If you’re planning to do business in Australia, you’ll need the right tax registrations — starting with an Australian Business Number (ABN). At RBizz Corporate Accountants, we specialise in helping foreign entrepreneurs, investors and global companies register ABN in Australia, along with GST, TFN, PAYG and other business tax registrations.
Whether you want to register a GST in Australia, get tax registrations for your new company, or simply understand which registrations apply to your situation, we make it simple. Our expert team ensures every registration is fast, compliant, and aligned with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements.
Understanding ABN and Tax Registrations in Australia
What is an ABN (Australian Business Number)?
Who Needs an ABN in Australia?
Can a Foreign Company or Individual Apply for an ABN?
What is GST Registration and When Is It Required?
Other Common Tax Registrations in Australia
Step-by-Step Process for ABN and GST Registration
Benefits of Getting an ABN and GST Registration in Australia
Challenges for Foreign Clients and How RBizz Helps
The RBizz Advantage – One-Stop Tax Registration & Compliance
An ABN is a unique business identifier issued by the ATO.
It is used for:
Without an ABN, you generally cannot invoice Australian customers or claim input tax credits.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a 10% tax on most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia.
A business must register for GST if:
- Its expected annual turnover is AUD 75,000 or more;
- It provides taxable supplies connected with Australia;
- It wishes to claim GST input credits.
Its expected annual turnover is AUD 75,000 or more.
It provides taxable supplies connected with Australia.
It wishes to claim GST input credits.
For non-resident businesses, GST registration may be required even without a permanent establishment — for example, when selling goods or digital services to Australian customers.
RBizz helps by:
Determining whether you must register for GST;
Registering for GST alongside your ABN;
Setting up your BAS (Business Activity Statement) reporting framework; and
Managing your ongoing GST compliance and lodgements.
Eligibility Check
- We assess whether your business qualifies for an ABN or GST registration.
- For foreign companies, we confirm ASIC registration (company or foreign entity).
Document Preparation
- Collect business details, ownership structure, identification, and contact information.
- Prepare any supporting ASIC or incorporation documentation.
Application Lodgement
- RBizz completes your ABN and GST applications through the official ATO portals or Business Registration Service.
- We ensure details are consistent across ASIC, ATO and ABR records.
Verification & Approval
- ATO verifies information; if all documentation is correct, your ABN is issued instantly or within a few business days.
- GST registration can be activated immediately once your ABN is active.
Integration & Compliance Setup
- We integrate your new ABN and GST registration into your accounting systems, invoice templates and compliance calendar.
- You can start trading and invoicing in Australia immediately with correct tax documentation.
Legitimacy and credibility – An ABN builds trust with Australian clients, banks and suppliers.
Tax compliance – Ensures you meet ATO requirements and avoid withholding taxes.
GST input credits – Enables claiming of credits for GST paid on business purchases.
Operational flexibility – Necessary for invoicing, business banking, payroll, and tender participation.
Faster market entry – Streamlined registration through RBizz allows immediate business commencement.
Integrated compliance – Simplifies accounting, BAS, and financial reporting.
At RBizz Corporate Accountants, we go beyond just ABN and GST registration — we deliver comprehensive tax and compliance support for international clients entering Australia.
Our services include:
ABN, GST, TFN and PAYG registration;
ASIC and ATO compliance management;
Bookkeeping, BAS preparation and lodgement;
Tax advisory, structuring and planning;
Registered office and local contact services;
End-to-end accounting and CFO support.
With our proven expertise, clear communication and fixed fee pricing, RBizz ensures your Australian tax registration is fast, compliant and stress-free — allowing you to focus on your business growth.
With our proven expertise, clear communication and fixed fee pricing, RBizz ensures your Australian tax registration is fast, compliant and stress-free — allowing you to focus on your business growth.
FAQs — ABN, GST and Tax Registrations in Australia
1. What is an ABN, and why do I need it?
Answer: An Australian Business Number (ABN) is an 11-digit identification number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is used by businesses to:
- Identify themselves when dealing with the ATO, banks and other government agencies;
- Register for GST (Goods and Services Tax);
- Issue valid tax invoices and claim input tax credits;
- Lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS); and
- Avoid having tax withheld at the highest rate (47%) on payments.
Any business — including foreign companies carrying on business in Australia — must have an ABN to operate legally and efficiently.
Reference: ATO – Register for an ABN
How RBizz helps: We help you determine your eligibility, prepare and lodge the application, and manage the full process directly with the ATO — ensuring your ABN registration is fast, compliant, and error-free.
2. Can foreign individuals or companies register for an ABN in Australia?
Answer: Yes, foreign individuals and companies can obtain an ABN if they are carrying on business in Australia or registered with ASIC as a local company or foreign entity.
However, the ATO applies strict eligibility criteria — overseas entities must demonstrate they have, or intend to have, a genuine business presence in Australia (for example, a local office, director, or operations).
Reference: ATO – ABN Entitlement
How RBizz helps: We evaluate your business structure and activities, confirm eligibility, and guide you in setting up the correct legal structure (company or branch) before applying for your ABN, avoiding unnecessary rejections or delays.
