Where Can I Find My ABN Number?
Your business’s primary identifier is your ABN, and you must have it on hand. There are times when you might be unable to find your ABN. If you want to run a business in Australia, it’s important to have an ABN, which stands for Australian Business Number. Australian Tax Office issues this registration number, and it allows businesses to carry out commercial activities. If you don’t have an ABN number, you must register for an ABN online. After receiving your ABN, you need to keep a record of it. Your Australian Business Number will stay with you for life, but if you lose it, you can use a few ways to relocate your ABN. In this blog post, we’ll explain how you can find your ABN when you accidentally misplace it.
How to find your ABN?
To search your ABN, you must check any government documents you have. It should be listed on your Tax Invoice or in any correspondence from the government regarding your business.
Another option is to use the online tool ABN Lookup. This allows anyone to search for the ABNs of registered businesses. If your ABN is registered, it will be added to the results. You can search by your name or ACN (Australian Company Number), and all publicly available records, including your ABN, will be displayed.
If your ABN is inactive, you can reactivate it by submitting an online application. Once processed, your ABN will be active again in the ABN Lookup.
How to apply or reapply for an ABN?
The ABN is a distinctive 11-digit number that identifies your business or organisation to the government and the public. At the Australian Government’s Business Registration Service website, you can apply or reapply for an ABN using the online form.
Not everyone qualifies for an ABN. If you apply for one, register for GST, or claim GST refunds without being eligible, you could face prosecution or criminal charges. You may be liable to an ABN entitlement review at any time. During such a review, you’ll need to provide proof that you started, or are in the process of starting, your business or enterprise from the date you indicated in your ABN application. If you find it difficult to apply for an ABN, you can ask your accountants in Melbourne.
Can I work without an ABN?
Not everyone needs to have an ABN. You are subject to have an ABN if you are:
- running or starting a business in Australia
- making supplies that are related to Australia’s indirect tax zone
- a Corporations Act company.
You could face prosecution or criminal charges if you apply for an ABN, register for GST, or claim GST refunds without being eligible. Not everyone needs to apply for an ABN.
Can I check if I have an ABN?
After filling out details for getting an ABN, your details will be included in the Australian Business Register (ABR) as either:
- Public information, you can check your ABN through ABN Lookup
- Non-public information that can check the ABN holder, and your registered tax agent if you have one. Eligible government agencies can also access some non-public information.
Does your ABN expire?
Your ABN doesn’t expire. You are liable to apply for an ABN if you are running an enterprise. You can prove that you are eligible to get an ABN by keeping your activity statement and tax return lodgments up to date.
Does an ABN become inactive?
Your ABN can become inactive if:
- you fail to report business income
- your lodgments are not updated, showing that the business is no longer operating
- you advise that you have stopped running a business in your latest income tax return
- you file a final tax return.
Do I need to cancel my ABN if I don’t use it?
If you choose to permanently close your business, it is important to cancel your Australian Business Number (ABN). Before cancelling your ABN, it’s crucial to meet all your reporting, lodgment, and payment obligations to the government agencies you are associated with. For more information on the ABN cancellation process, you can consult with your small business accountants in Melbourne.
Conclusion
The blog outlines ways to find your ABN number along with different aspects related to ABN. For more information on your ABN, you can ask Reliable Melbourne Accountants.
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