Do I need an ABN to teach classes?
If you invoice studios, gyms, schools or private clients for your teaching, you generally need an ABN, and it goes on every invoice you send. Applying is free through the Australian Business Register. If a studio pays you as an employee through its payroll, you do not need one for that work.
Written by Flowfetti's founder, a working Pilates and Yin yoga instructor who invoices studios every week. Updated 3 October 2026.
Contractor or employee: the question that decides it
An ABN is for running a business. Most instructors, tutors and teachers who invoice for their work are doing exactly that: you set your rate, you send an invoice, and nobody takes tax out of your pay. That is business income, and it needs an ABN.
If a studio or school pays you through its payroll, with tax taken out and a payslip, you are an employee for that work and do not need an ABN for it. Plenty of people do both: an employee at one studio and a contractor everywhere else.
What about teaching as a hobby?
A genuine hobby is not a business. But regularly charging for classes, lessons or sessions, with the aim of being paid, generally is, even when it is a side income. If you are unsure which side of the line you are on, the ATO has guidance on telling a hobby from a business.
How to apply
- Go to the Australian Business Register at abr.gov.au. Applying there is free.
- Have your tax file number ready. You will need it to apply as a sole trader.
- Describe what you do plainly, for example "Pilates instruction" or "private music tuition".
- Online applications are often decided straight away. Some take longer while they are checked.
Where your ABN goes
- On every invoice, whether or not you are registered for GST.
- On your contractor agreement with each studio, if you have one.
- On receipts, if you send them.
The free invoice maker has a field for it and reminds you if it is missing.
An ABN is not GST registration
Getting an ABN does not register you for GST. You must register for GST once your business turnover reaches $75,000 a year, and you can choose to register earlier. While you are not registered, title your invoices "Invoice" rather than "Tax invoice" and leave GST off.
General information, not tax advice. For your own situation, check with the ATO or your accountant.
Questions people ask
Do I need an ABN to teach classes as a contractor?
Usually, yes. If you invoice studios, gyms, schools or private clients for your teaching, you are generally running a business and need an ABN. If a studio pays you through its payroll as an employee, you do not.
How much does an ABN cost?
Nothing. You apply for free through the Australian Business Register. Be wary of websites that charge to apply for you.
Does having an ABN mean I have to register for GST?
No. An ABN and GST registration are separate. You must register for GST once your business turnover reaches $75,000 a year, and you can register earlier if you choose.
What happens if I invoice without an ABN?
A business paying you may have to withhold tax from your payment at the top rate if you do not quote an ABN. Putting your ABN on every invoice avoids that.
Do I need to register a business name too?
Only if you trade under a name other than your own. Teaching as yourself, under your own name, does not need a registered business name.
ABN sorted?
Flowfetti puts your ABN on every invoice for you, works out the GST if you are registered, and sends each one on time.
Try Flowfetti free for 14 days