Abn Lookup Validation

API Integration

ABN Lookup API

• Endpoint: https://abr.business.gov.au/abrxmlsearch/AbrXmlSearch.asmx
• Free API with GUID registration
• Returns: business name, status, GST registration, address

Search Types

• ABN Search: Direct lookup by ABN
• Name Search: Find businesses by name
• ACN Search: Lookup by company number

Capabilities

1. Validate ABN

   • Check digit verification
   • Format validation
   • Status check (active/cancelled)

2. Business Lookup

   • Search by ABN, ACN, or name
   • Retrieve business details
   • Check GST registration status

3. Invoice Verification

   • Verify supplier ABN before payment
   • Confirm GST registration for GST claims
   • Flag cancelled or invalid ABNs

4. Bulk Validation

   • Process multiple ABNs
   • Generate validation reports

Usage Examples

Validate ABN

"Is ABN 51 824 753 556 valid?" → Check format, calculate check digits, verify status

GST Check

"Is this business registered for GST?" → Lookup ABN, return GST registration status

Find Business

"Find the ABN for Woolworths" → Search ABR, return matching businesses with ABNs

Common ABN Statuses

• Active: Currently registered
• Cancelled: No longer valid
• Cancelled (main entity deleted): Business no longer exists

Red Flags

• ABN doesn't match business name on invoice
• ABN is cancelled but business claims to be trading
• GST charged but business not GST registered
• ABN format invalid (fails check digit)

Resources

• ABN Lookup: abr.business.gov.au
• ASIC Connect: connectonline.asic.gov.au
• API Registration: abr.business.gov.au/Tools/WebServices