Request non-disclosure of ABN details

Keeping information private

You can request certain ABN details are not disclosed if:

  • 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.

Your details may not be disclosed if the Registrar of the ABR determines it's not in the public interest to have it 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.

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

Any entity, regardless of their industry or circumstances, can apply for non-disclosure of their ABN details. To request non-disclosure of your details, you (or your authorised contact) can write to us. You will need to provide:

  • a relevant ABN
  • the legal name of the entity
  • your postal address
  • a contact number and name of person requesting the non-disclosure
  • an explanation of why you are requesting information not to be disclosed.

Supporting information is required, and could include (but isn’t limited to):

  • a statutory declaration explaining the reasons, such as what industry you are in or the potential risks if non-disclosure isn’t granted
  • 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.

Please provide as much relevant information as you can to support your application. Your request may be refused if insufficient evidence is provided.

In most cases, you'll receive a letter advising you of the outcome of your application within 20 business days.

You may lodge an objection if you disagree with the decision.

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