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OneQuestion(Newbie)Newbie
23 June 2023

Hello,


I have an ABN that I started this year and which I have to cancel now as my business has ended. My question is if I have to lodge a tax return or not? I didn't have any business income in my ABN and also didn't have any income or such in my TFN. I had some expenses in my ABN, but as I will close it, I don't plan to use them as a deduction for next year or something like that.


So my question is if I have to lodge a tax return or if it would be enough to just cancel my ABN?


And a side question as well; I was just in Australia for an exchange, so my question is if I have to do anything with my TFN, do I have to "cancel" it to make sure that the ATO won't send me emails and letters in tax-season telling my to lodge my taxes or will they not do that as I don't have to pay taxes in Australia?


Thank you in advance!!

11,130 views
3 replies
11,130 views
3 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

GabbyATO(Community Support)Community Support
26 June 2023

Hi @OneQuestion,


If you had an ABN you'll need to lodge a tax return, even if you didn't earn any income from it. You'll just need to report that you earned $0. We have some information about tax returns for sole traders here.


Theres no need to cancel your TFN. All you need to do is let us know on your tax return that you won't be lodging any future tax returns. That way we'll have it on record that you don't need to lodge in the future.

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Most helpful reply

GabbyATO(Community Support)Community Support
26 June 2023

Hi @OneQuestion,


If you had an ABN you'll need to lodge a tax return, even if you didn't earn any income from it. You'll just need to report that you earned $0. We have some information about tax returns for sole traders here.


Theres no need to cancel your TFN. All you need to do is let us know on your tax return that you won't be lodging any future tax returns. That way we'll have it on record that you don't need to lodge in the future.

OneQuestion(Newbie)Newbie
27 June 2023

Thanks for the reply @GabbyATO


I have another problem. As I don't have the document to verify my records, I have to call the ATO to get my linking code. The problem I have is that I've tried to call the individual line every day since one week now and probably have over 50/60 calls, every time other than one it said that "we're experiencing peak demand, please try later". The one time someone answered but after one hour of trying he said that he couldn't help me as it was to late and I got a number I should mention next time I call.


As I wrote I'm in Australia on exchange and the operator asked me for two Australian IDs to confirm my identity, which I don't have. I was able to open my ABN and my TFN with my passport so I don't understand why I can't file my taxes and close my ABN with it? As I'm very soon leaving Australia I don't really know what I should do. I can't contact you on the number and I can't do my taxes+close my ABN. Is there any way to fix this other than hoping that the line is empty? I have no clue what I should do.

CaroATO(Community Support)Community Support
29 June 2023

Hi @OneQuestion,


I'm sorry you're having a hard time getting this sorted.


You've the option of cancelling your ABN from the day it was active. This way you didn't have an active ABN during the financial year.


Check out the information on our website where it talks about when you need to lodge a tax return.


The best time to call us is 8.00AM when our phone lines open. Make sure you've all your identity documents and any correspondence we may have sent with you.

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Do I have to lodge a tax return if I didn't have any income on my ABN? | ATO Community