Thinking of adding another feather to your entrepreneurial cap without going through the bureaucratic nightmare of registering a whole new ABN? Good news — in Australia, you *can* run multiple businesses under one ABN. But as always, there’s fine print you’ll want to read before you jump in (preferably with coffee in hand ☕).
Key Takeaways
- One legal entity — one ABN. But that entity can have multiple business activities.
- You can register multiple business names under a single ABN via ASIC.
- Separate financial records are crucial for compliance and sanity.
- Watch for GST thresholds and tax obligations across all activities.
- Keep your business names and ABN details up to date to avoid fines.
Understanding the Australian Business Number (ABN)
The ABN is an 11-digit identifier issued by the Australian Business Register (ABR) that lets the world know you mean business — literally. It’s a bit like a tax file number, but cooler, because it lets you invoice clients and claim GST credits. Whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, company or trust, one entity gets one ABN. No more, no less.
Important distinction: your business name is just the name you trade under. It’s not a legal entity in itself. So, John’s Plumbing and John’s Landscaping can both exist under John’s ABN — as long as John registers each business name properly. 🚀
Running Multiple Businesses Under One ABN
Yes, you can operate several businesses under one ABN. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) are cool with it — provided you do it right. Each new business activity should be added to your ABN registration details, ensuring they’re accurate and up-to-date.
But beware: the ATO expects you to keep separate financial records for each business. While you have one ABN, you’ll need to make sure that every dollar, invoice, and GST claim is tracked separately to avoid a paperwork catastrophe come tax time.
“Think of one ABN like a Swiss Army knife — versatile, but each tool (or business) needs to be sharp and used properly.”
How to Register Multiple Business Names
Want to run a dog grooming business and a bakery under one ABN? Easy. Just register different business names with ASIC. Here’s how:
- Search for availability — Check if your brilliant new business name isn’t already taken.
- Register online — Head over to the Business Registration Service to register the name against your existing ABN.
- Pay the fee — As of 2025, it’s around AUD 42 per year (or AUD 98 for three years).
- Stay compliant — Don’t forget: business names must be renewed on time, and trademarks should be considered if you’re planning to build a brand empire.
There’s no cap on how many business names you can register under one ABN — so go wild, but maybe not too wild. 😅
Pros and Cons of Using One ABN for Multiple Businesses
Before you dive in headfirst, let’s weigh up the benefits and drawbacks:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple administration — one ABN, one set of BAS statements. | Cross-liability risk between businesses — if one goes belly-up, creditors could chase the other. |
| Lower ASIC and accounting fees. | Complicated bookkeeping and GST reporting for multiple income streams. |
| Ability to test new ventures without major structural changes. | Potential issues attracting investors or selling part of the business later. |
When You Might Need a Separate ABN
While running multiple businesses under one ABN is possible, there are times when a new ABN is a better move:
- Ownership changes — Bringing in new partners or shareholders? New ABN needed.
- Different entity types — A trust can’t share an ABN with a company or a sole trader.
- High-risk industries — Financial services or building trades might need separate legal protections.
- Planning to sell — Investors prefer clean, separate corporate structures for due diligence.
In short, one ABN is fine until it isn’t — much like wearing thongs to a corporate meeting. Great for the beach, but a questionable call for business expansion. 🩴
Conclusion
Yes, you can run multiple businesses under one ABN in Australia — and it’s a smart move for many small business owners. Just make sure you register separate business names, keep pristine financial records, and watch for tax thresholds. If things start to get serious (think investors, partnerships, high-risk ventures), it might be time to speak with a tax advisor or restructure your operations.
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