Guide on how gig drivers get an ABN for DoorDash, Uber Eats or Menulog

If you’re thinking about doing some delivery work with Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog, or other delivery platforms in Australia, you’ll need to get something called an Australian Business Number, or ABN for short.

Basically, an ABN is this 11-digit number that helps the government and the community know that you’re running your own little business, even though you’re working as a delivery driver.

The reason you need it is that when you’re delivering for these online platforms, you’re not an employee – you’re more like a contractor running your own independent business. So, you’ve got some legal stuff to take care of, just like a regular small business owner.

ABN requirements for gig delivery platforms

The Australian government says that if you wanna be a delivery driver, no matter which company you work for, you should have an ABN number.

When you register as a DoorDash delivery driver or sometimes called as Dasher, either on their website or the app, you’ll see a spot where you can write down your ABN after you pick your vehicle and enter your birthday.

For Menulog, you can find all the info about this requirement on their official website in the Courier Help Center. And when you sign up through their app or website, they’ll ask you to enter your ABN right after you upload your ID and vehicle details.

Uber Eats delivery driver need to put their ABN number either on their website or through the driver app. You can find where to enter your ABN during the registration process.

Detailed instructions for applying ABN for

Applying an ABN for DoorDash or Uber Eats is not too complicated, and I will try to help you get all set up to start making some extra cash with your delivery work. Let me break this down for you step-by-step.

1. Visit Australian Business Register website

Head over to the Australian Business Register (ABR) website www.abr.gov.au/…/applying-abn and look for the button or link to apply for or renew your ABN.

2. Agreement page

Next, you’ll see an agreement page, and all you need to do is tick the box to indicate that you agree. Then simply press the next button.

3. ABN Entitlement

The answers to the following queries will help ascertain your eligibility for an ABN. It’s critical that you choose the answer that best describes your current situation.

For taxation purposes which type of entity is the applicant? Individual (Sole trader)

Will your activities be carried out in Australia? Yes

Have you started or are you taking steps to start your activity? Yes

What is the nature of your activity? In the form of a business

Are you doing things that are consistent with running a business? Yes

4. Application Detail

More specific information regarding your ABN application will be asked in this section.

For taxation purposes which type of entity is the applicant? Individual (Sole trader)

Does the applicant currently have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or previously had an ABN? No

Does the applicant wish to apply or reapply for an Australian Business Number (ABN)? Yes

Does the applicant have a Tax File Number? Yes

Does the applicant wish to apply for a Tax File Number? No

5. Business Information

In this step, which is the most time-consuming of the entire application step, will go further into additional details about the business you run.

Taxation Information

Is the applicant an Australian resident for tax purposes? Yes

If the applicant uses, or intends to use the services of a tax agent, what is the tax agent’s registration number? Leave empty

Applicant Information

Please enter your first name, last name, and birth date.

What is the Individual/Sole Trader’s Tax File Number? Leave empty.

Business Activity Details

From what date does the Individual/Sole Trader require its ABN? Please specify the date you need the ABN, which should be no more than 6 months away.

If you intend for this business activity to be less than 3 months, on what date do you expect to cease business? Since you plan on working for more than three months, leave it as is.

Describe the Individual/Sole Trader’s main business activity. Fill with FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE.

Select the category which best matches the Individual/Sole Trader’s main business activity. Choose Food delivery service for restaurants.

Does the Individual/Sole Trader operate an agricultural property? No.

Business Address Details

Since you work as independent contractors, you can use your home address as the primary physical site of your business activities.

Is the Individual/Sole Trader’s postal address the same as the business address? Yes.

What is the Individual/Sole Trader’s email address for service of notices and correspondence? Enter your email address.

Does the Individual/Sole Trader have more than one business location in Australia? No.

What is the telephone number for this location? Select Mobile and then enter your cell phone number.

What is the email address for this location? tick the Same as service of notice email.

Contact details

This is the Individual/Sole Trader’s designated contact person. You need to provide your contact information, so they can reach out to you if they need anything else.

Put your entire name down and select Individual/Sole Trader.

Enter your cell phone number as well as your email.

Reason for Application

applicationreason — Reason for Application

In this part, you should be able to explain why you, as a sole trader, are seeking for an ABN.

Why is the Individual/Sole Trader applying for an ABN? Contractor/Sub-contractor.

Is this the Individual/Sole Trader’s first time self employed as a contractor/sub-contractor in Australia? Yes.

Declaration

This is the final and crucial stage of the entire application stage. Please examine the declaration form and privacy statement meticulously, taking the time to fully comprehend their contents.

Once the system has successfully identified and verified all the details you have provided, your Australian Business Number (ABN) will be issued promptly, without any further delays. It can be used right away to sign up for delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

However, in some instances, the Australian Business Register (ABR) may require additional time to validate and process your application. During this period, the ABR may reach out to you directly, seeking any supplementary information or clarification necessary to finalize your request.