Register an ABN in Australia Step by Step Guide

If you are starting a business in Australia, one of the first things people tell you to do is “get an ABN”. They rarely explain what that actually means, whether you need one yet, or how to do it without accidentally registering the wrong thing and creating admin you did not need.

This guide walks you through how to register for an ABN step by step, using the official Australian Government process, without paying anyone to do it for you.

You do not need an accountant. You do not need a paid service. You do not need to rush.

You just need the right information in the right order.

So, what is an ABN? The ABN is a unique 11-digit number that identifies your business or organisation to the government and community. It is your identifier as being an open and operating business/sole trader and is required for tax related purposes, as well as adding validity for your business operations.

Tip #1 - Check if you actually need to register an ABN in Australia

Before applying, stop and confirm that you genuinely need one.

You generally need an ABN if you are:

• Running a business or about to start trading

• Issuing invoices

• Working as a sole trader or contractor

• Wanting to avoid having tax withheld from payments

• Registering a business name

You usually do not need an ABN if:

• You are just thinking about an idea

• You are not trading yet and have no income

• You are an employee only

A common mistake is registering too early and creating unnecessary obligations.

Tip #2 - Go to the official Aus Gov website

Always apply directly through the Australian Business Register.

Do not use third party sites that charge fees for something that is free.

The correct starting point is the ABN application through the Australian Business Register website: https://www.abr.gov.au/business-super-funds-charities/applying-abn.

If a site asks for payment to “process” your ABN, close the tab.

Tip #3 - Choose the correct Business Structure

This will vary depending upon your business needs and planned structure. You should research what is best for your needs before applying for an ABN.

For example, a Sole Trader is where one individual owns and runs the entire business, having full control but also being personally responsible for all debts, profits, and liabilities, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business.

This means:

• You are the business

• You use your own tax file number

• You control the income and expenses

Tip #4 - Gather the information you will be asked for

Before starting the form, have these ready:

• Your tax file number

• Your full legal name and date of birth

• Your residential address

• A contact email and phone number

• A short description of what your business does

• The date you started or plan to start

Tip #5 - Complete the ABN application

The form is completed online and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

You will answer questions about:

• Your identity

• Your business activities

• How your business earns income

• Whether you plan to hire employees

• GST registration if applicable

Tip #6 - Submit and wait for confirmation

In many cases, your ABN is issued immediately.

If the ATO needs to verify details, it can take anywhere from a few days to around 20 business days. You will receive confirmation via the contact details you provided.

Once issued, your ABN becomes publicly searchable on the ABN Lookup register. The ABN Lookup register is a great place to verify business ABN's. If a business provides conflicting information to that on the register, it's best practice to follow this up. Businesses often change names and hands, but ABN information should always be accurate and current.

Tip #7 - What to do after your ABN is approved

Getting an ABN does not mean you must register everything else immediately.

Common next steps people take:

• Register a business name if needed (Do this via the ASIC website)

• Set up a basic invoicing system

• Open a separate bank account

• Decide if and when GST registration is required

You do not need to do everything at once.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying a third party to register an ABN

• Registering a company when a sole trader was sufficient

• Registering GST when turnover is under 75000 AUD

• Using vague or incorrect business descriptions

• Applying too early without intent to trade

Each of these creates extra admin and stress that could have been avoided.

Final note

Registering an ABN is one of the simplest parts of starting a business, but it feels overwhelming when no one explains it properly. A quick Google search can have you paying double by clicking on business sites geared to confuse you into purchasing services you don't necessarily need.

With that said, anyone in Australia can register your ABN or business name with your approval. Seeking help with this isn't a failure; but knowing the steps of the process will hopefully save you in the long run for paying more for services than is needed.

If you are stuck, confused, or worried about doing it wrong, that does not mean you are bad at business. It means the system assumes knowledge you were never taught.

That gap is exactly why this guide exists.