Apply for your ABN online, with confidence

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 or company. 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 answer a short set of plain-English questions online, and we take it from there. Your application is prepared, checked for the common errors that hold applications up, and lodged with the Australian Business Register. Your ABN is delivered digitally once issued.

Many applications are processed shortly after lodgement, and most ABNs are ready within 24 hours. If the Australian Business Register needs to review your application, it can take up to 28 days. Common reasons for delays include identity details that can't be matched against ATO records, missing or inconsistent information, and applications that need a manual review of your entitlement. The ABR will contact you with reasons if your application needs review, and providing accurate, complete details up front is the best way to avoid delays in the first place.

If your application is refused, the Australian Business Register will send you a letter setting out the reasons for the decision and your review rights. You generally have 60 days to lodge an objection, explaining why you disagree and including supporting documents. 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 and partnerships 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. While ABN registration is self-serve, our qualified Australian lawyers are here for the legal work that comes next, from service agreements to trade marks.