ABN Lookup Guide: Verify Business Details & Registration

Last update: Apr. 18, 2025

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What is an ABN Lookup & Why It's Essential

An ABN Lookup is an online search function that accesses the official Australian Business Register (ABR) to verify the existence, status, and details of businesses operating in Australia through their Australian Business Number (ABN).

Using an ABN lookup tool is crucial for several reasons:

• Business Verification - Confirm a company's legitimacy before entering partnerships
• Tax Compliance - Verify ABN status before processing invoices to avoid withholding tax issues
• Due Diligence - Research potential clients, suppliers, or partners
• Availability Checking - Determine if a specific ABN is already assigned
• GST Registration - Confirm if a business is registered for GST

Our ABN Lookup tool provides a user-friendly interface to access this critical information quickly and efficiently.

How to Use Our ABN Lookup Tool

Our ABN Lookup search function is designed to be intuitive and comprehensive, offering multiple search options:

1. Search by ABN

Enter the 11-digit Australian Business Number to retrieve complete business details:

• Business/entity name and type
• ABN status (active, cancelled, etc.)
• GST registration status
• Business location and main activity
• Registration dates and historical information

2. Search by Business Name

If you don't know the ABN but have the business name:

• Enter the full or partial business name
• Review matching results from across Australia
• Filter results by state, postcode, or business type
• Select the correct business to view full ABN details

3. Search by Trading Name

For businesses operating under a name different from their registered entity:

• Enter the trading name or brand name
• Identify the legal entity behind the business
• Access complete registration information

Visit our ABN Lookup page to start searching immediately – no registration or login required.

What Information Does ABN Lookup Provide?

Our comprehensive ABN search tool provides extensive business information:

• Entity Name - Legal name of the business entity
• ABN Status - Whether the ABN is currently active or cancelled
• Entity Type - Individual, company, partnership, trust, etc.
• GST Registration - Whether the business is registered for Goods and Services Tax
• Business Location - State and postcode where the business is registered
• Trading Names - Other names the business operates under
• Registration Dates - When the ABN was issued and any modification dates
• Main Business Activity - Primary field of operation

This information is pulled directly from the Australian Business Register, ensuring accuracy and reliability for your business decisions.

When to Use ABN Lookup Before Business Transactions

Performing an ABN lookup is particularly important in these business scenarios:

1. Before Paying Invoices

Always verify a supplier's ABN before processing payments to:

• Confirm the business is legitimately registered
• Verify GST registration if they've charged GST
• Determine if you need to withhold tax (required if no valid ABN is provided)

2. When Entering Business Partnerships

Due diligence requires verifying potential partners' business status:

• Confirm the business is currently active
• Verify how long they've been in operation
• Check their business structure and activities

3. For Contract Work and Tendering

When hiring contractors or submitting tenders:

• Verify contractors have valid ABNs before engagement
• Confirm your own ABN details match your tender documents
• Check competitor or partner businesses in joint ventures

Use our ABN search tool for quick verification before completing these important business transactions.

ABN Lookup for New Business Registration

If you're starting a new business, our ABN lookup tool helps in several ways:

Checking Business Name Availability

Before registering your business:

• Search for similar business names to avoid confusion
• Check if your desired business name is already associated with an active ABN
• Research competitors in your industry and location

Verifying ABN Availability

Though ABNs are generally assigned sequentially, you can:

• Check if a previously held ABN is now available
• Verify if a specific ABN belonging to a closed business can be reassigned
• Understand the status of ABNs associated with restructured businesses

After researching, you can register for your ABN directly through our streamlined application process.

Understanding ABN Status Results

When using our ABN lookup tool, you'll encounter various status indicators:

• Active - The ABN is currently registered and operational
• Cancelled - The ABN has been cancelled and is no longer valid
• Not Active - The entity is not currently trading with this ABN
• Historical - Shows previous registrations and changes

Understanding these statuses is crucial for business verification and compliance purposes. Only engage with businesses showing an 'Active' ABN status for legitimate transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABN Lookup

Common ABN Lookup Questions

Is the ABN lookup service free to use?

Yes, our ABN lookup tool is completely free to use. You can perform unlimited searches to verify business details, check ABN statuses, or research potential business partners without any cost.

How current is the information in the ABN lookup database?

Our ABN lookup tool accesses the official Australian Business Register data, which is updated daily. This ensures you're getting the most current information about business registrations, cancellations, and changes.

Can I check if a business is registered for GST through ABN lookup?

Yes, our ABN search tool displays the GST registration status of any business. This is particularly important when receiving invoices that include GST charges, as you should only pay GST to businesses that are GST-registered.

What should I do if an ABN lookup shows the business is not active?

If an ABN search reveals that a business's ABN is inactive or cancelled, you should exercise caution before proceeding with transactions. Contact the business to clarify their status, and if they're operating without a valid ABN, you may be required to withhold 47% of any payments for tax purposes.

Can I reserve an ABN before registering my business?

No, ABNs cannot be reserved in advance. They are assigned at the time of successful registration. However, you can use our ABN lookup tool to research existing businesses with similar names before applying. When you're ready to register, use our ABN registration service.

Is personal information available through ABN lookup?

ABN lookup only displays business information that is publicly available through the ABR. While it shows business addresses and contact details, personal information like home addresses of sole traders can be suppressed from public view upon request to the ABR.

ABN Lookup for Different Business Structures

The information displayed in ABN lookup results varies depending on the business structure:

Sole Traders

When looking up a sole trader:

• The ABN will be registered to an individual's name
• May show a business/trading name separately
• Some contact information may be suppressed for privacy

Companies

Company ABN searches display:

• The registered company name (ending in Pty Ltd, Ltd, etc.)
• ACN (Australian Company Number) in addition to ABN
• Registered business address
• Trading names and business activities

Partnerships, Trusts, and Other Entities

These structures show:

• The official name of the partnership or trust
• The type of entity specifically identified
• Business activities and registration details

Understanding these differences helps interpret the results of your ABN lookup search correctly.

Using ABN Lookup for Business Research

Beyond basic verification, our ABN search tool is valuable for business research:

• Industry Analysis - Research competitors by searching similar business types
• Location Research - Find businesses in specific areas by filtering search results
• Business Age - Check registration dates to understand how established a business is
• Entity Relationships - Identify connections between businesses with related names

This research can inform your business strategy, marketing approach, and competitive analysis.

Start Using Our ABN Lookup Tool Today

Whether you're verifying a business partner, checking invoice legitimacy, or researching before starting your own business, our ABN lookup tool provides the reliable information you need.

If your search reveals you need to register your own ABN, we offer streamlined registration services:

• Register for an ABN quickly and efficiently
• Apply for a TFN if you're also new to the Australian tax system

Start searching now with our free, comprehensive ABN lookup service!