ABN Registration and Keeping Address Private

[Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 14:58
Last edited 15/04/2017 - 15:36 by 1 other user

Hi Ozbargainers,

I'm looking for advice about the addresses supplied to the ATO when registering for an ABN.

I intend to register as a sole trader, and will operate from my home address.

For security i wouldn't feel comfortable if my home address could be found through an ABN search (which i gather is possible).

The registration form states you can't use a Post Office box.

I\i gather an option is to use an accountants address, but I don't use an accountant.

I'm thinking of approaching an accountant and see if they will take a fee just for this service.

Before I head down that path I thought I would check if there are any better approaches to this issue than using an accountant?

Any help appreciated.

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  MrHyde on 15/04/2017 - 15:06

  A lot of co-work sharing spaces will allow the use of their address for $50 per month plus redirect fee per letter.

  The important thing to remember is that the ATO/ASIC will send communication only to the address provided. So, ensure the accountant or any other address you use will forward any letters received in your business' name.

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    [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 15:37

    Thanks, $50 per month sounds expensive…

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      [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 16:04

      Generally you can use your accountants business address too.
      This is something mine provides, not sure how much I pay for it though but its not $50/month.

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      whooah1979 on 15/04/2017 - 19:49

      Thanks, $50 per month sounds expensive

      hmm, running a business does require some expenses. $600 p/a is a cheap price to pay for a little peace of mind. don't forget to buy public liability for the wares your selling.

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  kipps on 15/04/2017 - 15:18

  Only suburb is available publicly for sole traders with an ABN (using abr.business.gov.au).

  If you have a business name, however, then the address for the registration can be purchased.

  You need not have a business name if you are trading under your own name.

  What exactly are you looking at doing?

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    [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 15:40

    Really? I don't plan to register business name. So there is no way for anyone to use the ABN to get anything other than my postcode? That solves my problem if true.

    Online retail.

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      [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 15:42

      You need not have a business name if you are trading under your own name.

      Are you trading under your own name then?

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        [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 16:10

        Hmmm, i think i need to look into this in more detail to understand what i need! I'm currently selling using gumtree/eBay/forums, and my products are going ok so was planning to develop website to expand it. So maybe in current form i don't need a business name, but need it in future.

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  Mad Max on 15/04/2017 - 15:44

  It is even worst if you trade through a company. I did a search some time ago on a dodgy solar panels installer company. If you are a director of a company, with a simple cheap ASIC search people can see your name, surname, address and date of birth. I find it incredible that in this days and age of identity theft all those details are so easily available.

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    whooah1979 on 15/04/2017 - 20:03

    I did a search some time ago on a dodgy solar panels installer company. If you are a director of a company, with a simple cheap ASIC search people can see your name, surname, address and date of birth. I find it incredible that in this days and age of identity theft all those details are so easily available.

    would you rather allow dodgy and unscrupulous businesses hide their directors identities behind a company registration?

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      kipps on 15/04/2017 - 20:32

      There is little, if any, verification of directors by ASIC.

      Falsification of this data does happen.

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      Mad Max on 15/04/2017 - 21:44

      No but law abiding and honest directors should not have their personal details disclosed to everyone potentially making them target of identity theft.
      Asic should investigate dodgy and unscrupulous businesses that are reported and perhaps then reveal the details once the directors have been found guilty.

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  [Deactivated] on 15/04/2017 - 19:35

  I would continue to sell under gumtree and ebay privately