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Aussies, question about ABN

by goindeep
6 replies
When I sold my last website I asked the people over at ASIC to de-register the business as the new owner was taking it in another direction.

They de-registered everything but they also cancelled my ABN.

I have since tried to re-apply online and I find the process a little overwhelming and confusing. For example I have previously always listed myself as a sole trader with X trading as names. Now from what I can tell they want you to be really specific about what you do, how much you earn etc. So for someone setting up a new business it seems kind of like a chicken and egg situation.

Not only this but how on Earth then do you buy a .com.au domain name if you do not hold an ABN and cant get one because their stupid online form tells you, you don't need one yet based on your earnings.

The whole process has become such a massive pain in the ass IMHO.
#abn #aussies #question
  • Profile picture of the author vickybabe
    Originally Posted by goindeep View Post

    When I sold my last website I asked the people over at ASIC to de-register the business as the new owner was taking it in another direction.

    They de-registered everything but they also cancelled my ABN.

    I have since tried to re-apply online and I find the process a little overwhelming and confusing. For example I have previously always listed myself as a sole trader with X trading as names. Now from what I can tell they want you to be really specific about what you do, how much you earn etc. So for someone setting up a new business it seems kind of like a chicken and egg situation.

    Not only this but how on Earth then do you buy a .com.au domain name if you do not hold an ABN and cant get one because their stupid online form tells you, you don't need one yet based on your earnings.

    The whole process has become such a massive pain in the ass IMHO.
    Hey mate,

    The new way to do it online is a real pain in the a$$. Best bet would be to go and see an accountant and get them to set you up properly with exactly what you need mate

    It is just stupid really, you try and set up correctly and they make it damn near impossible, but if you need to be paying tax they will be onto you quick smart.

    Who knows mate?

    Honestly, the old way was heaps better
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    • Profile picture of the author goindeep
      Could not agree with you more if I tried.

      I thought about that too, seeing a lawyer or accountant. But then I don't like paying for things like that considering I originally applied for my first ABN on two or three bits of paper when I was still in high-school.

      Its so stupid because in some jobs you actually need an ABN.

      So how would you even apply for an ABN if your only just at the application phase of the job as a sub-contractor?

      Seems to me like typical unnecessary red tape
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      • Profile picture of the author SteveSki
        Originally Posted by goindeep View Post

        Could not agree with you more if I tried.

        I thought about that too, seeing a lawyer or accountant. But then I don't like paying for things like that considering I originally applied for my first ABN on two or three bits of paper when I was still in high-school.

        Its so stupid because in some jobs you actually need an ABN.

        So how would you even apply for an ABN if your only just at the application phase of the job as a sub-contractor?

        Seems to me like typical unnecessary red tape
        You're right, but remember: Some things you can control and some you can't.
        Complaining about the government doesn't help you to get a new ABN and if you
        want a .com.au domain you should call an accountant to get a ABN. It's not that big
        of a problem to solve.

        Cheers,
        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author goindeep
          Originally Posted by SteveSki View Post

          You're right, but remember: Some things you can control and some you can't.
          Complaining about the government doesn't help you to get a new ABN and if you
          want a .com.au domain you should call an accountant to get a ABN. It's not that big
          of a problem to solve.

          Cheers,
          Steve
          It's OK. Im all sorted now.

          But, it's all about perspective really.

          It's about making things and systems better for all of us. Not just me.

          I have a daughter and if she wants to start a business in the future, would I not want the process to be simple for her? Of course I would, that's the angle I come at it from. It should be simple for everyone. Governments should stick to governing instead of getting in the way of young people starting their business.

          And why would I want to pay an accountant for something I should be able to do myself?

          The whole domain thing is just as ridiculous.

          We are like one of the only countries that has this stupid requirement. It's as if they assume all .com.au domains will be used for commercial purposes and all other domains wont be used for commercial purposes. So if you are a young person that wants to start a blog and you want a .com.au domain name for whatever reason, you now need to go and apply for an ABN. It's stupid. It's totally stupid and nowhere on the ABR or ASIC webs services websites does it even track or monitor any of this information (or at least it doesn't give you access to that).

          I have fixed my problem now, but they made fill out the forms 3 times and call up all because they are stupid. And in the end when I went through my ABN history I found so many incorrect things because of mistakes they made.

          And with regard to your comments about us having no control, I disagree. We have total control. We just need to take up the initiative to make the changes we want to see.

          I'll be writing to my local representative as well as my state representative and I urge others to do the same.

          Governments should make the process as easy as possible for it's citizens - it's common sense.
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          • Profile picture of the author SteveSki
            [QUOTE=goindeep;9759796
            It's about making things and systems better for all of us. Not just me. /QUOTE]

            In that case I think you will enjoy Sam Carpenters Work The System blog at: Work the System

            You can download his ebook in both PDF and MP3 audios.

            Cheers,
            Steve
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      • Profile picture of the author vickybabe
        Originally Posted by goindeep View Post

        Could not agree with you more if I tried.

        I thought about that too, seeing a lawyer or accountant. But then I don't like paying for things like that considering I originally applied for my first ABN on two or three bits of paper when I was still in high-school.

        Its so stupid because in some jobs you actually need an ABN.

        So how would you even apply for an ABN if your only just at the application phase of the job as a sub-contractor?

        Seems to me like typical unnecessary red tape
        Yeah definitely, just glad i still have my original one. I was setting one up six months ago for a new business though, NIGHTMARE

        Just see an accountant mate, unfortunately, that is the best way to do it, gonna have to shell out some coin on it
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