How to Cancel Your ABN – and What to Do First
Stopping your business or no longer working as a contractor? You should cancel your ABN – but there are a few things to sort out first so you don’t end up with penalties or missed refunds.
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Checklist before cancelling
- GST: cancel your GST registration if you were registered
- Final BAS: lodge your last BAS and any outstanding activity statements
- Payroll: finalise STP, pay final wages and super, and cancel PAYG withholding registration
- Business name: cancel any registered business name separately
- Final tax return: include business income and expenses up to the closing date
- Assets: consider GST and capital gains tax on business assets you sell or keep
After you cancel
Keep records
Keep business records for at least 5 years.
Still lodge
You still need to lodge your final tax return and any outstanding obligations.
Starting again?
You can usually reactivate your ABN later if you restart the same type of business.
Companies
Cancelling an ABN doesn’t close a company. Companies need to be deregistered or wound up separately – talk to us about the right option.
How UV TAX helps
- Lodge final BAS, STP finalisation and tax returns
- Cancel GST and PAYG registrations
- Advise on assets and CGT when closing
- Help deregister a company
⚠️ General information only – not tax or legal advice. Steps for closing a business depend on its structure and registrations. This page is a simple overview as at November 2026 and does not consider your personal circumstances. Tax laws, rates and thresholds change regularly. Please get advice for your situation before acting.
Closing your business?
Free consultation and a fixed-fee quote before we start.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
How do I cancel my ABN?
You can cancel it online through the Australian Business Register once you have stopped your business activities. Sort out GST, BAS and payroll first.
Do I need to cancel GST too?
If you are registered for GST, generally yes, and you need to lodge a final BAS.
Does cancelling my ABN cancel my business name?
No. Business names are cancelled separately.
Can I reactivate my ABN later?
Usually yes, if you restart the same business structure.
Related
General information current as at November 2026.