An ABN is free. Applying through the Australian Government's Business Registration Service costs nothing, and so does updating or cancelling it.
What might cost money
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| ABN registration with the government | Free |
| Updating or cancelling your ABN | Free |
| Reactivating a cancelled ABN (as a sole trader) | Free — you reapply |
| Registering a business name with ASIC | Government fee |
| Registering a company (to get an ACN) | Government fee, plus an annual review fee |
| Accountant or tax agent advice | Their professional fee |
| A private application service (like ours) | Optional service fee |
Check current ASIC fees on the ASIC website — they change each year.
Why would anyone pay for help?
Some people prefer someone to check their entitlement and details before applying, especially if English isn't their first language or they've had an application refused. That's optional. Our ABN registration service costs 99–199 AUD and covers that check and submission — the ABN itself is still free and issued by the government.
Does an ABN expire?
No, but it can be cancelled if you stop running your business or don't use it. Sole traders can reapply for free and usually get the same number back.
Related: How to get an ABN · What is an ABN?