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The Daily Insight

Do I need an ABN to be a nanny?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Feb 28, 2026

Similarly, nannies cannot set themselves up as a business by obtaining an ABN (Australian Business Number) and work as a nanny for one or more families offering their services as an independent contractor. Whether the parents request this arrangement or the nanny suggests it is irrelevant and it is illegal.

Can a nanny be an independent contractor?

The simple answer is a nanny is NOT an independent contractor. A nanny, housekeeper, or home health aide that you hire directly is your employee under common law. It does not matter how many hours they work, whether the position is permanent or temporary, or how much you pay the worker.

Does having an ABN make you a sole trader?

Individuals carrying on an enterprise are entitled to an Australian business number (ABN). the only owner of the business. legally responsible for all aspects of the business, including debts.

Can I have a sole trader ABN and a company ABN?

3. You cannot transfer an existing ABN to another entity. ABNs cannot carry over between business structures. A new entity will need a new name, meaning there will be no use for the ABN you have been under as a sole trader.

Can I employ a self-employed nanny?

As nannies generally fall into the first list, they cannot be considered self-employed. It is worth also noting that HMRC would generally allow anybody to register as self employed and so being registered does not instantly mean that you can do all of your jobs under a self employed status.

Can I be a self-employed nanny?

When to apply for an ABN as a sole trader?

The ATO suggests applying for an ABN when starting out as a sole trade, irrespective of your annual turnover. If your turnover is less than $75k you can choose to apply for an ABN but not register for GST.

Do you need an ABN for a hobby business?

If your work is considered to be more of a hobby than a trade business, then not only do you not need an ABN, but you probably won’t be eligible for one anyway. The government has some great information on their website that talks about the differences between a hobby and a business, and how it affects your ABN requirement as a sole trader.

Do you need an ABN to work in Australia?

You need an Australian business number (ABN), and you need to pay tax and super. You’re not entitled to paid leave if you get sick or injured. You may have to pay the cost to fix anything you damage in the course of your work.

Can a sole trader work as a tradie?

Although we typically think of a sole trader as being a tradie working on their own, it is possible for a sole trader to employ staff. Most accountants would probably recommend a different structure once you start employing staff (such as a Pty Ltd company) but it is possible as a sole trader.