ABN Registration

[JRayers]

I've recently moved across the world from the UK to Australia and am hoping to start building some Australian exclusive sites using .com.au domain names. I went to register a couple and then discovered I need an ABN. Having now briefly looked into an ABN, I see they are free to register.

I just wanted to know if any aussies out there have one, and what the purpose of one is? Does having an ABN mean I will automatically get hit by tax for buying a domain name and making a few bucks from ads on my sites? As a 19 year old freelance web designer, am I eligible for one?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,

James Rayers

[akula]

you're eligible

if you want .com.au

you're gonna have to get one and get slapped with quarterly BAS statements

abn = more reporting obligations

if earning < 50k p.a. you don't need an ABN

[JRayers]

I would like an ABN for .com.au registration purposes only really. Would I be better off registering it under my dad's name who has an ABN for his business?

[akula]

yes, it would, unless your shop has revenues > 50k

bas statements are annoying

it's good to try avoid doing them

[JRayers]

No I won't be hitting 50k, I'm mainly looking for one for a forum, and perhaps one for a discount codes site.

[wajo]

you can register for an A.B.N , and dont have to do B.A.S statements. you can have an ABN number and not register for GST if your turnover is <50k..