How to apply for an ABN

You're entitled to an ABN if you carry on an enterprise in Australia (or make supplies connected with Australia). Employees are not entitled to one for their employment.

How to apply

Applying is free through the Australian Business Register website or through a registered tax or BAS agent. You will need your tax file number, your business details and the business structure (sole trader, partnership, company or trust). Be careful with sites that charge a fee to apply on your behalf.

After you apply

Many applications get an ABN immediately; others are reviewed. Once issued, your ABN appears in the public register and on lookup sites like this one.