What is a business number

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11-digit identifier. The Australian government provides this number to all businesses when they register with the Australian Business Register.

Every business that aims to make money has to have an Australian Business Number, and it serves as the primary legal identifier for businesses within the country.

Purposes and uses of an ABN

The ABN is used extensively to:

• Facilitate communication and identification of business entities across different government platforms and programs.
• Ensure businesses can claim Goods and Services Tax (GST) credits on their purchases.
• Confirm business identity to others when invoicing and ordering.
• Easily confirm the identity of businesses suppliers.

Visibility and compliance

An ABN should be displayed prominently on all official documents, including websites, invoices, and receipts. This assists in verifying the legitimacy of the business and acts as a requisite for certain transactions and interactions, especially in dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other business entities.

When opening a business bank account in Australia, the financial institution will request the company’s ABN. The same applies when you’re dealing with public officials and government departments.

For more information or to apply for an ABN, companies in Australia can visit the Australian Business Register’s official website.