• How to apply for an ABN, if you have previously had an ABN

    You can apply to have your previously cancelled Australian business number (ABN) reissued:

    • by selecting Apply for Australian business number (ABN) and other registrations from homepage of www.abr.gov.au and following the steps
    • through your tax agent
    • by lodging a paper ABN registration form.

    You can order the paper form:

    Refer to Who is entitled to an ABN? to check if the applicant is entitled to an ABN.

    If you are an individual applying for an ABN, you should check your entitlement to register refer to ABN entitlement tool (individuals/sole traders).

    You will not be able to have your previously cancelled ABN reissued if there has been a change to your business structure, for example, changing from a sole trader to a partnership. In this instance, you will be issued with a new ABN.

    You will receive written notification within 28 days of your application.

    When applying for an ABN it is important that the information you provide is true and correct.

    Making a false or misleading statement to the Australian Business Register (ABR) may result in a penalty.

    However, if you made a mistake and we consider that you took reasonable care, a penalty will not apply. The penalty may also be reduced to nil if a voluntary disclosure is made about the statement before being contacted by the ABR. 

     For more information on the penalty and voluntary disclosure, refer to Penalties for false or misleading statements made to the Australian Business Register. 

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