Apply for a Sole Trader ABN Online (In Under 5 Minutes)

As a sole trader, applying for an ABN online might bring up a few questions and issues:

• Applying for an ABN can look like a difficult and time-consuming process
• It can take 20+ days to receive your ABN
• You're not sure what to do with your ABN and what the next steps are

In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to get your ABN without spending hours researching online or spending too much money. We’ll be covering:

• How to apply for a sole trader ABN
• What is an ABN and why is it important for freelancers and sole traders?
• What happens after your submit your application

Looking to apply for an ABN right away? Get your ABN online with Register My ABN today!

How to apply for a sole trader ABN

There are three main ways to apply for an ABN:

1. Apply with Register My ABN
2. Hire an accountant
3. Apply through the Australian Business Register

Let’s take a look at all three options one by one.

1. Apply with Register my ABN

Register My ABN is an all-in-one business registration platform in a simple-to-use website designed for small businesses, freelancers and sole traders in Australia.

We’ve built our website specifically for freelancers, which means we’ve made it as easy and simple as possible to register for an ABN.

The benefits of applying for an ABN with Register My ABN is:

• It takes 3 minutes on average to complete your application
• You can do it on your phone
• You’ll get your ABN straight away after submitting your application
• It's $45 (incl. GST) and fully tax-deductible to process the ABN application
• We’ve made it as simple as possible. You’ll only need to answer a few questions to apply with Register My ABN.

What details do you need while signing up for an ABN number?

You will need:

• Your date of birth.
• Your tax number.
• Your address.
• Details about the type of business you run

How can you apply for an ABN with Register My ABN?

We currently only offer ABNs for individuals/sole traders. If you're a business owner and want a company ABN, you’ll first need to register for your company, pick a business name and use the other methods listed below.

You can apply for an ABN through the Register My ABN website. You’ll be asked a series of questions including:

• Will your business activities be carried out in Australia?
• Have you started or taken steps towards starting your business?
• Your date of birth
• Your business address
• Your tax file number (TFN)
• What’s your main reason for applying for an individual/sole trader ABN?

These questions help us understand whether you’re eligible for an individual/sole trader ABN and if you can carry out a business in Australia.

2. Hire an accountant

The second option is to hire an accountant to help you apply for an ABN. They will likely charge an additional fee unless you’re already a client or plan to use their services again.

Where can you find accountants? Some ideas are:

• Ask your friends and family.
• Check out the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants and find a professional accountant with a public practice certificate. 
• Check out the Accountants Directory.

3. Apply through the Australian Business Register

You can go through the Australian government’s website and apply for your ABN details on the Australian Business Register. It’s free and your application can take up to 20 business days to be reviewed.

Before applying for an ABN through Australian Business Register:

• Make sure to read all the information and instructions available on the website.
• Keep handy all the business and tax documents you need for the application process.

Here are the steps to applying for an ABN via the ABR: 

1. Click on the ‘Apply for ABN’ button on the ABR website
2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions. 
3. Fill out the application form with the requested information for your business. 
4. Sign up for the application form and print it out for future reference.
5. Click on the ‘Submit’ button to submit your application.

You can see how your application is doing with the ABN Lookup tool.

What is an ABN and why is it important for freelancers and sole traders?

An ABN is an Australian Business Number issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) which is managed by the ATO (Australian Taxation Office). It’s an 11 digit number that helps you get paid and manage your business transactions for tax purposes.

You can’t invoice for work performed without an ABN, which is why it’s essential to get an ABN for your business.

Once you get your ABN, you’ll be able to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax), register for PAYG (Pay As You Go) if you’re hiring employees and register your business name.

Types of ABN

Depending on the kind of business you run and your business structure, there are different types of ABN for you to consider while filling out the application:

• Individual/ Sole trader
• Company
• Partnership 
• Trust 
• Super Entity

What happens after you submit your application?

Once you’ve submitted your ABN application, there are three possible outcomes:

1. Your application is successful

If your application is successful, you’ll receive your ABN number immediately. That means you can start to invoice clients and apply for other business registrations. Your details will automatically be added to the Australian Business Register.

2. Your application needs more information

In some cases, the ABR might need more information from you. You’ll receive a reference number with some questions requesting more information. If your application has been approved, you’ll get a confirmation and your ABN in 14 days.

3. Your application is turned down

If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be given a “refusal number”. The ABR will send you a letter within 14 days explaining why your application was refused and what other options are available to you.

Sole trader ABN FAQ

How much does it cost to get an ABN as a sole trader?

It depends where you get your ABN. Here are a few options:

• With Register My ABN, it's $45 (incl. GST) and fully tax-deductible
• With an accountant, it’ll cost you whatever fee you’re paying them, usually $100+
• Via the Australian Business Register, it’s free, but often harder and slower

Is ABN sole trader free?

If you register through the Australian Business Register (ABR), it is free, but often harder and slower

That’s why paid ABN registration services like Register My ABN are used by thousands of Australians to get an ABN - it’s simpler, faster, and helps you be ready to be paid faster.

How do I get a sole trader ABN number?

There are four main ways to get an ABN number:

1. With Register My ABN it's $45 (incl. GST), fully tax-deductible and you’ll get your ABN within seconds of submitting it
2. With an accountant - it depends on your accountant, but it could cost $100+ but could be quite fast
3. Via the ABR, it can take over 20 days but it’s free

You can read more here: How to apply for an ABN

Do I need an ABN for a one off job?

It depends on whether the activity you are being paid for can be classified as a hobby or a business. This Australian’s Government page clearly defines the difference between the two. If it’s clearly a business transaction, then you’re better off getting an ABN - although make sure to consult with an accountant if you aren’t sure. 

Ready to apply for a sole trader ABN with Register My ABN?

Getting an ABN for your business doesn’t have to be tough or complicated. With Register My ABN, you can get an ABN within minutes. We hope this article on how to apply for an ABN online has provided you with all the information you need to get an ABN quickly so that you can focus on growing your business instead of dealing with admin.