Australian Business Number

The A New Tax System Act 1999 introduced a new single business identifier - the Australian Business Number (ABN). This identifier allows businesses to meet their regulatory obligations and access information and assistance through a single entry point to government.

An ABN is necessary to interact with the ATO on GST, the Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme, Luxury Car Tax and Wine Equalisation Tax, and to apply for endorsement as a deductible gift recipient or Income Tax exempt charity. You can also use an ABN to interact with the Australian Tax Office on the PAYG system and Fringe Benefits Tax.

To be entitled to an ABN, you must be:

• A company registered under Corporations Law in Australia
• A government entity, or
• An entity that is carrying on an enterprise in Australia

See both the Australian Business Number Guide and the Guide to registering for the new system for more information.

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