Business Structures & Setup
ABN, GST & TFN Registrations
Getting your registrations right from the start avoids penalties, delayed payments, and compliance headaches. PHC & Associates handles all ATO registrations — ABN, TFN, GST, PAYG withholding, and more — and advises you on what you need, when you need it, and what each registration means for your obligations going forward.
1000+
Registrations Completed
CPA
Certified
ATO
Registered Tax Agent
What's Included
Everything Covered in This Service
Australian Business Number (ABN) registration
Tax File Number (TFN) registration for companies, trusts, and partnerships
GST registration — mandatory and voluntary
PAYG withholding registration for employers
PAYG instalment registration for business taxpayers
Fuel tax credits registration (where applicable)
Luxury car tax and wine equalisation tax registration (where applicable)
ATO obligations briefing — what each registration requires you to do
Key Concepts
What You Need to Know
Understanding the essentials helps you make better decisions and ask the right questions.
Who Needs an ABN
Any entity carrying on a business in Australia must register for an ABN. Without an ABN, customers can withhold 47% of payments under the no-ABN withholding rules. Sole traders, companies, trusts, and partnerships all need their own ABN.
GST Registration — Mandatory vs Voluntary
GST registration is mandatory when annual turnover exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profit organisations). Below the threshold, registration is optional but may be beneficial — particularly if your customers are GST-registered and your suppliers charge GST.
Tax File Numbers for Entities
A TFN is required for every entity that lodges an income tax return — companies, trusts, and partnerships each need their own TFN separate from the individuals involved. Without a TFN, the ATO will withhold tax from interest and other passive income.
PAYG Withholding — When It Applies
Any business that employs staff or engages certain contractors must register for PAYG withholding and withhold tax from payments. PAYG withholding is reported via your BAS and must be paid to the ATO on time to avoid penalties.
Why It Matters
Why This Matters for Your Business
The decisions you make at setup have long-lasting consequences — financially, legally, and operationally.
No ABN Means 47% Withholding
Customers are legally required to withhold 47% of payments to suppliers without an ABN. Even one invoice paid under no-ABN withholding rules costs significantly more than the registration itself.
Late GST Registration Has Consequences
If you exceed the $75,000 threshold and don't register, you are still liable for GST on all taxable sales since the threshold was crossed — even if you didn't collect it from customers.
Voluntary GST Registration Can Benefit You
If your customers are GST-registered, voluntary registration allows you to claim GST credits on your purchases — often resulting in a net refund. For capital-intensive businesses, this can be material.
Fuel Tax Credits Are Commonly Missed
Businesses that use fuel in machinery, plant, or equipment off public roads may be entitled to fuel tax credits — a commonly overlooked entitlement that can result in significant refunds.
Each Entity Needs Its Own Registrations
A common mistake is using an individual's ABN or TFN for a company or trust. Each entity is a separate taxpayer and requires its own registrations.