How to Register for an ABN in Australia (Free, 2026)

An ABN (Australian Business Number) is an 11-digit number that identifies your business to the government, other businesses and the ATO. If you are starting a business in Australia, you will almost certainly need to register for an ABN — and the good news is that it’s free. This guide explains who needs to register for an ABN, how to do it step by step, and how it differs from registering a company.

Is it free to register for an ABN?

Yes. You apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register (ABR) and there is no government fee. Be careful of third-party websites that charge a “processing fee” to submit the free application for you — you can do it yourself at no cost. (Registering a company is different and does carry an ASIC fee; more on that below.)

Who needs an ABN?

You need an ABN if you are carrying on a business or enterprise in Australia. That includes sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts. You will need it to:

Invoice clients (without an ABN, other businesses must withhold 47% from payments to you).
Register for GST.
Claim GST credits and fuel tax credits.
Deal with the ATO and other government agencies under one identifier.

What you need before you apply

Your tax file number (TFN) — and the TFNs of any business associates.
Your business structure (sole trader, company, partnership or trust).
If you are a company, your ACN (you register the company first, then get its ABN).
Details of your business activity and start date.

How to register for an ABN, step by step

Choose your structure. A sole trader ABN is tied to you personally; a company ABN is tied to a separate legal entity. If you want liability protection, register a company first — see our step-by-step guide to registering a company.
Apply through the ABR. The online application is free and, if your details are in order, your ABN is often issued immediately.
Register for GST if needed. You must register for GST once your turnover reaches $75,000 (or immediately if you drive rideshare). You can do this at the same time.
Keep your ABN details current. Update your ABN within 28 days if your details change.

ABN vs ACN vs company registration — what’s the difference?

These get confused constantly:

An ACN is a 9-digit number ASIC issues when you register a company.
An ABN is an 11-digit number the ABR issues to any business, including sole traders. A company’s ABN is built from its ACN.
Registering a company creates a separate legal entity and costs the ASIC fee of $636 (from 1 July 2026). Getting an ABN is free but does not, by itself, create a company or give you liability protection.

So if you are trading as yourself, a free ABN may be all you need. If you want limited liability, a more professional structure, or a corporate SMSF trustee, you register a company first (which gives you an ACN), then get the company’s ABN.

Ready to set up a company?

If a company is the right structure for you, we can register it for you online for $60 + the $636 ASIC fee — constitution and all documents included, no subscription. Register your company here, then apply for its ABN free through the ABR.

General information only, not tax or legal advice. Fees and thresholds are current as at July 2026 — check current amounts before relying on them.

Do you need a company as well?

If you also need a company, you can register a Pty Ltd company in Australia for a flat $60 service fee plus the $636 ASIC fee — constitution, ACN certificate and all registration documents included.

How to Register for an ABN in Australia (Free): Step-by-Step 2026