Setting up · Registrations
ABN, ACN, TFN + GST registration: 2026 fees, timelines + documents
First-time founders often confuse ABN with ACN. They are different identifiers issued by different agencies. Here is what each one is, who issues it, what it costs and how long it takes — sourced directly from abr.gov.au, asic.gov.au and ato.gov.au.
★Key takeaways
- ✓ABN: free via abr.gov.au. Issued instantly if your ATO records match; up to 28 days if the ABR needs to verify.
- ✓ACN: $611 ASIC fee (2026-27 schedule) to register a Pty Ltd company. ASIC issues the 9-digit ACN, which then anchors the company's ABN.
- ✓TFN: free, applied for through the integrated ABR form when you register the entity. Typically issued within 28 days.
- ✓GST: free. Mandatory above $75,000 annual turnover ($150,000 for NFPs); mandatory from day one for taxi, ride-share and limousine drivers.
- ✓Director ID: free via abrs.gov.au with myGovID. Required for every director before appointment.
- ✓Annual ASIC review fee (Pty Ltd): $321. Sole traders pay nothing to keep an ABN active.
At a glance
2026 fees + timelines
| Registration | Fee | Timeline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABN registration | Free | Instant to 28 days | abr.gov.au |
| TFN (for the entity) | Free | 28 days typical | ato.gov.au |
| ACN / company registration | $611 | 1 to 3 business days | asic.gov.au fee schedule 2026-27 |
| GST registration | Free | Same day online | ato.gov.au/business/gst |
| Business name (1 year) | $44 | Instant online | asic.gov.au fee schedule |
| Business name (3 years) | $102 | Instant online | asic.gov.au fee schedule |
| Director ID | Free | Instant with myGovID | abrs.gov.au |
| Annual ASIC review fee (Pty Ltd) | $321 | Yearly, due on anniversary | asic.gov.au |
ASIC fees are indexed annually on 1 July. The figures above are the 2026-27 fee schedule. Verify the current fee at asic.gov.au/for-business/payments-fees-and-invoices/asic-fees before paying.
ABN — Australian Business Number
11 digits. Free. Issued by the ABR.
Every business in Australia needs an ABN — sole traders, partnerships, companies, trusts and NFPs. Apply directly at abr.gov.au using myGovID. If your ATO records are clean and you have a clear business intent, the ABN is issued instantly.
- You must be carrying on (or intend to start) an enterprise in Australia.
- Without an ABN, businesses you invoice must withhold 47% PAYG on payments over $75 (the no-ABN withholding rule).
- ABN status (active, cancelled, GST-registered) is publicly searchable at abn.business.gov.au.
ACN — Australian Company Number
9 digits. $611. Issued by ASIC.
Only companies have an ACN. ASIC issues it the moment a Pty Ltd is registered, in exchange for the $611 incorporation fee (2026-27 schedule). The ABN that follows is built from the ACN — so a company\'s ABN always ends with its 9-digit ACN.
- Requires at least one director ordinarily resident in Australia (s201A Corporations Act).
- Every director must have a Director ID before appointment.
- Annual ASIC review fee $321 keeps the company on the register.
- ACN search free at connectonline.asic.gov.au.
TFN — Tax File Number
Free. The entity\'s identifier with the ATO.
A sole trader uses their personal TFN. A company, partnership or trust needs its own. Most registrants apply for the entity TFN at the same time as the ABN, through the integrated ABR form — no separate fee. Issuance is typically within 28 days; the ABN can operate before the TFN arrives.
GST — Goods + Services Tax
Free. Mandatory above $75,000 turnover.
You must register for GST within 21 days of your annual GST turnover reaching $75,000 ($150,000 for not-for-profits). Taxi, ride-share and limousine operators register from day one regardless of turnover. Voluntary registration below the threshold is permitted — useful if your customers are GST-registered businesses and you want to claim input tax credits.
See our deep guide: GST registration thresholds, cash vs accruals, BAS frequency.
What you need to provide
Documents + identity checklist
For ABN + TFN (via myGovID)
- myGovID at Standard or Strong strength.
- Two AU identity documents from: passport, driver licence, birth certificate, Medicare card, citizenship certificate, ImmiCard.
- Linked TFN (yours, or the company\'s once it has one).
- Proposed business activity (ANZSIC code helps but the form maps from a plain-English description).
- Main business address + postal address.
For ACN / Pty Ltd registration
- Proposed company name (check availability on ASIC Connect first; names already taken or too close to existing names are rejected).
- Director ID for each proposed director (apply free at abrs.gov.au — see our Director ID guide).
- Certified copy of photo ID for each director and shareholder.
