ABN stands for Australian Business Number. It is a unique 11-digit number that is issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) to businesses and other entities, such as sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts, that are carrying on an enterprise in Australia. The ABN is used as a universal identifier for businesses and is required for various purposes, including:
Registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Claiming tax credits and deductions, such as input tax credits for GST.
Dealing with other government agencies, such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).
Conducting business with other entities, such as suppliers and customers, who may require an ABN for invoicing and payment purposes.
To apply for an ABN, businesses and other entities must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being registered for GST or operating in a business-like manner. Once an ABN is issued, it does not expire and can be used for the life of the business or entity, provided that the information held by the ABR is kept up-to-date.
If you have an ABN, but you forget it, please check: HOW CAN I FIND MY ABN?