# How to check a vendor's ABN in NetSuite

Look up the vendor's ABN on ABN Lookup, then save it in NetSuite. Check the status is active, the name matches and the supplier is registered for GST.

Checking an ABN means confirming the number on an invoice is valid, active and, if GST is charged, registered for GST.

## Before you start

- ANZ Localization SuiteApp for the ABN check warning

## The NetSuite way

Where to find it: Lists > Relationships > Vendors > Edit > Financial subtab (Tax Registration Number) and AUS Reporting subtab

1. Enter the 11-digit ABN in the Tax Registration Number field on the Financial subtab, as the TPAR setup page says (SuiteTax accounts use the Tax Registrations subtab).
2. Optional: with ANZ Localization, set Setup > ANZ Localization > General Preferences > ABN Verification Warnings to Warn or Warn and Block to flag an invalid ABN on save.
3. Check that the ABN is current and active on abr.business.gov.au.

## Limits in NetSuite

- The help says only that the warning flags an "invalid" ABN. It does not say it looks the number up on the ABN register.
- A changed ABN needs a new vendor record for TPAR.

## The Pulsify way

1. Forward the supplier's invoice to Pulsify.
2. Pulsify checks the ABN against the ABR. It flags an invalid ABN, a missing ABN and an ABN not registered for GST when the invoice charges GST.
3. It also flags an ABN that differs from the one on the vendor record in NetSuite.
4. Fix the vendor record or query the vendor, then approve.

Pulsify connects to NetSuite. We set up the connection for you.

What Pulsify does not do here:

- If the ABN lookup is not available, Pulsify flags that it could not validate.

## Common mistakes

- Treating the invalid ABN warning as a check against the ABN register, which the help does not say it is.
- Editing the ABN on the old vendor record when TPAR needs a new vendor record.

## Common questions

### Where does the ABN go on a vendor record?

Enter the 11-digit ABN in the Tax Registration Number field on the Financial subtab. SuiteTax accounts use the Tax Registrations subtab.

### Does NetSuite check the ABN?

With ANZ Localization, set ABN Verification Warnings (Setup > ANZ Localization > General Preferences) to Warn or Warn and Block. It flags an invalid ABN on save. The help does not say it checks the ABN register, so check abr.business.gov.au.

### What if a vendor's ABN changes?

A changed ABN needs a new vendor record for TPAR.

### What does Pulsify check?

Format, ABR status, GST registration and a match with the supplier record.

## Sources

- https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/article_159419009511.html
- https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/netsuite/ns-online-help/article_161156090753.html

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/check-a-suppliers-abn-in-netsuite/ (last checked 2026-10-19)