Applying Tax File Number for Business Use?
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to organisations and individuals.
Registering for a TFN is an important step when starting your business
- investment bodies responsible for paying interest, dividends and unit trust distributions
- government bodies, for example the ATO, when applying for an Australian business number (ABN) or lodging income tax returns
- employers (this applies to individuals only)
How to apply for Tax File Number?
The easiest way to get tax file number online is to submit the TFN application form Online, Apply Austrlian tax file number takes less than 5 minutes. You will receive the TFN confirmation via email within 12 Hours, and the official TFN will be post within 10 to 28 days.
Who can apply for a business Tax File Number (ABN)?
For buisness ownership and Foreign passport holders, resident in Australia and hold a valid visa can apply for Australian Tax File Number(TFN). For Foreign passport holders visa must be a permanent visa, working visa, student visa. New Zealander will have a visa automatically on arrival. Also people above 13 years old can apply for tax file number online by themselves.
Register for an Australian business number (ABN)
An ABN is a number that identifies your business. It doesn't replace your tax file number.
- identify your business to others when ordering and invoicing
- avoid pay as you go (PAYG) tax on payments you get
- claim goods and services tax (GST) credits
- claim energy grants credits
- get an Australian domain name
An ABN is a unique 11 digit number that identifies your business to the government and community. You can use an ABN to:
ABN entitlement?
Not everyone is entitled to an ABN. You're entitled to an ABN if you're:
- carrying on or starting an enterprise in Australia
- making supplies connected with Australia's indirect tax zone.
- a Corporations Act company.
Carrying on an enterprise
An enterprise includes activities done in the form of a business, as well as some other activities, including:
- acting as the trustee of a super fund
- operating a charity
- renting or leasing property.
- the activity is a significant commercial activity, involving commercial sales of products or services, and is of a reasonable size and scale
- there is an intention to make a profit from the activity as demonstrated by a business plan – unlike with a hobby
- the activity is repeated
- the activity is systematic, organised and carried on in a business-like way and records are kept
- the activity is carried on in a similar way to that of other businesses in the same or similar industry
- the entity has relevant knowledge or skill.
There is no single test to determine if you're carrying on a business. Features of a business include:
Commencement activities
If your business or other enterprise isn't yet underway, you'll need to have undertaken commencement activities such as:
- advertising, setting up a social media account or a website for the business
- purchasing business cards or stationery for the business
- obtaining business licences or insurance to operate (such as public liability and professional indemnity)
- leasing or purchasing premises, equipment or stock for the business
- issuing quotes or bidding for work
- consulting with financial, business or tax advisors
- applying for finance
- buying a business.
While you don't need to have undertaken all of these commencement activities, you would be expected to have undertaken at least some of them.
Employee or contractor
You're not entitled to an ABN for work that you carry out as an employee – including as an apprentice, trade assistant or labourer – even if you or your employer calls it contracting. An employer shouldn't ask you to get an ABN as a condition of employment.
Renting out a residential property
While renting out an investment property may constitute an enterprise, renting out a residential property doesn't generally give rise to GST or pay as you go withholding obligations, so residential property investors may not need an ABN.
Foreign businesses operating in Australia
If your business or organisation is located outside Australia, you may be entitled to an ABN if you are carrying on an enterprise:
- in Australia, or
- that involves making supplies connected with Australia's indirect tax zone – defined as including Australia but not its external territories or certain offshore areas.
Get Your Tax File Number in 3 steps
- Step 1: Submit TFN application Form Apply for Tax File Number only takes less than 60 seconds, once you begin to fill the TFN application form. Get a Tax File Number 100% Online.
- Step 2, Review: Tax Agents review your TFN Application form, if all the information provided matches the Tax File Number requirement. Your TFN application will be lodged.
- Step 3, Receive TFN via email: Once your Tax File Number application is lodged we will send you a confirmation email with all necessary details. You can access your TFN information.
How long does it take to get a Tax File Number?
Getting a tax file number is usually taking 10 working days. However the maximum TFN application time is 28 working days, if there is a delay more than that, you should contact us by email for further details.
How Long does a TFN valid for?
TFN is valid for life time, if you lost it ,you can submit a new application by retrieve the lost TFN.
Can a TFN be Cancelled?
You generally don't 'cancel' a TFN. This TFN will stay with you for life.
What is the benefit for get a Tax File Number?
You maybe not required to register a TFN, but without one will lead you to pay additional tax rate if you are working, also you will not have the ability to apply for government benefits, file for tax return or even get a ABN (Australia Business number)
Can you start work without register for a Tax File Number(TFN)?
Yes, however without a TFN tax will be deducted from your income at the maximum rate, even it you are earning too little to pay tax normally. You can claim this back later once you submit a tax return, but it is more convenient to have a TFN and have the correct amount deducted from the start.
Registering your superannuation entity
Before applying for an ABN, a superannuation entity (for example APRA regulated funds, ATO regulated self-managed super funds) must be set up correctly.