What a cancelled supplier ABN looks like on the register
Businesses close, restructure or change entity, and their old ABN gets cancelled. Supplier records in accounting software rarely get updated when that happens, so cancelled ABNs sit quietly in contact lists for years.
What the register shows
ABN Lookup shows the ABN status (Active or Cancelled) and the date that status took effect. A cancelled ABN can still pass the checksum, so a format check alone will not catch it.
Why it is worth checking regularly
A supplier who was active when you set them up may not be today. Checking the whole list periodically, rather than once at onboarding, is the only way to see changes. ClearABN's monitoring plan rechecks saved lists and emails you when a status, name or GST registration changes.
What to do with a flagged supplier
ClearABN does not tell you what to do. Read the ATO's pages on ABNs and on withholding where a supplier does not quote an ABN, and talk to your tax adviser about your situation.
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Official sources
ClearABN shows Australian Business Register facts and the result of an ABN checksum. It does not provide tax, legal or financial advice. Links go to the ATO and the Australian Business Register so you can read their pages yourself.