Get an ABN and register a business name
An ABN is your business's ID number, and it's free to get. A business name lets you trade under a name other than your own. Both take less than an hour online through official government services, and here's exactly how.
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Do you need an ABN?
If you're carrying on a business in Australia, you're entitled to an Australian Business Number (ABN). You'll want one to:
- register a business name and a
.com.audomain - register for GST (required once your GST turnover reaches $75,000)
- invoice other businesses without them withholding tax: if you don't quote an ABN, a business paying you generally has to withhold 47% of the payment
- open most business bank accounts and payment tools
Not sure if what you're doing counts as a business or a hobby? The ATO's 'Are you in business?' page (opens in a new tab) walks through it.
Step by step
- Choose your structure. Sole trader, partnership, company or trust. Most people start as a sole trader because it's simple and cheap. The free business.gov.au guide to business structures (opens in a new tab) compares them, and its registrations tool (opens in a new tab) shows what you need to register. If a company suits you, see our company registration guide.
- Apply for your ABN, free. Apply on the Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au) (opens in a new tab), or do your ABN, business name and GST together through the government's Business Registration Service (opens in a new tab). Have your tax file number (TFN) handy. Many applications are approved straight away.
- Check your business name is available. Search the name on the business.gov.au business name check (opens in a new tab). Check the matching
.com.audomain and social handles at the same time. - Register the business name with ASIC. From 1 July 2026 it costs $47 for 1 year or $108 for 3 years (ASIC fees, per business.gov.au (opens in a new tab)). You don't need to register a name if you trade under your own name, for example "Jane Citizen".
- Register for GST if you need to. It's required when your GST turnover is $75,000 or more, and optional below that. See the ATO's GST registration page (opens in a new tab).
- Protect your brand if it matters. A registered business name doesn't give you exclusive rights to it. A trade mark can, through IP Australia (opens in a new tab).
What it costs
| Item | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|
| ABN | Free | abr.gov.au or the Business Registration Service |
| Business name, 1 year | $47 | ASIC (directly or via the Business Registration Service) |
| Business name, 3 years | $108 | ASIC |
| GST registration | Free | ATO, ABR or the Business Registration Service |
Once you have your ABN
You're officially in business. Nice work. Next steps most new businesses take:
- open a separate business account and set up a way to get paid: business banking and payments
- pick accounting software so GST and tax time are painless: accounting and tax software
- claim your domain and get a simple website live: website, email and marketing
Free official resources
Common questions
Is an ABN free?
Yes. Applying for an ABN through the Australian Business Register or the government's Business Registration Service is free.
How much does it cost to register a business name?
From 1 July 2026, ASIC charges $47 to register a business name for 1 year or $108 for 3 years.
Do I need a business name if I use my own name?
No. If you trade under your own name (for example Jane Citizen), you don't need to register a business name. Adding anything else, like 'Jane Citizen Plumbing', needs a registered business name.
When do I have to register for GST?
When your GST turnover is $75,000 or more a year ($150,000 for non-profits), or if you provide taxi or ride-sourcing services. Below that, it's optional.