You’ve got the business idea. You’ve even scored your first few clients. Then, bam — the ATO hits you with a new language: ABN, GST, BAS.

If you’ve ever Googled, “What is an ABN?” or “Do I need to do BAS?” at midnight while eating stress snacks, you’re not alone. Over 10,000 Aussies search for these acronyms every month, and trust me, most of us are just trying to stay on the ATO’s good side without losing our minds.

So, here’s a plain-English guide to what these mean, when they matter, and how you can stop drowning in spreadsheets and start focusing on running your business.

What is an ABN (Australian Business Number)?

Think of your ABN like a digital driver’s licence for your business. It’s a unique 11-digit number that says, “Yep, I run a legit business in Australia.”

You’ll need an ABN if you:

• Invoice clients or customers
• Want to register for GST
• Work as a freelancer or sole trader
• Sell goods or services with the intention of making a profit

How to get one:
Apply free via abr.gov.au — takes around 15 minutes. You’ll need to describe your business activities and choose a structure (e.g. sole trader, partnership).

Tip: If you're under the $75,000 GST threshold and doing casual gigs, you might not need an ABN yet — but if you’re invoicing, it’s worth getting.

What is GST (Goods and Services Tax) in Australia?

GST is a 10% tax added to most goods and services sold in Australia.
You only need to register for GST if:

• Your annual income is $75,000 or more
• Or you're a ride-share driver (even if you earn less)
• Or a not-for-profit with over $150,000 revenue

If you’re registered for GST, you:

• Add 10% GST to your prices
• Lodge BAS (we’ll get to that!)
• Can claim GST credits on business purchases

Example: If you charge $1,000 for a website design, you’d invoice $1,100 (including GST) and then send $100 to the ATO when BAS time comes around.

What is a BAS Statement (Business Activity Statement)?

Your BAS is how you report and pay the GST you've collected (and claim GST you’ve paid). Think of it like your regular ATO check-in.

You’ll lodge BAS:

• Quarterly (most common) or monthly
• Using myGov, your accountant, or an AI assistant like Ezyiah
• By the 28th day after each quarter ends

BAS Due Dates by Quarter:

• July – September: Due 28 October
• October – December: Due 28 February
• January – March: Due 28 April
• April – June: Due 28 July

Stat: According to Inside Small Business, over 56% of small businesses make mistakes at EOFY, and BAS is a top stressor. Missed due dates. Wrong GST claims. Receipts in the glovebox. Sound familiar?

ABN vs ACN — What’s the Difference?

Quick one here because this gets confusing:

• ABN: For anyone running a business (freelancers, tradies, consultants).
• ACN: For registered companies only (Pty Ltd). Issued by ASIC.

If you're a sole trader, you don’t need an ACN. Just an ABN will do the job.

Let’s Talk Automation — How Ezyiah Can Help

Let’s be real. Most of us didn’t start our businesses to become tax compliance experts. That’s where Ezyiah can be a lifesaver:

• Tracks your income and expenses (no more Excel nightmares)
• Categorises purchases — is that coffee meeting claimable? Ezyiah can help decide
• Sends BAS reminders (before you get the ATO nudge)
• Explains confusing tax terms in plain English
• Works 24/7 — because tax questions hit hardest at 11pm

Ezyiah doesn’t replace your accountant — it makes their job (and yours) easier.

Real Talk: What If I Get It Wrong?

It happens. You forget to register for GST, miss a BAS lodgement, or claim Netflix as a “business research tool” (nice try).

But the ATO’s focus is more on helping than punishing, especially for small businesses. Just make sure you:

• Keep records (digital receipts, bank statements)
• Ask questions early
• Fix mistakes fast

And if you’re not sure what you’re doing? That’s where a digital assistant like Ezyiah can help catch the little stuff before it snowballs.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• ABN – Business ID number — Yes, if you run a business
• GST – 10% tax on sales — Only if you earn $75k+ (or rideshare)
• BAS – Tax form to report GST — Yes, if you’re GST-registered
• ACN – Company number — Only if you're a Pty Ltd company

Takeaway Tips for New Biz Owners

• Register for an ABN early — it’s free
• Track income and expenses from day one
• Only register for GST if you hit the threshold
• Use a tool like Ezyiah to automate the boring bits
• Know your BAS deadlines (and set reminders!)
• Keep receipts (scan them with your phone or app)
• Don’t wing it — a little prep saves big headaches

Ready to Ditch the Shoebox Full of Receipts?

Running a business is hard enough. Sorting through tax acronyms shouldn't be. Tools like Ezyiah are here to take the pressure off — giving you nudges, explanations, and smart suggestions to help you stay compliant without the chaos.

No pressure — just give it a go when you're ready.