What is an Australian business number

• The Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11-digit number used to identify businesses. You can communicate with other companies and government departments or agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) through your ABN. Even if your company name is the same as other companies, the ABN of any other company will not be the same as yours

• ​But the ABN number does not replace your tax number (TFN). Your business usually needs to have its own tax identification number (TFN), unless you are a self-employed person, in which case you can use your own personal tax identification number (TFN)

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Benefits of holding an Australian business number ABN

• The ABN number allows other companies to easily confirm your details when making reservations and issuing invoices

• ​Means that you will not take the risk of temporarily withholding part of the amount paid to you by other companies because of the PAYG withholding system

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How to get ABN

• ​Apply online at www.abr.gov.au

• Choose a registered tax agent or BAS agent (a registered agent is a qualified agent with tax experience, and only a registered agent can charge you legally)

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Information required for ABN application

(Name, Gender, Birthday, Identity Certificate, Address, Personal Tax Number, Industry Contact Number, Email)

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What are the obligations as an ABN holder

• If you hold an ABN, you are required by law to notify ABR within 28 days of any changes (including: name, address and other contact information)

• If ABR writes to ask you to provide information related to your ABN or confirm your identity in the register or other information, you must comply with this request

• If you are not in business, you need to cancel your ABN registration, once you have fulfilled all tax obligations, you need to cancel your ABN

(For more details, please refer to the official website of the Australian Taxation Office)