Updating Australian Business Register (ABR) records is a legal requirement
If your international business details change, you are legally required to update the ABR within 28 days. This is a compliance obligation under Australian law, and failing to meet it may expose your company to penalties, unnecessary delays, and risks when interacting with regulators and stakeholders.
By Ro Elvinia
Why keeping ABR details updated matters
The ABR is the central government database that records and validates business information. Agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and state revenue offices rely on it to confirm your business identity and contact details. Outdated details can:
- Trigger compliance issues with the ATO
- Delay GST, PAYG, and BAS reporting
- Complicate business banking, licensing, and contract approvals
- Cause miscommunication with suppliers, partners, and government departments
Maintaining current information helps safeguard your international business credibility and ensures smoother day-to-day operations.
What information must be updated
You must review and update any business details that change, including:
- Business name or trading name
- Business structure (e.g., sole trader, company, partnership, trust)
- Address (principal place of business, mailing, or registered office)
- Contact details (phone, email, authorised representatives)
- Business activities or industry classification (Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification code)
- Key people involved in the entity (directors, partners, trustees)
- Tax registrations (GST, PAYG, FBT)
How to update your ABR details
Updating ABR information can be done in several ways:
- Online via the ABR website – using your myGovID or AUSkey.
- By phone – the ABR provides a direct helpline for businesses needing assistance.
- Through your registered tax agent or BAS agent – they can lodge updates on your behalf.
Common mistakes businesses make
Many international businesses unfamiliar with Australian regulations often overlook their ABR obligations, assuming that minor details are unimportant. Common oversights include:
- Forgetting to update a new office or mailing address
- Not updating after a director or trustee resigns
- Overlooking changes in business activities that affect tax reporting
- Assuming ASIC updates flow automatically to the ABR (they do not in all cases)
These gaps can lead to costly compliance issues and confusion with regulators.
Compliance and penalties
The ATO and ABR regularly review business information. If your details are inaccurate, you may face:
- Financial penalties for non-compliance
- Suspension of business registrations
- Delays in refunds or tax lodgements
- Greater scrutiny in audits or investigations
The best practice is to treat ABR updates as part of your ongoing corporate governance checklist.
How ABN Australia can help
Keeping your ABR details updated is a legal requirement, and failing to do so can lead to penalties, delays, and compliance issues with the ATO and ASIC. At ABN Australia, we make this process simple by reviewing your records, lodging updates on your behalf, and ensuring every change – whether it’s to directors, office addresses, business activities, or tax registrations – is captured correctly. We also align your ABR updates with other obligations such as ASIC, GST, PAYG, and FBT to make sure nothing is missed. Contact our team today to keep your business fully compliant.
Published: 28th Aug 2025 | Last updated: 28th Aug 2025
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