Request non-disclosure of ABN details
Keeping information private
You can request that certain Australian business number (ABN) details are not disclosed if either:
- publishing the information may be a risk to your personal safety or the safety of anyone associated with the business
- exceptional circumstances exist that would support your request to not disclose the details.
The Registrar of the Australian Business Register (ABR) may also choose not to disclose your details where they determine it is not in the public interest to have them published. For example, if your entity’s legal name may be offensive to others.
If a request for non-disclosure is successful, the following details will not be made public:
- legal and historical name
- trading name
- business name
- entity type
- postcode.
Any entity, regardless of their industry, can apply for non-disclosure of their ABN details.
If you have a registered business name that contains sensitive details, it is possible to have it suppressed from the ASIC business name register. Refer to the ASIC website for more information.
Historical name
You can have your historical name records withheld from ABN Lookup and data.gov.au. For example, if you've had gender reassignment. You’ll need to provide a statutory declaration.
Business location details
Details of specific business premises may be withheld if there is a risk to the safety of individuals as a result of disclosure. For example, a women’s refuge.
How to make a request
In most instances, you need to apply for your ABN before you apply for non-disclosure of your ABN details. This usually results in your details being publicly available until the non-disclosure request is finalised.
If you are an individual (sole trader) and have exceptional circumstances, you can apply for your ABN at the same time as your non-disclosure request. This will stop your details from being publicly available while we process your non-disclosure request.
To submit your non-disclosure request, and ABN application if required, you (or your authorised contact) need to complete the Request for non-disclosure of ABN details (NAT 75641, PDF 249KB) cover sheet with your details.
You will need to provide:
- your ABN (if you have already applied for it)
- contact details of the person requesting the non-disclosure
- supporting information, which can be any relevant supporting documents, or a brief summary of why the non-disclosure is being requested.
Where available, you should provide evidence to support your application. This may include (but is not limited to):
- statutory declaration explaining the reasons you want your details suppressed. For example, due to the industry you are in or the potential risks if a non-disclosure is not granted
- relevant court orders
- copy of a police report
- copy of a letter from the Australian Electoral Commission showing you have a silent elector status
- copy of a phone bill showing you have a silent number.
Provide as much relevant information as you can to support your application. Your request may be refused if insufficient evidence or reasoning is provided.
We prefer you to complete the fillable PDF form on your computer or device by typing in the required information before you print the form. This helps us to process your updates in our systems.
If you can't use a fillable PDF on your device, you can print the form and fill it in by hand. Make sure you use a black or dark blue pen and BLOCK LETTERS.
After you have submitted your application
In most cases, you'll receive a letter advising you of the outcome of your application within 20 business days.
If you have asked to apply for an ABN as part of your request for non-disclosure of your details, we will phone you to discuss your application.
You may lodge an objection if you disagree with the decision.