If your an individual, wishing to obtain an ABN to carry on a business as a sole trader, remember that:

There have been some changes made to processing applications for individuals (or their representatives) when they apply for an ABN online.  Our advice is to contact us to apply on your behalf, to avoid your application being rejected.

This is because:

An entitlement test must be passed before an ABN is issued.

The registration process has been changed to ensure that only those individuals who are in business and who are legally entitled, receive an ABN. 

This change means individuals (or their representatives):

• will need to answer a short series of questions to confirm their entitlement to an ABN.
• can withdraw their application if they are assessed as not being entitled to an ABN
• may have their ABN registration refused if they decide to proceed with their application despite being assessed as “not eligible”
• may, in some cases, have their application referred to Australian Business Register (ABR) staff who may request more information to determine their entitlement to an ABN.