Is your ABN current?

The ATO has started reviewing existing Australian Business Numbers (ABNs), to identify potentially inactive ABNs for cancellation.

Your ABN may be selected if you haven’t reported business activity in your tax return or there are no other signs of business activity in other lodgments or third-party information.

If we identify your ABN for cancellation, we’ll write to you. If you still require your ABN we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to stop cancellation.

We cancel inactive ABNs to make sure information on the Australian Business Register (ABR) is correct. Emergency services and government agencies use this information during natural disasters and to identify where financial disaster relief is needed to help businesses.

If your ABN is cancelled and you need it later:

• you can reapply for the same ABN if your business structure is the same
• you’ll get a different ABN if your business structure is different, for example, you were a sole trader but you’re now a company.

If we cancel your ABN and you disagree with our decision, contact us and we’ll try to resolve the issue.

Remember, registered tax agents and BAS agents can help you with your ABN.