Starting from
Most companies in Australia need an ABN. From sending invoices, to filing tax returns, an ABN is an essential part of the day-to-day running of business.
You will definitely need an ABN if:
You’ll be handling invoices
An ABN is needed if you're sending invoices to consumers or getting invoices from suppliers.
You want to open a business bank account
When you open a business account with most banks, they will ask for your ABN.
You’ll earn $75k or more
An ABN is required for any company that earns more than $74,999 a year. If you expect your turnover to surpass this number, you'll also need to register for GST.
You’ll be paying salaries
If you choose to recruit workers, you'll need an ABN to cover their salaries. This is such that they can be enrolled for PAYG (pay as you go) levy. To pay any directors, you'll also need an ABN.
Australian Company registration
There is no need to think about papers or ID checking. What you need to submit an online application are a few details, such as:
Your company's name
Your company's name and main business activity
Your email address
This is the address to which your ABN will be forwarded.
Essential people
You must register the phone number of at least one director or shareholder.
Speed it up
Providing the Tax File Numbers for both supervisors and secretaries will help to speed up the submission.
For GST Registration you will also need:
To determine the turnover of your GST and to assess whether to record sales every month, every
quarter, or a year. You will need to be aware of how many employers you (including paying
directors) are going to have and the amount of income tax you are likely to be retained each
year for Payg’s withholding tax registration.
Australian Business Number
If you apply during business hours, you’ll usually have your ABN
emailed to you within the hour. Occasionally the ATO review applications, which can take up to
28 days. We’ll tell you In the unlikely event that this happens, keep you updated on the
progress of your application, and do all we can to speed things up.
GST/TFN/PAYG Numbers
These numbers aren’t instantly issued and the ATO (Australian Tax Office) needs to review
these applications. You will receive these numbers along with a confirmation of ABN registration
via
postal mail within 3-5 working days.