Once a Deed for a Testamentary Trust is set up is the next step to apply for a TFN? Is an ABN needed? What else is required?can you please provide the link to the Test. Trust TFN application form. Thank you.
Hi @JOE22,
A testamentary trust is a seperate entity to a deceased estate, and as such needs a TFN of its own. However, you'd only need an ABN if you're conducting business with the trust. You can check your eligibility for an ABN here.
You can apply for your trust TFN using the TFN application for a deceased estate. You would select "deceased estate" as the type of entity you're registering for.
For some general information about what is required for a testamentary trust you can have a look at our information on estate planning.
Hi @JOE22,
A testamentary trust is a seperate entity to a deceased estate, and as such needs a TFN of its own. However, you'd only need an ABN if you're conducting business with the trust. You can check your eligibility for an ABN here.
You can apply for your trust TFN using the TFN application for a deceased estate. You would select "deceased estate" as the type of entity you're registering for.
For some general information about what is required for a testamentary trust you can have a look at our information on estate planning.
Hi Gabby
I hope you are doing well.
Further to the TFN application for Testamentary Trust with the above clarification, Can you please confirm who will be added as an associate on the Associate tab for the TFN application of Testamentary Trust?
Regards,
Mahi
Hey @Mahiyadav0203,
The associate would be whoever has been appointed as the trustee for the testamentary trust.
Hi guys
How do you name the testamentary trust on the TFN application? In the will, the TT is actually also named as follows "The XXX Trust"
Should it be named
"The Testamentary Trustee for The XXX Trust"
OR
"The Trustee for The XXX Testamentary Trust"
Hi @Bison393,
Our keying standards ask you to use 'The Trustee for .........'
Hi Gabby,
When preparing the TFN application, regarding the activity description, should you put Deceased Estate as it is administering?
Hey @Ash_K26,
Deceased estates have their own process to apply for a TFN. You can find the process, here.
I have tried both ABR website and downloaded NAT 3799. ABR website offers deceased estate and 3 types of discretionary trusts as the type of the applicant. For NAT 3799, there is no option for deceased estate but just the same 3 types of discretionary trust. Please advise where we can apply for a TFN for a testamentary trust. Thanks
Hi @TFAParramatta,
You can apply for a TFN on the Australian business register by selecting:
Applying for other registrations > Apply for a TFN for business > Apply for a TFN
I know it's a bit confusing because it says 'TFN for business' but this is still the correct method to apply for a TFN for trusts that aren't in business. This is also the fastest way to apply for the TFN.
If you prefer, you can order the paper application form.
Rachel
I tried again with ABR but there is still no option for testamentry trust. The options include Deceased Estate, discretionary trust - Investment, discretionary trust - services management and discretionary trust - trading
Previously, I have downloaded the form and the options are the same as above i.e., no option for testamenatry trust
Is there any other way that I can the option for testamentary trust?
Thanks for your help
HI @TFAParramatta,
You can apply for your trust TFN and select "deceased estate" as the type of entity you're registering for.
For some general information about what is required for a testamentary trust you can have a look at our information on estate planning.
Hi GabbyATO, I called the ATO and was advised to select 'fixed trust' in response to the question "What type of organisation is the applicant?" in my application for a TFN for a Testamentary Trust, which is at odds with the advice given here. What would be the best way for me to confirm?
2 Dec 2025 · 6 min read time
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12 replies