Trusts document

ABN Registration - trusts

Use Cleardocs to apply for your trust's ABN and TFN and/or register for GST.

To be entitled to an ABN, your trust must:

be an Australian resident for tax purposes;
not be co-owned or controlled by a state/territory or local government, and
be otherwise eligible for an ABN.

Cleardocs can also arrange ABN, TFN and GST registrations for your:

proprietary limited company; and
SMSF.

10 minutes

$58.30

Cleardocs fee incl GST $58.30

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Product Benefits

Apply for your trust's ABN, TFN & register for GST with your Cleardocs discretionary (family) trust or fixed unit trust set up
Your application for an ABN is pre-populated with your Cleardocs trust information — saving you time and typing
Easy, stress free, and great helpline service
Cleardocs can lodge your ABN, GST and TFN application, trouble shoot and notify you when your ABN is active and ready to use.

Product Information

How will I be notified of the registrations?

After the applications have been processed:

the ABN and GST registration will appear on ABN Lookup;
Cleardocs will send an email confirming the ABN is active;
the Australian Business Registrar will send written confirmation of the ABN registration; and
the TFN will be sent to the nominated address for service and receipt of notices.

What information do you need for an ABN, TFN and GST application?

Our checklist outlines all the information you require.

Do I need an ABN for my trust?

ABN's are not compulsory. However, there are many good reasons to have one, for example, an ABN will help you:

in dealing with other businesses when supplying goods or services to them, or when purchasing goods and services; and
to deal with the ATO and other government agencies.

Also, you need an ABN to register for GST.

If you are unsure whether to apply for an ABN, you should seek professional advice.

Is the trust entitled to an ABN?

To be eligible for an ABN, the terms of the trust must be set out in a trust deed or the terms must be implied. A trust must meet either one of the following 2 criteria:

Criterion 1

The entity is any one of:

a charity in Australia;
a deductible gift recipient in Australia; or
an ancillary fund in Australia.

Criterion 2

The entity can answer 'Yes' to each of the following statements:

The entity is:
1. carrying on an enterprise in any of the form of a business or regular or continuous grant of a lease, licence or interest in property;
2. renting or leasing out residential property; or
3. engaging in a one-off commercial transaction not done in the course of business.
Its activity is carried out in Australia or it makes supplies that are connected with Australia.
Its activity is not a private recreational pursuit or hobby.

When should I register for GST?

Entities carrying on an enterprise in Australia with a GST turnover of $75,000 or more, must register for GST. If you run a business and your GST turnover is less than $75,000, registering for GST is optional. Some types of business must register for GST regardless of their GST turnover, (eg. if you are a taxi driver).

You will need to apply for an ABN to register for GST.

If you are unsure whether you need to register for GST, contact the Australian Taxation Office, or contact your professional advisor.

Can I register for GST via Cleardocs if I already have an ABN?

If you decide to apply for GST at a later stage, or if you already have an ABN, you need to register directly with the relevant government agency. If your ABN application is delayed or refused you will not be able to continue to apply for other business registrations.

What happens if my ABN is refused and I receive a reference number?

If you receive a reference number it may mean that:

your identity (or the identity of an associate) cannot be verified, or
more information is needed.

The ABR will review your application within 20 business days. And it may take 24-28 business days to generate an ABN. The ABR advice the applicant to wait for at least 20 business days before following up.

If unsuccessful you will receive a refusal number. You will receive a letter within 14 days confirming your application has been refused.

How long it will take for ABN, GST, TFN?

ABN

If your application is processed successfully, then you'll receive your 11-digit ABN immediately, but it usually takes about 4-6 hours before the ABN is visible on the ABN Lookup.

GST

GST registration usually takes 4-6 business hours.

TFN

The TFN will be received via mail within 14 days after the TFN application was submitted.

Updating (or cancelling) your ABN

It is important to update your information with the ABR within 28 days of becoming aware of any changes to your ABN details. Your ABN may be cancelled if information shows you are no longer carrying on a business.

You can update or cancel your details through the Australian Business Register.

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Trusts document