People starting out often ask whether they need an ABN before they can build a website. The short answer is no, a website itself does not require one. But there are a few related rules around domain names, business names and invoices that catch people out, and it helps to know them before you start.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and every situation is different. For your own circumstances, ask an accountant or check with the government bodies named below.
A website does not need an ABN
There is no rule that says you must hold an ABN to put up a website. You can build a site for a hobby, a side project, a personal brand or a new idea without one. The question of whether you need an ABN is really about whether you are carrying on a business, which is separate from having a website.
If you are running a business or plan to earn income from your work, an ABN is often useful and sometimes expected, since clients may ask for one. The Australian Taxation Office has information on who should have one. Your accountant can tell you what suits you.
.com.au domains need an Australian presence
The rules for .com.au domain names are set by auDA, the body that oversees the Australian domain space. In general, to register a .com.au you need to show a connection to Australia. This can be done in several ways, depending on who you are. Examples include being an Australian company or registered business, holding an Australian trade mark, being an Australian citizen or resident, or having an ABN or ACN.
There is also a rule that the domain name should have a reasonable connection to your business or organisation. A name that closely matches your business name, trading name or the services you offer is generally fine. A name that has nothing to do with you may not be.
These rules are updated from time to time, so check the current requirements with your domain registrar or on the auDA website. Plain .au names, like yourbusiness.au, need an Australian presence too. If you cannot meet the rules, a .com domain has no presence requirement.
Registering your domain in your own name
Whatever type of domain you choose, make sure you are the registrant. When someone else builds your site and registers the domain on your behalf, it is easy for it to end up in their name. If they disappear, or you part ways, you may have trouble getting it back.
With our websites, you own the site and the domain. We cover this topic in more detail in cheap website red flags.
Business names and ASIC
If you trade under a name that is not your own, you generally need to register it. In Australia, business names are registered with ASIC, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. For example, if your name is Jane Smith and you trade as Smith Gardens, you would normally register Smith Gardens. If you trade simply as Jane Smith, you usually do not need a business name registration.
Registering a business name does not give you ownership of the name in the way a trade mark does, and it does not by itself give you a domain. Those are separate things. Check ASIC’s site for the current process, costs and rules.
It is worth checking that your chosen name is available before you spend money on branding, a domain or a website. Searching ASIC’s register and the domain registrars takes only a few minutes.
ABNs on invoices
If you run a business, there are generally requirements to show your ABN on invoices, particularly tax invoices. If you are registered for GST, there are further rules about what a tax invoice must contain. The ATO explains these, and your accountant or bookkeeper can help you set up an invoice template.
This matters for your website if you take payments or send quotes through it. Make sure any forms, confirmations or invoices that go out from your site have the details they should.
Should you put your ABN on the website?
There is no single rule that covers every website. Many businesses put their ABN in the footer, and it can help build trust, particularly with business customers. If you sell online, there may be additional requirements around consumer law, refund information and privacy. If you collect personal information, a privacy policy is a good idea, and in some cases a legal requirement.
We cannot tell you what you must include, because it depends on your business and what you do on the site. An accountant or a lawyer can tell you.
A simple order of operations
- Work out whether you are running a business, and talk to an accountant if you are unsure.
- Get an ABN if you need one. Applying is done through the Australian Business Register.
- Decide your trading name and check if it needs registering with ASIC.
- Check the name is available as a domain, and that you meet the rules for the domain type.
- Register the domain in your own name.
- Build the website, and make sure your details are consistent on it.
- Set up your Google Business Profile once you are ready to trade.
What if you are not ready yet?
You can start without all of these in place. If you are testing an idea, you might use a simple page while you sort out the paperwork. Just avoid anything that misleads customers about who you are or what you offer. If you are still deciding, our guide on what to put on a small business website can help you plan the content.
How this relates to our websites
When you order from us, we ask for your business name and the details you want shown. If you already have a domain, we use it. If you need one, we can work through the options with you, and you will be the owner. We are not accountants or lawyers, so for questions about your ABN, GST or structure, ask a professional.
Our website is $500 + GST for up to 5 pages, with the words written for you, live in about a week, and the first three months of Care hosting included. See the pricing page or start with the get started form. We work fully remotely, by email and online forms.