The Australian Business Number (ABN) provides a single identifier when dealing with the tax office or other government departments and agencies. You need an ABN when interacting with the ATO regarding:

• GST (e.g. to claim GST credits)
• The Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme
• Luxury Car Tax
• Wine Equalisation Tax
• Applying for an endorsement as a deductible gift recipient
• Applying for an endorsement as an income tax exempt charity

NOTE: You can also use an ABN to interact with the ATO on the PAYG system and Fringe Benefits Tax.

To qualify for an ABN, you must be a company registered under Corporations Law in Australia or a business entity carrying on an enterprise in Australia. You will need an ABN if:

• Your GST turnover is $75,000 or more
• You are a not-for-profit organisation with a GST turnover of $150,000 or more
• You need to be endorsed as a gift deductible recipient
• You need to be endorsed as an income tax exempt charity

MORE: See the ABN Essentials section of the ATO website.