Invoices are more than just pieces of paper—they’re the backbone of professional business conduct keeping everything in order. And if you’re looking to set up a new business in Australia, there’s an important rule that you need to remember i.e. every invoice must include Australian Business Number (ABN).
Note that it isn’t a mere suggestion—it’s a mandatory legal requirement enforced by the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
In this article, we’ll explore deep into why ABNs are important for invoices and offer guidance on how to create perfect invoices that ensure your business operates smoothly and meets Australian legal standards.
What is ABN or Australian Business Number?
This is an 11-digit identification number known as an ABN, provided by the Australian Business Register (ABR) to GST registered business in Australia and tracked by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Its purpose is to ensure business identification and streamline management tasks including invoicing, taxation, and reporting.
Even if you already have an Australian Business Number (ABN) for another registered firm, the first step in launching a fresh business is to apply for a new ABN or Australian Business Number. Your registration indicates that your company is legitimate to operate in Australia.
What should an invoice include?
A well-presented business invoice goes beyond ABN, in the comprehensive invoice, every necessary information is covered including.
- Sellers information:
- Buyers information:
- ABN Of seller:
- Invoice number:
- Invoice issue date:
- Detailed description of Goods and services offered:
- Quantity and pricing:
- Total amount:
- GST Details:
- Payments terms:
Do I need an ABN to invoice?
If you have a business in Australia and you are invoicing clients for goods or services, applying for ABN is a mandatory option.
Thus, you must apply for an Australian Business Number if you want to launch a small business in Australia. Regardless of the business structure you have—sole proprietorship, partnership, charity management, or property rental. This is an important legal requirement and without which you cannot move along with your business.
Can you invoice without an ABN?
ABN is required to issue any invoice in Australia. Without including ABN, your business invoice may not be legally compliant and considered invalid. This number is important to ensure your business’s credibility and claim tax credit. If the business fails to include its ABN on the invoice, the entity making the payment (the payer) is legally required to withhold 47% of the total payment amount which is sent to the ATO.
Thus “No ABN Withholding” is a compliance measure that mandates the payer to retain 47% of the amount if the supplier fails to provide an ABN, ensuring proper business registration and tax compliance.
However, there are specific situations where ABN doesn’t seem important and the organization should not withhold payments in the following cases:
- The supplier does not run his business activities in Australia and is unable to register for ABN.
- The payment to the supplier does not exceed $75000, without adding GST.
- The supplier is below 18 years of age, and the payments you make each week are $350 or less.
- The agent handling the supply of the goods provided their ABN.
- The items are subject to full input tax, as per GST rules.
- The total amount you pay is considered as exempt income for the supplier.
- The supplier does not qualify as an enterprise as they lack a reasonable expectation of profit or gain.
Wrap Up:
ABN helps handle taxes, guarantees legal compliance, and builds the reputation of your company. To avoid any problems with the ATO and to keep things running smoothly in your business. Always make sure your invoices are thorough and contain all the information required.
As an invoicing software service provider, Billbooks recognizes the value of adhering to tax laws. With this billing software, you can easily handle your invoicing requirements and make sure that all relevant information—including ABNs—is appropriately included. This will streamline your financial processes and help you stay in compliance with Australian tax rules.
