Australian Business Number (ABN) required

Do I need an ABN and register for GST before using Freelance Travel? 


ABN(Australian Business Number) 

You can use the FreelanceTravel site to search for products, create and save quotes even if you don’t have an ABN; but you will require an ABN (Australian Business Number) before making a payment and converting a quote to an order.This is to ensure that the correct commission will be paid to your account after the payment. Refer below for further details on how to apply for an ABN.   


Tax File Number (TFN) 

You will need to have a Tax File Number(TFN)before applying for an ABN. Anyone, including Australian residents, non-residents and international students are eligible to apply for a Tax File Number. You can apply for a TFN online on the ATO website.  


GST (General Sales Tax) 

You must register for GST if your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more. If required, you can register through the ATO Business Portal, ATO phone number for self-help service (13 28 66) or through registered tax agents or BAS agents. You have 21 days to register for GST or you may also have to pay penalties and interests. Learn more about how to register for GST here. 

Applying and registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN) 

You can apply for an ABN on the official Australian Business Register (ABR) website at no cost. Normally, you will get your ABN number right away after submitting your application. This is possible if the system can identify you from valid information that you provide such as a Tax File Number (TFN). 

If you cannot provide all valid information when applying or your identity cannot be confirmed, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will review your application and may contact you in case they need more information about you. 



Step by step on how to apply ABN 

Getting ABN is easy and straight forward when you can provide all the valid information needed. Here we provide example step by step how to register for ABN. Please note that this is a guided example only and you are required to enter and provide your correct details.


  1. Go to ABR Website 

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Go to Australian Business Register (ABR) website here, look for the button or link to “Apply or reapply for an ABN”. 


  1. Agreement 

At the beginning of the application process, you will see an agreement page, tick an option to state that you agree to providetrue and correct information, and once done click the next button. 


  1. ABN Entitlement 


This section is intended to determine entitlement to an ABN. 

  • For taxation purposes which type of entity is the applicant?-  Select Individual (Sole trader) 
  • Will your activities be carried out in Australia? - Yes 
  • Have you started or are you taking steps to start your activity?- Yes 
  • What is the nature of your activity? - In the form of a business 
  • Are you doing things that are consistent with running a business?- Yes 


  1. Application detail 

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This section will ask for more detailed information about your ABN application. 

  • For taxation purposes which type of entity is the applicant?- Individual (Sole trader) 
  • Does the applicant currently have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or previously had an ABN? - No 
  • Does the applicant wish to apply or reapply for an Australian Business Number (ABN)? - Yes 
  • Does the applicant have a Tax File Number? - Yes (provided you already have a TFN or have applied for a TFN) 
  • Does the applicant wish to apply for a Tax File Number?- No (provided you already have a TFN or have applied for a TFN)  

  1. Business Information 


This section will dig more information about your business as well as the longest part of the entire ABN application process. 


Taxation Information 

  • Is the applicant an Australian resident for tax purposes?- Yes 
  • If the applicant uses, or intends to use the services of a tax agent, what is the tax agent’s registration number?- Leave empty 


  1. Applicant Information  


  • Fill your first name, family name and date of birth 
  • What is the Individual/Sole Trader’s Tax File Number?- Add your TFN if you have one OR leave empty if you don’t have one.  


  1. Business Activity Details 

Here you will need to add information about from when you want to start using your ABN. 

  • From what date does the Individual/Sole Trader requireits ABN? -Provide the date when you require the ABN, no more than 6 months in the future. 
  • If you intend for this business activity to be less than 3 months, on what date do you expect to cease business?- Leave it as it is if you want to work for more than 3 months. 
  • Describe the Individual/Sole Trader’s main businessactivity. - Fill with “Book and sell Travel Products”   
  • Select the category which best matches the Individual/Sole Trader’s main businessactivity. -Select between “Book and sell Travel Products or Booking service – passenger transport, travel or accommodation”   
  • Does the Individual/Sole Trader operatean agricultural property?– No 



  1. Business Address Details 


  • Main businesslocation –Add your address 
  • Is the Individual/Sole Trader’s postal address the same as the business address? -  Yes 
  • What is the Individual/Sole Trader’s email address for service of notices and correspondence? - Fill with your email address 
  • Does the Individual/Sole Trader have more than one business location in Australia? - No, if you don’t have any other business locations registered in Australia.  
  • What is the telephone number for this location? - Select and add your preferred phone number. 
  • What is the email address for this location? - Add your email address  


  1. Contact Detail 


This is the authorised contact person for the Individual/Sole Trader. You should provide your contact details since they may contact you for further information. 

  • Authorised Contact - Add your full name and choose the position held as Individual/Sole Trader 
  • Contact telephone numbers - add your contact number and email address. 
  • Preferred language – add your preferred language you want to communicate in  
  • More contact – add more contact if required 




  1. Reason for Application 

In this section you should be able to describe why you as a Sole Trader is applying for an ABN. 

  • Why is the Individual/Sole Trader applying for an ABN? – Contractor/Sub-Contractor   
  • Is this the Individual/Sole Trader’s first-time self employed as a contractor/sub-contractor in Australia? - Yes  

  1. Declaration 


This is the last part of the entire application process. Please read the declaration form and privacy statement carefully. 

  • Name - Add your name 
  • Position held - SOLE TRADER 
  • Date of declaration – Today’s date 
  • Once done press the Submit button 
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