How to check a tradie's ABN (and what it does and doesn't tell you)

Most tradies put an Australian Business Number (ABN) on their quotes and invoices. It only takes a minute to check that number, and it's one of the easiest ways to confirm you're dealing with the business you think you are.

This guide walks through how to look up an ABN, what the result means, and why an ABN on its own isn't the whole story.

What an ABN is

An ABN is an 11-digit number that identifies a business to the government and the community. Sole traders, partnerships, companies and trusts can all have one. It's a tax and identity number. It isn't a trade licence, and it doesn't tell you anything about the quality of someone's work.

How to check an ABN for free

The official tool is ABN Lookup, run by the Australian Business Register. It's free and you don't need to log in. According to the site, the public can use it to check a business before buying, see whether an ABN is active or cancelled, and see the business type and GST status.

1. Go to ABN Lookup.
2. Type the 11-digit ABN from the quote, or search by the business name.
3. Open the matching result and read the details.

You can search by name too, which is handy if a tradie hasn't given you their number yet. If several businesses have similar names, use the state and postcode to narrow it down.

What the result shows

The ABN Lookup FAQs list the public information it holds, including:

• the ABN and whether it's active or cancelled
• the entity name, plus any business names
• the state or territory and postcode of the main business location
• a company number (ACN) if the business is a company
• whether the business is registered for GST

The Australian Business Register's page on ABN details adds that the entity type is public too, for example sole trader, company or trust.

What you won't find is a street address, phone number or email. That information isn't public, so don't expect it.

Active or cancelled?

An active ABN means the registration is current. A cancelled ABN has been deactivated and is no longer current. If the number on your quote shows as cancelled, ask the tradie about it before you go any further.

Does the name match?

Compare the name on the quote with the entity name and business names on the result. A sole trader might trade as "Smith Electrical" while the entity name is their own name, and that's normal as long as the business name appears on the same record. If the name on your paperwork doesn't appear anywhere on the ABN record, ask why.

Check the GST status

GST status matters if a tradie adds GST to your bill. Business.gov.au's guide on how to invoice explains that GST-registered businesses use tax invoices showing the GST, while businesses that aren't registered for GST use invoices that don't show any tax.

So if a quote or invoice charges GST, the ABN Lookup result should show the business as registered for GST. If it doesn't, ask the tradie to explain before you pay. There can be an innocent reason, like a recent change that hasn't shown up yet, but it's worth a polite question.

Warning signs on a quote or invoice

The Australian Taxation Office's page on checking an ABN is written for businesses, but its warning signs are useful for homeowners too:

• an ABN that isn't 11 digits, or that contains letters
• an ABN starting with zero, which a real ABN never does
• repeating, sequential or unusual number patterns
• invoice details that don't match the person or business doing the work

If something looks off, look the number up and compare the details. If it still doesn't add up, it's reasonable to pause and ask for an explanation in writing.

What an ABN doesn't tell you

An active ABN shows that a business is registered. It doesn't show that the person holds the licence needed for the work, has insurance, or does a good job. ABN Lookup itself notes that its details depend on businesses keeping them up to date, so the details may not always be current.

For a fuller picture, also:

• Check the trade licence with your state or territory regulator for licensed work like electrical, plumbing and many building jobs. Our guide on how to check a tradie's licence has links for each state.
• Ask about insurance and get a copy of the certificate if it matters for your job.
• Get a written quote that includes the business name and ABN. Our guide to comparing tradie quotes covers what else a good quote should include.
• Look into the business name on ASIC's business name search if you want to see who has registered it.

Finding a tradie and doing your checks

Find My Tradie is a local directory where you can find and contact tradies directly. When you've found someone, run through the same quick checks: ABN, licence where it applies, insurance and a written quote. Browse builders, electricians or plumbers, or start local with builders in Sydney or plumbers in Brisbane.

Find builders in your area

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.