An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11 digit identification number used to identify your business. It is used to liaise with a range of government agencies and departments, other businesses and the public. Once registered, your business ABN is stored on the Australian Business Register (ABR).
As circumstances change, it is imperative to update your ABN details.
- Why is it important to update my Australian Business Number (ABN)?
- What ABN details should I keep updated?
- How do I update my business’s ABN details?
Why is it important to update my Australian Business Number (ABN)?
Your ABN displays the range of business activities you undertake. Keeping your ABN details up to date will ensure your business does not miss receiving essential information. It will ensure emergency services and government agencies can identify your business in the case of an emergency. If your ABN details are out of date, it also puts your business at risk of missing important assistance, updates, new services or opportunities. It is also important to ensure the correct people have the correct permissions to act on your business’s behalf.
What ABN details should I keep updated?
If you hold an ABN, legally you must notify the ABR within 28 days of any changes. Details that should be updated when changes occur include authorised contacts, your business’s physical address, your business’s postal address, your business’s email address and your business’s phone number.
If you are no longer in business you need to request to have your ABN registration cancelled. You should do this once you have met all your tax obligations.
How do I update my business’s ABN details?
For business owners updating their own ABN details, they can do so through ABR’s online services.
Access the ABR – Update your ABN information (link below) then simply log in using your myGovID.
Details such as business names, legal names for individuals and sole traders who need to contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) directly and legal names for companies registered with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) can’t be updated. These changes must be made with ATO and ASIC and the ABR will update automatically.
Freed Up Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions are registered and certified bookkeeping experts in Western Australia
At Freed Up Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions, our main principal, Naomi is a registered BAS Agent (#25959844) with the ATO. She is also a qualified Accountant with a Bachelor of Financial Admin (Accounting) and a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and the Australian Bookkeepers Network.
Our team are ready to get to work and can assist in the ongoing bookkeeping needs of your business. Call our team today on 0438 977 767.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is general information only.
Reference: The Australian Institute of Certified Bookkeepers – January 2022 Newsletter