On what documents do I need to display my Australian Company Number (“ACN”)?
In Australia, on registration with ASIC, every new company is issued with a unique, nine-digit number known as an Australian Company Number (“ACN”). The ACN is used to identify a company. It is important to know which documents require your ACN to ensure you comply with the Corporations Act.
Section 153 of the Corporations Act provides that a company must set out its name and ACN on all ‘public documents’ and ‘negotiable instruments’.
Documents that must display the ACN
Your company name and ACN must be displayed on the following documents.
- All documents that are required to be lodged with ASIC
- Contracts and dealings where the company intends to be contractually bound
- Business letterheads
- Official company notices
- Statements of account, including invoices
- Orders for goods and services
- Cheques, promissory notes and bills of exchange
- Hand written receipts
- Written advertisements that provide an offer
Documents that do not require the ACN
Your company name and ACN do not have to be displayed on the following documents.
- Machine generated receipts
- Advertisements that only promote the company but do not make a specific offer
- Packaging and labelling
- Credit cards or vouchers
- Business cards and ‘with compliments’ slips
- Items that are not documents
If a company’s name appears on two or more pages, the ACN following the company’s name must be shown on the first page. The ACN must be clear, easy to read and obvious as to the company to which it relates. The ACN should be identified by the words “Australian Company Number, or by the abbreviations “ACN” or “A.C.N.”.
Conclusion
It is important to include your ACN where necessary. The current penalties for non-compliance with the relevant provisions of the Corporations Act are $1,800 and/or 3 months’ imprisonment.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss any of the above. We would be happy to assist you.