3. Can I register an ABN from overseas?
Answer: Yes, you can register an ABN online from outside Australia, but you must provide:
- Certified identification;
- Evidence of Australian operations or business activities; and
- Local registration details (e.g. ASIC company or ARBN).
ABN applications from overseas often require additional verification and communication with the ATO.
Reference: ATO – Register for an ABN
How RBizz helps: We manage the entire process remotely — including verifying your documents, certifying copies, liaising with the ATO and ensuring your ABN is approved quickly, even if you’re abroad.
4. Who is required to register for GST in Australia?
Answer: You must register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if:
- Your business turnover in Australia is expected to reach AUD 75,000 or more per year;
- You are a non-resident providing taxable supplies connected with Australia (e.g. goods or digital services); or
- You want to claim GST input tax credits on business expenses.
GST registration allows you to collect and report GST and claim credits on purchases.
Reference: ATO – GST for Non-Residents
How RBizz helps: We determine whether GST registration is required for your activities, lodge the application, and set up your BAS (Business Activity Statement) system for future reporting.
5. What’s the difference between an ABN and a TFN?
Answer:
- ABN (Australian Business Number) identifies your business for commercial and GST purposes.
- TFN (Tax File Number) identifies your business for income tax obligations.
All companies and trusts operating in Australia need both.
Reference: ATO – Business Registrations
How RBizz helps: We apply for your ABN and TFN together to ensure seamless tax setup, reducing delays and avoiding duplicate processes.
6. How long does it take to get an ABN and GST registration?
Answer: If all documents are in order, the ABN is issued instantly or within a few business days. GST registration can be added immediately once the ABN is active. Foreign applications may take slightly longer due to ATO verification of overseas documents.
How RBizz helps: We ensure all required details, addresses, and evidence are complete before submission — dramatically reducing turnaround times and avoiding rejections.
7. Can I operate in Australia without an ABN?
Answer: No — if you carry on business in Australia or invoice Australian customers, you must have an ABN.
Without it:
- Businesses may withhold 47% of your payments for tax;
- You cannot register for GST or claim input tax credits; and
- Your invoices may be considered invalid.
Reference: ATO – ABN Entitlement
How RBizz helps: We register your ABN before you start trading so your operations are compliant and recognised from day one.
8. What documents are required for ABN or GST registration?
Answer: Typical requirements include:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s licence, or national ID);
- Proof of Australian registration (ASIC certificate or ARBN);
- Business details (addresses, activities, shareholders);
- Contact details and authorised contact person; and
- Signed consent and declarations.
How RBizz helps: We prepare, verify, and submit all documents — including certified copies — to ensure your ABN or GST registration is accepted by the ATO without delay.
9. What other tax registrations might I need in Australia?
Answer: Depending on your operations, you may also need:
- PAYG withholding registration (if you hire employees or contractors);
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) (if you provide non-cash employee benefits);
- Payroll tax (for higher wage bills at the state level);
- Fuel tax credits (for certain transport or machinery use).
Reference: ATO – Business Registrations
How RBizz helps: We identify all applicable registrations for your structure, apply for them with the relevant authorities, and integrate them into your tax and accounting systems.
10. Can a foreign company register for GST without an ABN?
Answer: Yes — non-resident businesses that supply goods or digital services to Australian consumers can register for GST even without an ABN, under simplified GST registration.
However, if your business intends to operate within Australia (e.g. have offices, employees, or contracts), a full ABN registration is required.
Reference: ATO – GST for Non-Residents
How RBizz helps: We evaluate whether simplified or standard GST registration applies to your situation and handle both processes end-to-end through the ATO.
11. What happens after I receive my ABN and GST registration?
Answer: Once approved, your business can:
- Begin trading and invoicing with valid ABN details;
- Collect and report GST through BAS lodgements;
- Open business bank accounts; and
- Register for other tax obligations (TFN, PAYG).
How RBizz helps: We set up your accounting, GST reporting, and ATO portal access — ensuring your business is ready for operations and compliant from day one.
12. What if my ABN or GST registration is refused by the ATO?
Answer: Applications can be refused if:
- You don’t meet eligibility requirements;
- Insufficient evidence of Australian business activity is provided; or
- Information is inconsistent with ASIC or ATO records.
How RBizz helps: We pre-check all information before submission to prevent rejection. If an application is declined, we handle the ATO review process and provide the additional evidence required to secure approval.
13. Can RBizz manage ongoing tax and BAS compliance after registration?
Answer: Yes. Our services extend beyond registration. We provide:
- BAS and GST lodgements;
- Bookkeeping and payroll processing;
- Corporate and income tax returns;
- CFO advisory and system implementation.
With RBizz, your entire tax and compliance management stays in one place — seamless, accurate, and reliable.
14. Why choose RBizz Corporate Accountants for ABN and GST registration in Australia?
Answer: Because we make the process simple, compliant, and fully managed. Foreign clients trust RBizz for:
- Fast and accurate ABN & GST registrations;
- Expert knowledge of ATO and ASIC requirements;
- Transparent fees and clear communication;
- Complete compliance integration — from registration to ongoing BAS and tax filings;
- Decades of experience supporting international entrepreneurs and companies expanding into Australia.
With RBizz, you’re not just registering your business — you’re setting it up for long-term success in Australia.
