Business identity · Australian business guide

ABN, ACN and Business Registration

Work out which identifier belongs to which entity, verify the public registers and avoid putting the wrong name or number on contracts and invoices.

At a glance

  1. 01

    Identify the entity

    Separate the legal entity from its trading and brand names.

  2. 02

    Check both registers

    Use ABN Lookup and ASIC where a company or registered body is involved.

  3. 03

    Register the right thing

    Match the company, business name, tax and industry registrations to the actual structure.

Selected reading

Understand the issue before deciding what to do next

Start with these articles for the key rules, then check the official sources before you act.

Use ABN Lookup correctlyFind a company’s ACN

Primary sources

Source links checked 20 July 2026. Confirm the current rule before acting.

Need help putting this into practice?

Put the right documents and advice behind your decision

Register a company onlineView fixed-fee serviceLawyer-assisted company setupView fixed-fee serviceBusiness name supportView fixed-fee service

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. The right path depends on the entity, documents and commercial facts.

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