How to Change Your ABN Details – Business Name, Address or Structure

Once you’ve registered for an ABN, there’s a good chance your business details might change - whether that’s your business address, your trading name, or even your structure.

But many people forget to keep their ABN record up to date, which can cause issues when invoicing clients, applying for GST, or dealing with the ATO.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• What ABN details you can update
• How to update your details (including links)
• What to do if you’re changing from a sole trader to a company
• What happens after you make a change

What ABN details can you change?

You can update most of your business information linked to your ABN including:

• Business address
• Postal address
• Email or phone number
• Business activity or industry
• Authorised contact person
• Trading name (if applicable)
• Business structure (in some cases this means cancelling your ABN and applying again)

How to update your ABN details

There are two main ways to update your ABN:

1. Use the ABR online services

The Australian Business Register (ABR) provides an online portal:

• Visit the ABR
• You’ll need your myGovID and ABN-linked relationship in RAM to log in
• Select the section you want to update (e.g. address or contact)

2. Ask your tax or BAS agent to do it

If you have an accountant or registered tax agent, they can update your ABN details on your behalf using their own online systems.

🔎 Need to make a change but not sure how? We recommend keeping a record of your updated business documents (e.g. utility bills, new trading names or ASIC registrations) in case the ATO requests them.

What if you’re changing your business structure?

If you’re moving from:

• Sole trader → Company
  
• Sole trader → Partnership
  
• Or any major structure shift

…you’ll usually need to cancel your current ABN and apply for a new one.

That’s because ABNs are tied to the business structure, not just the business name.

In most cases, this means:

• Cancelling your old ABN through the ABR website
• Applying for a new ABN using the new structure (e.g. company or trust)

You can start a new Sole Trader ABN application here:
👉 Apply for a new ABN with Register My ABN

What happens after you update your ABN?

Once you submit your changes:

• Updates to your ABN are usually reflected on ABN Lookup within 24–48 hours
• Some changes may trigger ATO correspondence or verification
• Make sure to update your business invoices, bank details, and any software platforms you use (like Xero or QuickBooks)

Keep your ABN details accurate

Keeping your ABN details up to date isn’t just good admin - it’s a legal requirement. Outdated records can lead to tax confusion, delays in client payments, or issues with business banking.

Whether you’re updating your business address or switching from a sole trader to a company, make sure your ABN reflects your current setup.

Need to apply for a new ABN?

If your structure has changed, Register My ABN can help you get your new Sole Trader ABN online in minutes.