Summary

1. ABN vs. ACN:
   • ABN: 11-digit number for all businesses, including sole traders.
   • ACN: 9-digit number specific to companies registered with ASIC.
2. Why Search: Verify business legitimacy, find details, and avoid scams.
3. How to Search:
   • Use the ABN Lookup for sole traders and companies using their ABN.
   • Use ASIC Connect to search companies using their ACN.
4. Tips: Always verify businesses before engagement, understand search results, and keep records of your findings for future reference.

When dealing with businesses in Australia, it’s essential to verify their legitimacy, whether it’s a company or a sole trader. This can easily be done using their ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number). Knowing how to search for a company or sole trader using these identifiers can help you ensure that you are dealing with a registered and reputable business. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct these searches and what you can find.

Understanding ABN and CAN

• ABN (Australian Business Number): An 11-digit number unique to each business or individual registered in Australia. It’s used for tax and other business transactions. Both companies and sole traders have ABNs.
• ACN (Australian Company Number): A 9-digit number unique to companies registered with ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission). Only companies, not sole traders, have an ACN.

Why You Might Need to Search for a Business or Sole Trader

• Verification: To ensure the business is legally registered and operating under Australian laws.
• Business Details: To find contact information, business status, and other details.
• Avoiding Scams: Confirming registration helps avoid dealing with fraudulent businesses.

How to Search for a Business Using an ABN

Searching for a business using an ABN is straightforward and can be done through the Australian Business Register (ABR). Here’s how:

1. Visit the ABN Lookup Website
   • Go to ABN Lookup. This is the official platform managed by the Australian Government for checking business information.
2. Enter the ABN or Business Name
   • In the search bar, enter the ABN number if you have it. Alternatively, you can search using the business name, but using the ABN is more precise.
3. Review the Business Details
   • Once you hit search, the website will display details about the business, including:
     • Business Name
     • ABN Status (active or inactive)
     • Entity Type (e.g., sole trader, company)
     • GST Status (whether the business is registered for GST)
     • Business Location
       • Check these details to confirm that the business matches your expectations and is operating legitimately.

How to Search for a Company Using an CAN

Searching for a company using an ACN can be done via the ASIC Connect website. This process is similar to the ABN search but focuses specifically on companies registered with ASIC.

1. Visit the ASIC Connect Website
   • Go to ASIC Connect and select “Search ASIC Registers.”
2. Enter the ACN or Company Name
   • You can search using the company’s ACN, name, or even other details like the former name or business type.
3. Review the Company Information
   • The search will return details such as:
     • Company Name
     • ACN
     • Company Type (e.g., proprietary, public)
     • Registration Status (registered, deregistered, etc.)
     • Principal Place of Business
       • This information is crucial for verifying the company’s legitimacy and understanding its business structure.

What You Can Learn from ABN and ACN Searches

1. Business Legitimacy: Confirm if the business is registered and active.
2. Entity Type: Understand if you are dealing with a sole trader, company, trust, or partnership.
3. Tax and GST Registration: Check if the business is registered for GST, which can affect how invoices and payments are handled.
4. Contact Details: Often, you can find addresses and contact information, which can be useful if you need to reach out to the business.
5. Business History: See if there have been any name changes or updates in business registration status.

Key Tips for Using ABN and ACN Searches

• Always Verify Before Engaging: Especially when entering contracts or making payments, ensure that the business is registered and active.
• Keep Records: Save the search results for your records, especially when conducting due diligence for significant transactions.
• Understand the Information: Knowing the business type and status helps in understanding the legal obligations and protections you have when dealing with that business.

Common Issues and How to Address Them

• Inactive ABN/ACN: If the ABN or ACN status is inactive, the business may no longer be operating legally. Reach out directly to clarify or avoid engagement.
• Mismatched Details: Ensure that the business details match those provided by the business owner to avoid scams.
• Unavailable Information: Sometimes, older businesses or sole traders might not be easily searchable. Verify directly with the business owner and request proof of registration.

Searching for a company or sole trader using ABN and ACN is an essential step in protecting yourself and ensuring that you are dealing with a reputable business in Australia. Whether you’re a consumer, partner, or investor, these tools provide valuable insights into the businesses you interact with, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.