When you apply for a company, you will be given an Australian Company Number (ACN), which is specific for your company alone and different to an Australian Business Number (ABN). You will receive your ACN once your company application has been approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
While the ACN is issued by the ASIC, the ABN is issued by the Australian Business Register.
The ABN is an identification number that can be used to verify the details of your company. The information which you will provide as part of your ABN registration may be used to verify your company's details which can in turn streamline communication with government agencies, e.g. the Taxation Department.
The public can also verify some of your company's details online using the ABN Look Up. This service can also be useful to you in finding information on the companies with which you are dealing, for example correct name for invoicing.
When do you need an ABN?
Not all businesses with an ACN are required to obtain an ABN. There are instances, however, where an ABN becomes necessary, for example:
You will be required by law to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more. You will also need to supply an ABN to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in order to register for GST. If your business has a turnover of less than $75,000, then registration for GST and ABN are optional. (However, by not registering for GST you are telling your clients/competition that your turnover is less than $75,000 - which you may not wish to divulge.)
* If your company is a non-profit organization with an annual turnover of $150,000 or more, then you will need to register your company for GST purposes, and this requires an ABN.
* If you want your company to qualify as a gift deductible recipient or income tax exempt charity, then you will be required to obtain an ABN. What are the benefits of having an ABN? Although an ABN is not essential for all companies, there are still many benefits that could apply to your personal situation and should be looked into for these reasons. Some of these advantages include:
Having an ABN also helps in preventing other entities from deducting the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) withholding tax from the payments that are due to your company.
You are able to claim more with an ABN such as energy grants.
* It provides easy identification for other business contacts to confirm your company's details for ordering and invoicing purposes.
* The ABN generally makes it easier for your company to deal with the government and to conduct its business with other entities as well.
It's easy to apply for an ABN. All you need is an Internet access. There are no fees to be paid and your company ABN may be immediately released the moment you complete the ABN application process online using the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
There are some ASIC registered agents who are experts in this field and can provide the tools and guidance you need for your successful ACN and ABN registrations.
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