I am required to register an ABN as a sole trader to be employed by a cleaning company (VIC). If I went on to start up my own business in something unrelated to cleaning, but also operating as a sole trader, do I need a seperate ABN? Would it be easier to register as a company if possible, and have different business types trading as entities within the company?
Hi @CMSGW,
You can use the same ABN for both your cleaning work and any other unrelated business activities as a sole trader. As a sole trader, you use one ABN for all your business activities, even if they’re very different.
For example, if you run a hairdressing business and also work as an influencer, you’d use the same ABN for both. Sole traders declare all income on their individual tax return. When choosing your ANZSIC code use the one that best describes your main business activity (usually the one that earns the highest income).
We also have an article on managing side hustles. The info should help you decide whether this other business venture is something you need to report under your ABN and how.
If you’re thinking about changing your business structure in the future (for example, moving from sole trader to a company), this may change your ABN and tax obligations.
2 Dec 2025 · 6 min read time
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