How to Get an ABN in Australia: The 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
If you are starting a business in Australia, an ABN is one of the first things you need.
It is free. It is fast. And without one, you cannot register for GST, issue tax invoices, or set up payroll.
Here is how to get it done in 2026.
What Is an ABN?
An ABN is an Australian Business Number.
It is an 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government and other businesses. Every business entity in Australia has one.
You use it on tax invoices, when you register for GST, when you open a business bank account, and when you deal with the ATO.
Who Can Apply for an ABN?
You can apply for an ABN if you are carrying on a business in Australia.
This includes sole traders, partnerships, companies, trusts, and not-for-profit organisations. It also includes contractors and freelancers who provide services for a fee.
You do not need an ABN if you are an employee. If you earn income from a hobby not a business, you generally do not qualify either.
What You Need Before You Apply
Have these ready before you start the application.
You need your Tax File Number. If you are applying for a company, partnership, or trust, you need the entity’s TFN not just your personal one.
You need your personal details full name, date of birth, and residential address.
You need details about your business the type of entity, the main business activity, and the business address.
If you are registering a company, you need your ACN from ASIC first. You cannot apply for a company ABN without an ACN.
How to Apply Online
Go to the Australian Business Register at abr.business.gov.au.
Click Apply for an ABN. The application is free and takes around 15 minutes.
You will be asked to confirm you are entitled to an ABN. Answer the questions honestly. The ATO uses this to confirm you are genuinely carrying on a business.
Once submitted, most applications are processed immediately. You receive your ABN on screen and by email.
In some cases, the ATO needs more information. This can take up to 28 days.
Do You Need a myGovID?
For most sole trader applications, you do not need a myGovID.
If you are applying on behalf of a company, partnership, or trust, you do need a myGovID linked to the entity through the Relationship Authorisation Manager.
MyGovID replaced myGov for business purposes in 2022. If you do not have one, set it up at myid.gov.au before you apply.
What Happens After You Get Your ABN
Once you have your ABN, a few things happen.
Your business details appear on the public ABN lookup at abn.business.gov.au. Anyone can search your ABN and see your business name, entity type, and GST registration status.
You can now register for GST if your turnover reaches $75,000. You can issue tax invoices. You can open a business bank account.
If you are hiring staff, you also need to register for PAYG withholding. This is separate from your ABN and must be done before your first pay run.
Can You Have More Than One ABN?
Generally, no. One entity gets one ABN.
If you operate multiple businesses under the same entity for example, two sole trader businesses under your own name they share one ABN.
If you set up a separate company for a second business, that company gets its own ABN. Companies and trusts are separate legal entities from you personally.
What If Your ABN Is Cancelled?
The ATO can cancel your ABN if they believe you are no longer carrying on a business.
This can happen if you have not lodged returns, if your business appears inactive, or if you provided incorrect information on your application.
If your ABN is cancelled, you cannot charge GST or issue valid tax invoices. Clients who pay you without a valid ABN must withhold 47% from your payment.
Check your ABN status at abr.business.gov.au at least once a year.
ABN vs ACN vs TFN: What Is the Difference?
This confuses a lot of new business owners.
Your TFN is your Tax File Number — a personal identifier used for income tax. Every individual has one.
Your ABN is your Australian Business Number — used for business transactions, GST, and dealing with the ATO as a business.
Your ACN is your Australian Company Number — issued by ASIC when you register a company. You need an ACN before you can apply for a company ABN.
What About Business Name Registration?
An ABN is not the same as a registered business name.
If you trade under a name that is not your own legal name, you must register that name with ASIC. This costs around $42 for one year or $98 for three years.
For example, if your name is James Smith and you trade as Smith Payroll Services, you need to register Smith Payroll Services as a business name.
Sole traders using only their own legal name do not need to register a business name.
Setting Up Payroll After Your ABN
Once your ABN is registered and you start hiring staff, payroll comes next.
You need to register for PAYG withholding, set up STP-compliant payroll software, and pay super from the first pay run. From 1 July 2026, super must be paid on every payday under the new Payday Super rules.
Getting payroll right from day one is far easier than fixing mistakes later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ABN free? Yes. The Australian Business Register does not charge for ABN registration.
How long does it take? Most applications are approved immediately online. Some take up to 28 days if the ATO needs more information.
Do I need an ABN if I am a contractor? Yes, if you are genuinely running a business. If you are actually an employee being misclassified, you may not be entitled to one.
Can I apply for an ABN for a trust? Yes. The trustee applies on behalf of the trust using the trust’s TFN.
What if I made a mistake on my application? You can update your ABN details at any time through the Australian Business Register.
Starting a Business? Let Edulink Handle the Payroll from Day One
Setting up payroll correctly from the start saves you from costly mistakes later.
At Edulink Payroll Services, we help new and growing businesses across Campbelltown and greater Sydney set up compliant payroll from their very first hire.
Edulink Payroll Services charges $750 per year, per employee fixed pricing, no surprises.
Have more employees? Call us for a discounted rate.
📞 Call us today: 04 044 71 816
Edulink Payroll Services | Campbelltown & Greater Sydney | Call 04 044 71 816
Leave a Reply