How to Get an ABN in Australia
A plain-language, step-by-step guide for community groups, charities and small organisations — including Easy Read pointers and common pitfalls.
Getting an ABN (Australian Business Number) is a quick, free process that helps your group open a bank account, apply for grants and receive payments. This guide breaks the process into simple steps, shows what to prepare and highlights the common mistakes to avoid.
What is an ABN?
An ABN is a free, 11-digit identifier issued by the Australian Government. It identifies your organisation to government departments, banks and funders. Having an ABN does not make you a business — it simply gives your group a public identifier for transactions and reporting.
Quick checklist — what you'll need
- Group name and contact details
- Structure of your group (e.g. unincorporated association, incorporated association, trust)
- Primary contact person (name, phone, email)
- Start date / first financial year
- Brief description of your activities / purpose (we provide a worksheet below)
Step-by-step: Apply for an ABN
Decide your group structure
Choose the legal structure that fits your group (e.g. unincorporated association, incorporated association, charitable trust). This affects the questions you’ll see on the ABR form and any later grant applications.
Gather documents and contact details
- Group name, postal address, email and phone
- Primary contact person and their role
- ABN purpose statement (one or two sentences about your group's activities)
Use the official ABR website
Go to the Australian Business Register (ABR) application page and follow the guided form. The ABR form adapts to your answers — choose “non-profit” or the structure that matches your group.
Open the ABR application (official site)
Submit and save your reference
After submitting, note your ABR reference and the ABN. Keep these in a safe place — you’ll use them for bank accounts, grant applications and official forms.
What comes next
You may need to register for GST, pay-as-you-go withholding or charity registers depending on your activities. If you want charity tax concessions, check the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) requirements separately.
Troubleshooting & scams
- ABNs are free. Never pay third-party sites to apply.
- Keep a copy of your reference and check the ABR website if you’re unsure about messages claiming to be official.
- If something looks suspicious, pause and ask for help — your local advocate or our team can review the message.
Helpful links & worksheets
Official ABR application
Easy Read guide & worksheet
Further support
If you want someone to help you complete the form, contact an advocate or our team and tell us what format you need (Easy Read, phone support, Auslan).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for an ABN: the ABN application is free — ignore sites that charge fees.
- Wrong structure: choosing the wrong legal structure can cause problems later (bank accounts, grants).
- Unclear purpose: a vague description slows the form — use a short, clear sentence about what your group does.
- Not saving evidence: save your reference number and confirmation email immediately after submitting.
Beyond the ABN
After you have an ABN, you may wish to:
- Register for GST (only if your group expects to exceed the GST turnover threshold)
- Register with the ACNC if you are a charity
- Set up a bank account in the group’s name using your ABN
- Document governance arrangements (who can sign contracts, manage money, etc.)
Ready to apply?
Start with the ABR form, use our worksheet if you need to draft your group purpose, and keep your confirmation details safe. If you want help, ask us for support — we provide Easy Read, phone and Auslan options.
Final note: Getting an ABN is a practical, low-risk step that unlocks access to funding and formal partnerships. Take your time, save your evidence, and ask for help if anything looks unclear.