Register your ABN with a clear plan
Learn what you need, choose the right structure and apply free through the official Australian Government service.
The ABN application is provided by the Australian Government. Sprintlaw does not charge for or lodge the application through this page.
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Official application · Free to register
Prepare your details
Structure, identity, activities and associates
Apply on the government site
Use the official Business Registration Service
Receive your result
Successful applications receive an ABN immediately
Three steps to a clean application
Make the structural decisions first, then apply through the official government service.
Choose your structure
Decide whether you are applying as a sole trader, company, partnership or trust.
Apply through the government
Complete the free Australian Government application with your identity and business details.
Get your result
Successful applications receive an ABN immediately. Some applications need a manual review.
Choose your structure
Decide whether you are applying as a sole trader, company, partnership or trust.
Apply through the government
Complete the free Australian Government application with your identity and business details.
Get your result
Successful applications receive an ABN immediately. Some applications need a manual review.
Prepare before you apply
A little preparation makes the official application clearer and reduces avoidable delays.
The right business structure
Choose the legal structure that matches how you plan to own, operate and grow the business before you apply.
Identity and business details
Gather the relevant TFNs, previous ABN details, business activities, start date and associate information.
Tax registrations
Consider whether you also need GST, PAYG withholding or other registrations for the way your business operates.
Business name and legal setup
An ABN does not register or protect a business name. Treat registrations, contracts and brand protection as separate setup decisions.
Different structures, different details
ABN eligibility and application requirements depend on the entity applying and the activities it carries on.
Individuals & sole traders
Freelancers, contractors and anyone trading under their own name or a business name.
Companies
Pty Ltd companies that need an ABN to sit alongside their ACN.
Partnerships
Two or more people or entities carrying on business together.
Trusts
Trustees carrying on an enterprise on behalf of a trust, including family trusts.
You'll generally need an ABN if you…
- Start working as a sole trader, freelancer or contractor
- Invoice other businesses for your goods or services
- Want to register for GST or a business name
- Run a company, partnership or trust that carries on an enterprise
Worth knowing: if you invoice businesses without quoting an ABN, they may have to withhold tax from your payments at the top rate.
Business setup help
Not sure which structure fits?
An ABN identifies a business; it does not decide whether you should operate as a sole trader, company, partnership or trust. That choice affects liability, ownership, tax administration and the documents you need.
- Understand the legal differences between structures
- Plan contracts, ownership and brand protection
- Get clear fixed-fee options before engaging a lawyer
Tell us what you're setting up
We'll come back with practical next steps and clear fixed-fee options where legal help makes sense.
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Legal support for setup and beyond
Once your ABN is registered, our team of expert lawyers is here to help with whatever your business needs next, from your first contracts to protecting your brand.
Company Set Up
Outgrowing the sole trader life? Set up a company with lawyer guidance.
Learn moreService Agreement
Outline the terms of your services to protect you and your clients.
Learn moreShareholders Agreement
Define roles, responsibilities and protections for everyone with a stake.
Learn morePrivacy Policy
Meet your legal obligations with tailored privacy documents.
Learn moreTrade Mark Registration
Secure your brand name, logo or slogan with official protection.
Learn moreEmployment Agreement
Compliant contracts that clearly outline terms for your team.
Learn moreWe've helped over 100,000 Australian businesses
From first-time founders to fast-growing teams, in every corner of the country.
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An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government, other businesses and the community. It's issued through the Australian Business Register (ABR) and is used on invoices, for GST and business name registrations, and in dealings with the ATO.
You're generally entitled to an ABN if you're carrying on or starting an enterprise in Australia, whether as a sole trader, partnership, company or trust. Employees and hobbies generally aren't entitled to one. Practically, you'll want an ABN before you start invoicing: if you don't quote one, other businesses may be required to withhold tax from payments to you at the top rate.
You'll generally need:
- Proof of identity
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- The reason you're applying for an ABN
- The date you need your ABN to take effect
- Where your business is located
- Your main business activity or industry
- Details of any associates or office holders, such as directors, partners or trustees
The exact information depends on your structure and circumstances. The official application explains which details are required as you move through it.
Apply through the Australian Government Business Registration Service. Registering for an ABN through the official service is free. Sprintlaw does not lodge an ABN application through this page.
If your application is successful, the Australian Business Register issues your ABN immediately. If the application needs review, the ABR aims to complete that review within 20 business days and may contact you for more information.
If your application is unsuccessful, the Australian Business Register provides a refusal number and sends a letter within 14 days explaining the reason and the available review rights. Our team can help you understand the refusal and work out your next step, and our guide to delayed and refused ABN applications covers the process in more detail.
An ACN (Australian Company Number) is a 9-digit number issued by ASIC when a company is registered. An ABN is an 11-digit number that identifies your business for tax and other dealings. Companies usually need both; sole traders, partnerships and trusts only need an ABN. If you're setting up a company, you can register a company online with us too.
You generally must register for GST once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits), or from the start if you provide taxi or ride-sourcing services. You'll need to register a business name if you trade under a name that isn't your own. Both are separate registrations, and both require an ABN first.
Yes. Sprintlaw is an incorporated legal practice regulated by the Law Society of New South Wales. The official ABN application is provided by the Australian Government. Our Australian lawyers can separately help with business structures, contracts, trade marks and the other legal decisions that come with starting a business.
Start with the right setup
Apply free through the official government service, or talk to Sprintlaw if you need legal help choosing and protecting your business structure.