Is an ABN Free? Applying Through the Government vs Using a Paid Service

Applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN) directly with the government is free, and so is applying for a Tax File Number (TFN). Private services such as ABN Registrar charge a fee to help you complete and check the same applications. This guide sets out, side by side, what each option costs, what you actually get for a paid fee, and how to decide which suits you.

Comparison graphic of free government ABN and TFN applications versus a paid ABN registration service

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Last updated: · By the ABN Registrar team

The Short Answer: Yes, an ABN Is Free From the Government

There is no government fee to apply for an ABN. You can apply yourself online through the Australian Business Register (ABR) or the Business Registration Service at register.business.gov.au. The ATO also states that it is free to apply for a TFN.

ABN Registrar is a private company, not a government agency, and is not affiliated with the ATO or ABR. When you use our service you pay for help with the application, not for the ABN itself. We think you should know that before you decide, which is why we publish this comparison.

Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

The table below compares the government fee for each registration with the price of the same item through ABN Registrar.

Registration Apply yourself (government) Through ABN Registrar
ABN Free (ABR / Business Registration Service) $65
TFN Free (ATO) $79
GST registration Register online, by phone, or through a registered tax or BAS agent $49 add-on with an ABN application
Business name, 1 year $47 ASIC fee (from 1 July 2026) $99
Business name, 3 years $108 ASIC fee (from 1 July 2026) $179

Business name fees are set by ASIC and were indexed on 1 July 2026, rising from $45 to $47 for one year and from $104 to $108 for three years. Government fees change over time, so check the current figures on business.gov.au before you apply.

What Is the Same Either Way

Whichever route you choose, the decision on your ABN is made by the Australian Business Register, not by us. A few things do not change:

  • Entitlement: not everyone is entitled to an ABN. You need to be carrying on or starting an enterprise, and there are penalties for giving false or misleading information. A paid service cannot make you entitled.
  • Processing: the ABR says a successful online application can receive an ABN immediately; applications that need more checking can take up to 20 business days. Providing your TFN can help an application be processed faster.
  • The ABN itself: the number you receive is the same official ABN, recorded on ABN Lookup, whichever way you apply.

What a Paid Service Fee Covers

With ABN Registrar, the fee pays for assistance around the application rather than the registration itself. In particular:

  • A check before lodgement: our team reviews each application before it is lodged with the Australian Business Register, looking for errors and details that may not match your records.
  • One combined form: you can apply for an ABN with GST and a business name in a single online form, instead of working through each step separately.
  • Help when you are unsure: plain-English guidance on questions such as which business activity to describe or whether GST applies to you.
  • Experience: we have been operating for over a decade and have registered more than 70,000 ABNs.

Who Should Apply Directly With the Government

Applying yourself is a good choice if you are comfortable with online government forms and your situation is straightforward. For example:

  • You are a sole trader with an active TFN and your personal details are up to date with the ATO.
  • You already know your business activity, start date and whether you need GST.
  • You want to avoid any fee and are happy to work through the ABR guidance yourself.

Who May Prefer a Paid Service

A paid service may be worth it if you value time and a second pair of eyes more than the fee. For example:

  • You are new to Australia, such as a working holiday visa holder or recent arrival, and unfamiliar with the ABR and ATO systems.
  • You want your ABN, GST and business name handled in one application.
  • You would like someone to check your application before it is lodged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ABN registration free in Australia?

Yes. There is no government fee to apply for an ABN through the Australian Business Register. Private services charge for their assistance, not for the ABN.

Will a paid service get my ABN faster?

Not necessarily. Processing is handled by the ABR. A checked, accurate application can avoid delays caused by errors, but no private service can guarantee approval or skip the ABR's checks.

How much does a business name cost in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, ASIC charges $47 to register a business name for one year or $108 for three years. Through ABN Registrar, business name registration is $99 for one year or $179 for three years.

Is ABN Registrar a government website?

No. ABN Registrar (abnregistrar.com.au) is a private, Sydney-based company. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the ATO or ABR.

The Bottom Line

If you are confident and your situation is simple, applying directly with the government costs nothing. If you would rather have your application checked and handled in one place, a paid service like ABN Registrar charges a clear fee for that help. Either way, make sure you are entitled to an ABN before you apply.

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