Proving your identity

You may be asked for proof of identity (POI) information when dealing with the Australian Business Register (ABR) to confirm who you are and prevent identity theft.

You'll be asked to prove your identity when you:

  • apply for an Australian business number (ABN) the registrar must be satisfied your identity, and the identity of associates, are established before issuing an ABN.
  • contact the ABR or when the ABR contacts you
  • apply for a tax file number (TFN).

The POI information provided will be validated against other sources. For example, our records and Australian Securities and Investments Commission records.

How to prove your identity

The quickest way to prove your identity is with your valid TFN. The ABR is authorised to ask for your TFN; but you're not legally required to provide it.

If you don't provide your valid TFN or we cannot identify you, further proof may be required. Information or certified copies of documents you may be asked to provide include your:

  • date of birth
  • phone number
  • business, residential, postal or email address
  • bank account number
  • birth certificate
  • certificate of Incorporation
  • independent certification of business
  • passport
  • driver’s licence.

If you're a resident applying for an ABN and these details don't match, the application will be refused.

Non-residents

If you're applying for an ABN and your details don't match, your application will be delayed and may be refused.

After you submit your application, record your reference number. You'll need it when sending documents or contacting us. Without it, you may need to lodge a new application.

Your proof of identity documents must be received before the date provided on your submitted application. If your documents aren’t received and processed in 43 days of submitting your application, it will be refused.

When you send your documents, complete the Non-resident ABN application – certified identity documents cover sheet and include your reference number so we can match your documents with your application.

If the cover sheet isn’t included, it could cause delays in processing your application.

Non-residents need to provide either:

Send to:

Australian Taxation Office

Non-resident registrations team

PO Box  3373

Albury NSW 2640 AUSTRALIA

Contacting the ABR

If you need to discuss your application with us:

Calling within Australia

  1. Call 1300 146 094 between 8:00am and 6:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), Monday to Friday.
  2. Wait until you hear instructions to enter the 3-digit call-back code.
  3. Enter the call-back code '118' and then '#'.

Calling from outside Australia

  1. Call +61 2 6216 1111 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm AEST or AEDT, Monday to Friday.
  2. Ask for 1300 146 094.
  3. Wait until you hear instructions to enter the three digit call-back code.
  4. Enter the call-back code '118' and then '#'.

For more information, see:

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