Do I need an ABN or ACN?
If you operate a business in Australia, you are required to have an Australian Business Number. However, if you have registered a company through ASIC, you will also be issued an ACN. An ACN is required by ASIC as it is used as a unique identifier for your company activities.
How many digits are there in an ACN or ABN?
An ABN is a unique 11-digit number, while an ACN is a unique 9-digit number. A company’s ABN will generally consist of their ACN with a two-digit prefix.
Are ABN and ACN numbers the same?
ACN (Australian Company Number) and ABN (Australian Business Number) are two identifying numbers that serve very different purposes. While every Australian business needs an ABN, only businesses registered as companies require an ACN.18 Jan 2021
For someone about to start up a business, or who is considering what structure is going to be most appropriate for their business needs, it’s important to understand what the two different numbers represent, how to apply for them, the difference between the two and the benefits which each can bring.
• Mirvac Funds Management Australia Limited ACN 653 080 463 ATF Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund 1 (ABN 56 724 311 688)
The abbreviation 'ATF' is commonly used in this situation as a substitute for 'As trustee for'.
Australian Company Numbers
This is Information Sheet 13 (INFO 13).
Every company in Australia is issued with a unique, nine-digit number when registered. This is an Australian Company Number (ACN) and must be displayed on all company documents.
- Where the ACN must appear
- Australian Business Number
- Common seal
- Where the ACN is not required
Where the ACN must appear
A company's ACN must be on all 'public documents' and 'eligible negotiable instruments'. The items on which it should appear include:
- all documents lodged with ASIC
- statements of account, including invoices
- receipts (which are not machine-produced)
- orders for goods and services
- business letterheads
- official company notices
- cheques, promissory notes and bills of exchange, and
- written advertisements making a specific offer.
A company's name and ACN must appear on the first page of any documents.
When multiple companies are on a document (eg. a letterhead), the ACN for each company must be displayed next to each company's name.
The ACN must always be clear, easily readable, and obvious as to which company it belongs to.
The ACN can be referred to by the words 'Australian Company Number', or abbreviations 'ACN' or 'A.C.N.'
Australian Business Number
If your company has an Australian Business Number (ABN), you may use the ABN in place of the ACN on documents. You must make sure that:
your ABN includes your nine digit ACN, and
the ABN is used in the same places that the ACN is used.
For more information about Australian Business Numbers, contact the Australian Taxation Office
