Before registering an ABN, settle three things: your structure, your GST position, and your trading name. Sole trader is the simplest and cheapest way to start (you can restructure later); GST registration is required from $75,000 turnover, or from the first dollar for rideshare; and a business name only needs registering if you’ll trade under something other than your own name. Settle those, and the ABN application itself takes about 5 minutes.
Registering the ABN is the easy part, five minutes, usually same-day. The decisions before it (structure, GST, trading name) are what set you up or trip you up later. Here’s the pre-flight check.
Quick refresher: an ABN (Australian Business Number) is the 11-digit identifier the Australian Business Register issues to anyone carrying on an enterprise, the full who-needs-one picture is in our complete ABN guide.
Do you need an ABN yet?
You generally apply for an ABN when you’re carrying on an enterprise (for example, operating a business as a sole trader or contractor).
If you’re still in the planning stage and not sure whether you’re “in business” yet, it can be worth getting independent advice before registering. Getting your structure and registrations right early can make everything easier later.
Key things to consider before you apply
Before you register, take a moment to think about these common setup points.
1) Your business structure: Are you starting as a sole trader, or will you operate through a company or trust? Your structure affects tax, liability and reporting obligations.
2) Your expected income: This can influence whether you’ll need to register for GST, and how you plan for tax payments during the year.
3) Your record-keeping: You’ll be responsible for keeping records of income and expenses. Setting up a simple system early makes everything easier later.
4) Cashflow planning: Knowing when money comes in and when obligations are due helps you avoid surprises.
5) What you’re registering for now (and later): An ABN is often step one. Depending on your situation, you may also need GST and/or PAYG registrations.
What happens after your ABN is active?
Once your ABN is active, certain obligations may apply, including:
- keeping your ABN details up to date (you must generally update changes within 28 days of becoming aware of them)
- ongoing tax reporting
- lodging BAS if you’re registered for GST
- superannuation and PAYG withholding responsibilities if you hire staff
Not every business has the same requirements. The important part is knowing what applies to you, and setting up good habits early.
Register online with ABN Assist
ABN Assist is an online ABN registration service for individuals and sole traders. It’s a simple process:
- Complete the online ABN form
- Verify your identity online (required)
- Make a secure online payment
- We review your details and lodge your application on your behalf
- You receive an email once your ABN has been confirmed
ABN Assist also notes that 95% of ABN application submissions have their ABN registered within 2 business hours.
Ready to register?
If you’re ready to get your sole trader ABN sorted, you can register online with ABN Assist. Complete the form, verify your identity, pay securely online, and we’ll take care of the lodgement so you can focus on getting your business moving.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is not tax, legal, financial or accounting advice. It does not take into account your personal circumstances. You should seek independent advice if you are unsure how the rules apply to you.
ABN Assist is a Tax Practitioners Board registered tax agent and can prepare and lodge ABN registration applications based on the information you provide and your authority for us to act. ABNs are issued by the Australian Business Register and processing times and outcomes can vary. While we take care to prepare applications accurately, we cannot guarantee processing timeframes or approval.
Nothing in this disclaimer limits any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law.
Quick answers
Should I start as a sole trader or set up a company?
Most people start as sole traders: it’s free-to-cheap, one tax return, and you can move to a company later when revenue, risk or partners justify it. A company costs more to set up and run but separates liability and caps tax at the company rate, worth professional advice once real money is flowing.
What registrations should I do at the same time as the ABN?
GST if you expect $75,000+ turnover (or do rideshare), PAYG withholding if you’ll employ anyone, and a business name if you’ll trade under one. Doing them together in one application avoids a second round of paperwork later.
What does it actually cost to get started?
The ABN itself is free from the Australian Business Register, or $99 inc GST agent-lodged with review and support. A business name is $47 for one year or $108 for three direct with ASIC (fees current from 1 July 2026, indexed annually), or $149 first year through us with automatic $99/yr renewals so it never lapses. Beyond that, most sole traders can start with little more than insurance appropriate to their trade.
Related guides: Do I need an ABN as a sole trader? · ABN vs ACN: which one do you need? · How much does an ABN cost?
Need an ABN? Five minutes, $99.
Reviewed by registered tax agents, lodged direct to the ABR, tax deductible. Free help on 1800 546 526.