A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020

Administered by Department of the Treasury

Legislation au F2020L01498 Regulations In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020

made under the

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999

Compilation No. 2

Compilation date: 4 October 2025

Includes amendments: F2025L01227

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 4 October 2025 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).

Application, saving and transitional provisions

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Presentational changes

The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

Part 1—Introduction

1 Name

3 Authority

5 Definitions

Part 2—The Australian Business Register

6 Details to be entered in the Australian Business Register

7 Fee for access to the Australian Business Register

8 Details to be included in copies of the Australian Business Register

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Part 1—Introduction

 

1  Name

  This instrument is the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999.

5  Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:

(a) ABN;

(b) Australian Business Register;

(c) entity;

(d) Registrar.

  In this instrument:

ACN has the meaning given by section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Act means the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999.

ARBN has the meaning given by section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001.

Business Names Register means the Business Names Register established and maintained under section 22 of the Business Names Registration Act 2011.

Part 2—The Australian Business Register

 

6  Details to be entered in the Australian Business Register

  For the purposes of paragraph 25(2)(b) of the Act, the following details to be entered in the Australian Business Register in relation to an entity are prescribed:

 (a) any business name registered to the entity on the Business Names Register;

 (b) the entity’s principal place of business;

 (c) the kind of entity registered on the Register;

 (d) the industry classification code for the business conducted by the entity, by reference to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006 published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as in force or existing at the time when this instrument commences;

 (e) the following details (if any) that apply to the entity:

 (i) if the entity has an ACN—the ACN;

 (ii) if the entity has an ARBN—the ARBN;

 (iii) if the entity has a public officer (within the meaning of section 252 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936)—the name of the public officer;

 (iv) if the entity is a trust—the name of the trustee or the names of the trustees;

 (v) if the entity has an email address—the email address;

 (vi) if the entity’s ABN is changed under section 17 of the Act—the date the change takes effect;

 (vii) if the entity’s registration in the Australian Business Register is cancelled under section 18 of the Act—the date the cancellation takes effect.

7  Fee for access to the Australian Business Register

 (1) For the purposes of subsections 26(1) and 27(4) of the Act, this section prescribes the fee for the following:

 (a) a copy of an entry in the Australian Business Register;

 (b) a certified copy of, or extract from, the Australian Business Register.

 (2) The fee is the sum of:

 (a) $20 for the first page of the copy, certified copy or extract; and

 (b) $0.10 per page for any subsequent page.

 (3) However, the fee for a single copy of an entry in the Register is nil if the copy is given to the entity to which the entry relates.

 (4) The Registrar may reduce or waive the fee mentioned in subsection (2) if the payment of the fee would impose financial hardship on the payer.

8  Details to be included in copies of the Australian Business Register

  For the purposes of paragraph 26(3)(k) of the Act, the following details are prescribed:

 (a) if the entity’s ABN is changed under section 17 of the Act—the date the change takes effect;

 (b) if the entity’s registration in the Australian Business Register is cancelled under section 18 of the Act—the date the cancellation takes effect;

 (c) a name used for business purposes by the entity that appeared in the entry immediately before Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Business Names Registration (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Act 2011 commenced.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted

orig = original

am = amended

p = page(s)

amdt = amendment

para = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

cl = clause(s)

prev = previous

cont. = continued

(prev…) = previously

def = definition(s)

pt = Part(s)

Dict = Dictionary

r = regulation(s)/Court rule(s)

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

reloc = relocated

div = Division(s)

renum = renumbered

ed = editorial change

rep = repealed

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

rs = repealed and substituted

effect

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

gaz = gazette

/rule(s)/subrule(s)/order(s)/suborder(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SR = Statutory Rules

effect

sub ch = SubChapter(s)

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

sub div = Subdivision(s)

cannot be given effect

sub pt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

Ord = Ordinance

 

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020

27 Nov 2020 (F2020L01498)

1 Apr 2021 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Amendment (Display of Trading Names) Regulations 2023

26 Oct 2023 (F2023L01416)

27 Oct 2023 (s 2(1) item 1)

A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Amendment (Display of Trading Names) Regulations 2025

3 Oct 2025 (F2025L01227)

4 Oct 2025 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Part 1

 

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 4.....................

rep LA s 48C

Part 2

 

s 8.....................

am F2023L01416; F2025L01227

Schedule 1................

rep LA s 48C

 

Overview

The A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020, enacted under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999, were established to streamline and modernise the Australian tax system by introducing a unique identifier for businesses, known as the Australian Business Number (ABN). This regulatory framework addresses the need for a standardised and efficient method of identifying businesses for tax purposes, thereby enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of tax collection and administration. The objective of the Act, as articulated in its policy framework, is to facilitate the efficient operation of the tax system and improve compliance by providing a clear and consistent method of business identification. The Regulations, compiled and updated to reflect legislative amendments, detail the specific information to be recorded in the Australian Business Register and the associated fees, ensuring that the requirements and operational aspects of the ABN system are clearly defined and accessible. The regulations are maintained and updated by the Australian Government, ensuring they reflect the current legislative environment and administrative needs. The continuous updating and compilation of these regulations, including the incorporation of amendments, ensure that the legal framework remains relevant and effective in serving its intended purpose. The inclusion of endnotes provides comprehensive details on the legislative history, amendment history, and editorial changes, facilitating a thorough understanding of the regulatory changes and their implications.

Scope and Application

The A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020 applies to all entities, including businesses, individuals, and organisations, that are required to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999. The Act has a Commonwealth jurisdictional reach, meaning it applies across Australia. These regulations specify the details that must be entered into the Australian Business Register (ABR) for each entity, including business names, principal place of business, entity type, industry classification, and other relevant details. Additionally, the regulations establish the fees for accessing the ABR and the specific details that must be included in copies of the ABR. The regulations also allow for the reduction or waiver of fees in cases of financial hardship. This legislative instrument extends its application through subordinate instruments, such as amendments made in 2023 and 2025, which further refine the requirements and provisions under the Act.

Key Provisions

The A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020, made under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999, include several key provisions that define the requirements and obligations for entities registering under the Australian Business Register (ABR). Section 6 of the regulations outlines the specific details that must be entered in the ABR, including business names registered under the Business Names Register, the entity's principal place of business, the kind of entity, the industry classification code, and other relevant details such as ACN, ARBN, and email address where applicable. These details ensure that the ABR maintains comprehensive and accurate information about entities conducting business in Australia. Entities subject to the ABR must comply with these requirements by providing the prescribed details during registration or updating their information as necessary. For example, if an entity changes its Australian Business Number (ABN) or has its registration cancelled, these changes must be reflected in the ABR. Failure to provide accurate and complete information can result in non-compliance with the regulations and potential penalties under the Act. Additionally, section 7 sets out the fee structure for accessing the ABR, with a nominal fee for copies and certified extracts unless provided directly to the entity, and allows for fee waivers in cases of financial hardship. Breaches of the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Regulations 2020 can lead to various civil and administrative consequences. Under the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999, failure to comply with the requirements to provide accurate information in the ABR can result in penalties. The Act does not specify maximum penalties within the regulations themselves, but generally, penalties for non-compliance with tax laws can include fines and other civil remedies. Additionally, ongoing non-compliance may lead to more severe administrative actions, including the potential suspension or cancellation of the entity's registration in the ABR. These measures are intended to ensure that entities adhere to the regulatory requirements and maintain the integrity of the ABR.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Taxation Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Fee for access to the Australian Business Register
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.