholding.

Do I need GST with my ABN?

Register for GST if your GST turnover is $75,000+ ($150,000 for non‑profits) or if you provide taxi or ride‑sourcing services at any turnover. You may choose to register earlier if it suits your customers and record‑keeping.

Is ABN registration free?

Yes. Applying for an ABN with the Australian Business Register is free. Private services may charge to prepare the application, but there is no government fee for the ABN itself.

Can I backdate or cancel an ABN?

You can backdate to when you started the enterprise if you have evidence of activity. Cancel your ABN when you stop the enterprise and keep your details up to date while active.

ABN Registration Help