- Registered office address (must be a physical Australian address, consent of the occupier).
- Principal place of business address.
- Share structure: number of shares, share class, price, ownership split.
- Choice between replaceable rules (default in the Corporations Act) or a company constitution.
The 100-point ID check formerly required for business banking has been replaced by myGovID for most online registration flows. Banks still require 100-point ID separately when opening the company\'s business account.
Order of operations
For a Pty Ltd: the seven-step sequence
- Director ID for every director. Apply free via abrs.gov.au with myGovID before appointment. Failing to hold a Director ID is an offence.
- Reserve or check company name. Free name check at ASIC Connect. Optional formal reservation $61 holds the name for two months.
- Register the company (ACN). $611 fee paid to ASIC. Through an ASIC-registered agent, registration is typically 1 to 3 business days; some agents offer same-day.
- Apply for the company TFN + ABN. Free through the ABR. Most ASIC-registered agents bundle this into the company-registration package.
- Register for GST if needed. Free. Required within 21 days of crossing $75,000 turnover, or from day one for taxi / ride-share.
- Register for PAYG withholding if hiring. Free. Required before paying the first employee.
- Open the company bank account + apply for an ASIC agent (if applicable). Banks require the ASIC certificate, the ACN, the ABN and director ID verification.
Total time from start to operational: typically one to two weeks for a clean Pty Ltd setup. Bottlenecks are usually myGovID linking and bank account opening, not ASIC or the ABR.
Primary sources
Where the figures on this page come from
- ABN, TFN + GST: abr.gov.au + ato.gov.au/business/gst.
- ASIC fees + company registration: asic.gov.au/for-business/payments-fees-and-invoices/asic-fees.
- Director ID: abrs.gov.au/director-identification-number.
- Business name registration: asic.gov.au/for-business/registering-a-business-name.
This page is general information, not advice. Tax, legal and structure decisions affecting your circumstances require advice from a TPB-registered tax agent and an Australian legal practitioner. See our disclaimer.
Common questions
Common questions about ABN, ACN, TFN + GST
Is an ABN free?
Yes. ABN registration is free directly via the Australian Business Register at abr.gov.au. There is no government fee. Third-party services may charge a handling fee ($49 to $99) for filing the application on your behalf, but you can avoid this by applying yourself with myGovID linked to your TFN.
How long does ABN registration take?
If your details match ATO records and you have a clear tax history, the ABN is typically issued instantly online. If the ABR needs to verify information, processing can take up to 28 days. New entities (a freshly-registered Pty Ltd) sometimes wait 1 to 3 business days while the company's ACN flows through to the ABR. Source: abr.gov.au.
Do I need both an ABN and an ACN?
A company has both. ASIC issues an ACN (9 digits) when a Pty Ltd is registered. The ABR then issues an 11-digit ABN that incorporates the ACN. Sole traders, partnerships and trusts have an ABN only — they do not have an ACN because they are not companies. Source: asic.gov.au.
When must I register for GST?
You must register for GST within 21 days of your annual GST turnover reaching the $75,000 threshold ($150,000 for not-for-profits). Taxi, ride-share and limousine operators must register from day one regardless of turnover. Voluntary registration below the threshold is permitted. Source: ato.gov.au/business/gst.
What is the ASIC company registration fee in 2026?
The ASIC fee to register a proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company in 2026-27 is $611. ASIC fees are indexed annually on 1 July. The annual review fee (the yearly statement that maintains the company on the register) is $321 for a proprietary company. Source: ASIC fee schedule, asic.gov.au.
What identity documents do I need?
For myGovID (used to file ABN and Director ID online): two Australian identity documents from passport, driver licence, birth certificate, Medicare card, citizenship certificate or ImmiCard. For ASIC company registration through an agent: a certified copy of photo ID (passport or driver licence) for each director and shareholder. Foreign directors need a Director ID applied for via paper form. Source: mygovid.gov.au + abrs.gov.au.
Can I register a business name without an ABN?
No. ASIC requires a current ABN (or an ABN application reference number) before you can register a business name. The ASIC business name fees in 2026 are $44 for one year or $102 for three years, renewable. Note: registering a business name does not give you trade mark rights — those are registered separately via IP Australia. Source: asic.gov.au + ipaustralia.gov.au.
What is a TFN and how do I get one for my company?
A Tax File Number (TFN) is the ATO's identifier for income tax. Sole traders use their personal TFN. A company gets its own TFN — most ASIC-registered agents apply for it as part of the company registration package, free of charge, via the Australian Business Register integrated form. TFN issuance is typically within 28 days of ABN issue. Source: ato.gov.au.