Working As A Freelance Writer? Here’s How to Get an ABN
Sure, it may not be the most glamorous topic, but this post is all about how to get an ABN for freelance writing.
If you want to work for yourself in any way, shape, or form — be it a side hustle or a full-time gig— you’re going to need an ABN (Australian Business Number) to be considered a real, legit freelancer. If your business makes less than the GST threshold ($75,000 per year), it’s not required that you have an ABN, but companies that want to contract your work may ask that you supply one.
If your business continues to grow, however, and you do surpass that $75,000 you’ll be required to register for GST, and to do that, you need an ABN. Because of this, we think that all new freelancers should create their ABN as soon as they strike out on their own.
Not only will it make things easier down the road once you need to register for GST, but it can also make your business look more legitimate in the eyes of potential clients. If someone asks you to include your ABN on an invoice, but you don’t have one, you run the risk of looking unprofessional and losing that client forever.
Thankfully, setting up an ABN is super simple. As long as you’re entitled to an ABN, you can apply and likely be granted one in very little time.
How to GET An ABN for freelance writing
To apply for an ABN, follow these simple steps. You’re already getting closer to your dream of working for yourself!
1.Visit the Australian Business Register website and click Apply for an ABN.
2. Read the important information, check the box to “agree”, if you do agree.
3. Assuming that you’ll be working as a freelance writer, you’ll want to choose these options:
For taxation purposes which type of entity is the applicant?: If you are the only person who will own and operate the business, choose sole trader.
Will your activities be carried out in Australia?: If you’ll be running your business within Australia, select Yes
Have you started or are you taking steps to start your activity?: If you have started the steps to conduct your business, select Yes. This might look like having already completed a few copywriting gigs, creating a website or social media page for your business, or registering your business name.
What is the nature of your activity?: In the case of working as a freelance writer, you will select “In the form of a business”, a category which includes independent contractors.
Are you doing things that are consistent with running a business (use the help icon to see the list of what we look for)? They’re just checking that you do intend to have a real business. If you do, select Yes.
4.Check that all of your answers have been entered correctly, and click Yes.
5. Fill out the application details. This is an example of what your answers might look like if you already have a TFN (Tax File Number).
6. Answer whether you’re an Australian resident and whether you are using a tax agent.
7. Fill in your details, including your TFN if you can.
8. Enter the details of your business activity. No two freelance writers have the exact same job, so on the drop-down menu, select what you think describes your situation best. If you planning to do this long term, leave the end date blank.
9. Fill in your main business information. This can be your home address and regular phone number if you don’t have seperate ones for your business yet.
10. Provide contact details for your business. Again, this can be your personal phone number or email address.
11. Select your reason for applying for an ABN.
12. Finally, make your Declaration and submit your application. I didn’t follow through with this step (obviously) as it was just an example but once click submit, that’s it!
Now you simply wait to hear back! Usually they’re processed fairly quickly.
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