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:
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;
renting or leasing out residential property; or
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
Once your ABN is registered and active, the ATO will mail you confirmation of your GST registration within 28 days.
After GST activation, your GST registration will normally be visible on ABN Lookup within 48 hours of registration. Please note, where you have nominated a future active date for your GST, your GST registration won't be visible on the ABR until 48 hours after that date.
Once registered, to make changes to your GST registration, please contact your BAS/Tax Agent, Accountant or the ATO direct on 13 28 66.
During the registration process, should your GST application require further verification, Cleardocs will request further information via email. You may provide the requested information through your Cleardocs account.
TFN
Once your application has been processed and approved by the ATO, your entity's TFN confirmation letter will be mailed to your nominated postal address within 14 days.
If you need to check the status of your TFN before the letter arrives, or if you have misplaced the letter, you can use any of the following options:
Check via ATO Online Services: If you have digital access, you can view your TFN through the ATO's online services:
Sign in to myGov or myGovID, then navigate to the ATO section.
Your TFN will appear within Online Services for Business.
If you have not yet set up digital access, refer to the ATO's guide: "Accessing online services with Digital ID and RAM | Australian Taxation Office" or call the ATO on 13 28 66 for assistance.
Contact Your Registered Tax Agent: (Only applicable if you listed a tax agent in your application.)
Your tax agent will be able to view your entity's TFN through their Tax Agent Portal (Please note that Cleardocs is not a tax agent).
Call the ATO Directly: You can contact the ATO on 13 28 66. Be prepared to provide:
Your entity's ABN, and
Personal proof of identity, to confirm you are an authorised contact.
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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