Selling your business or closing it down can be a busy and emotional time – and cancelling your Australian business number (ABN) might be the last thing on your mind.

A short video series to help businesses, and tax and BAS agents tell facts from fiction when it comes to ABNs.

You can request Australian business number (ABN) details in writing.

To be entitled to an ABN, you must be carrying on or starting an enterprise in Australia or making supplies connected with the indirect tax zone or be a Corporations Act company.

As a tax professional, you can apply online for an Australian business number (ABN) for your client using Tax Professional’s services with a Digital ID, such as myID.

How to update your Australian business number (ABN) details. You must update information within 28 days of becoming aware of any changes to your ABN details.

Your ABN details on the Australian Business Register (ABR).

You can request that your ABN details not be disclosed publicly.

If you change your business structure, you may need to cancel your Australian business number (ABN) and apply for a new one.

Update your agency’s Australian business number (ABN) details within 28 days of becoming aware of any changes.

How to cancel your Australian business number (ABN) if your business has sold, closed down, or stopped operating.

You should cancel your ABN when your business has been sold, closed down, or is no longer operating in Australia or making supplies connected with Australia.

It is important that ABN details are kept up to date. The fastest way to cancel your client’s ABN is online using myID.

To maintain the integrity and accuracy of ABR data, we may contact you from time to time by letter, email, SMS or phone.

Your application for an ABN starts here. Before applying, ensure you're entitled to an ABN. Not everyone is entitled to an ABN.

Changes continue to be made to the Australian business number (ABN) application process. Help your clients understand their ABN obligations and ongoing entitlement by familiarising yourselves with the changes.

This is the data file for replaced ABN details.

Government agencies can only apply for an ABN using a paper form.

The Australian Business Register will soon start cancelling the Australian business number (ABN) of inactive partnerships.

Ensure you don't miss information about changes that may occur from us or other government agencies and stay safe by making sure your ABN details are up to date.