Do I Need an ABN to Invoice an Overseas Company?

LJames Gaskell on 10/08/2020 - 08:37

Hi all,

Im hoping someone could clear this up for me :) . A friend of mine in Belgium recently asked me if i wanted to do some sales work for him (just 10 hours a week) and i was wondering if i needed an ABN number to invoice him. The work would all be online and the clients he works with are all in Europe and north America (but will target Australia as i learn the ropes).

I would prefer to just write him a basic invoice without an ABN and just declare the income as an extra revenue on my yearly tax return. Would this be legal or do i need an ABN?

Thanks again for any help.

Best regards

James Gaskell

Financial

Comments

  • lubos on 10/08/2020 - 09:03
    +3

    You don't need ABN and you can issue invoice without it. As long as you declare the income on your tax return, there is no issue.

    • SydneySwan on 11/08/2020 - 08:40

      I agree. Enter the income in the overseas income part of the tax return.

  • JPLengineer on 10/08/2020 - 09:09

    Will you be doing business in Australia as well?

    I would highly recommend getting an ABN, for a sole trader it's no cost or you could register through ASIC and get a company it's around $500 for first registration and $280 to renew per year.

    Things work differently depending which legal entity you create, also be sure to be gst registered for Australia, if invoicing an overseas business your invoice does not charge gst.

    • foxmulder on 10/08/2020 - 10:32

      Sole trading with ABN if you're doing professional work - won't cost any annual fees. GST registered if you're doing more than $75k of sales per 12 month period. There is no GST for providing invoice to overseas buyers.

  • James Gaskell on 10/08/2020 - 10:14

    Thanks guys/girls :)

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