In Short
- You are legally required to update your Australian Business Number (ABN) details within 28 days of any changes, such as business name, address, structure or contact details.
- Keeping your ABN details up to date ensures government agencies have accurate information and can provide relevant services and assistance.
- You can update your ABN details online, through a registered tax agent, by mail or by calling the Australian Business Register (ABR).
Tips for Businesses
Regularly check that your ABN details are correct using ABN Lookup. The fastest way to update your details is through the ABR’s online services using myGovID and Relationship Authorisation Manager. If you are unsure about what changes need to be reported, consult your tax agent or accountant for guidance.
As a business owner, you are responsible for ensuring that you update your Australian Business Number (ABN) details. You are required by law to update your ABN details to reflect your business’s current circumstances. If there has been a change to your business, you are required to let the Australian Business Register (ABR) know of the change within 28 days of becoming aware of the change. You can use ABN Lookup to check whether your ABN details are up to date. This article will explain how to update your ABN details.
What You Need to Update
You may need to update your ABN details if any of the following things change:
- legal name of the entity, except for:
- individuals and sole traders (you will need to notify the Australian Tax Office (ATO) directly, who will let the ABR know of the change); and
- companies registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) (you will need to notify ASIC directly, who will let the ABR know of the change);
- addresses: postal, principal place of business or email;
- the main business activity and industry code for the business;
- business structure;
- contact details; or
- associate details.
Why You Need to Update Your Details
It is important to update your ABN details if the above information changes for your business. Updating your ABN details is necessary to provide accurate information for ensuring:
- your ABN correctly reflects the business activities that your business undertakes;
- the people who represent your business have the right permissions to act on behalf of your business;
- government agencies have updated information on your business which can be utilised by the government for emergency services and assistance from other agencies; and
- your business is ready for new government services when they are rolled out.
This guide will help you to understand your corporate governance responsibilities, including the decision-making processes.
How You Update Your Details
There are a few different ways the ABR allows you to update your ABN details:
1. ABR Online Services
Updating your ABN details online is the fastest and easiest way to keep your information up to date. It requires you to download myGovID to prove your identity when logging into online services and RAM to authorise that you act on behalf of your business online. You will need to link your myGovID to your business using RAM. You can access further information on how to do this online on the ABR website here.
2. Registered Tax Agent
Your registered tax agent will be able to update your ABN details or cancel your ABN. They are able to do this through the ABR’s Tax professional service online. They must be already linked to you as their client through the ATO Online services for agents.
3. Lodge a Form By Mail
You can lodge a form to the ABR to change your ABN details or cancel your ABN registration. You can do so by requesting a paper form from the ATO Publication Ordering Service to have a paper copy mailed to you for changing your ABN details (NAT 2943) or cancelling your ABN registration (NAT 2955).
4. Call the ABR Directly
You can also contact the ABR directly by phone to advise them of any changes via the number 13 92 26 to cancel, apply or update your ABN. The ABR recommends that you contact them directly as a last resort after you have exhausted the other options.
Key Takeaways
Updating your Australian Business Number (ABN) details is a legal obligation that ensures your business remains compliant and accurately represented in government records. Any changes, such as business name, address, structure or contact details, must be reported to the Australian Business Register (ABR) within 28 days. The most efficient way to update your details is through the ABR’s online services using myGovID. Alternatively, updates can be made via a registered tax agent, by submitting a form by mail, or by contacting the ABR directly. Keeping your ABN information current helps facilitate access to government services and avoids potential compliance issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Failing to update your ABN details within 28 days of a change can lead to outdated government records, affecting your ability to access government support, contracts, or services. Sometimes, your ABN may be flagged as inactive or even cancelled if the Australian Business Register (ABR) believes it is no longer accurate.
Yes, a registered tax agent can update your ABN details if you link them to your business through the ATO’s online services. Using the Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) linked to your myGovID account, you can also authorise someone.
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