An ABN is free if you apply directly through the Australian Business Register, no government fee, no renewal fee, ever. Agent-lodged applications cost money for the service around the application: ours is a flat $99 including GST, covering registered-tax-agent review, same-day lodgement and phone support, with GST and PAYG registration available in the same application ($27.50 each), and the fee is tax deductible.
The honest comparison
| DIY at the ABR | ABN Assist | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $99 inc GST, tax deductible |
| Application checked before lodgement | No, you’re on your own with the entitlement questions | Yes, registered tax agent review (TPB 26076969) |
| GST + PAYG registration | Separate steps | Same application, $27.50 each |
| If something goes wrong | ATO phone queue | 1800 546 526, a human, free |
| Typical turnaround | Same day if clean; 28-day review if not | Same day, review exists to keep it clean |
Costs that are NOT the ABN
- Business name: registering a trading name with ASIC costs extra (per 1 or 3 year term), only needed if you trade under something other than your own name
- Company registration: an ACN/company setup is a different beast entirely. See ABN vs ACN
- “ABN renewal” letters: there is no such fee. Letters demanding renewal payments are a known scam, bin them
Ready to go? Apply for an ABN online or check everything we charge, it’s a short page.
Common questions
Is getting an ABN free?
Yes, applying directly through the Australian Business Register costs nothing, and there are no government fees or renewal fees for an ABN itself. If your situation is simple and you’re confident with the entitlement questions, the free route works.
Why do ABN services charge money then?
For the review and the safety net: a registered tax agent checks your application against the common rejection traps before lodgement, bundles your GST/PAYG registrations, and picks up the phone when the ATO queries something. With us that’s a flat $99 including GST, and it’s tax deductible.
Are there ongoing fees for an ABN?
No. An ABN has no renewal or annual fee. (A registered business name is separate. ASIC charges for those per 1 or 3 year term.) Beware of invoice-style letters demanding “ABN renewal” fees; they’re a well-known scam.
Is the $99 fee tax deductible?
Yes, fees paid to a registered tax agent for managing your tax affairs are generally deductible, so the real after-tax cost is lower.
Does the price include GST registration?
Yes. GST and PAYG registration can be added to our $99 ABN application for $27.50 each ($55 for both), one round of paperwork instead of two, and required registrations for many rideshare and higher-turnover businesses.
Ready to sort your ABN? 5 minutes.
Reviewed by registered tax agents, lodged same day, free help on 1800 546 526.