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Nonih(Newbie)Newbie
1 Mar 2024

Hi, I am currently on a valid WHV 462 and I am working remotely for an Australian business. I am planning to move over to Australia sometime in May so I think I will be considered as a resident for tax purposes?


I noticed that there is a form that allows people living outside australia to apply for a TFN. However, it states that "You can apply for a TFN using this form, if you are a foreign resident for tax purposes".


https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/people-living-outside-australia-tfn-application


Am I considered a resident or foreigner for tax purposes in my case?


Can I still use that form to apply for a TFN before I come to Australia, or can I only do so after entering Australia?


Thanks in advance!

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703 views
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RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
1 Mar 2024

Hiya @Nonih,


We can't work out your residency for you, I can tell you in general if you're coming here to live permanently then yes, you'd be an Australian tax resident. You can work it out yourself using the residency tests or the 'Am I a resident?' tool on our website.


If you don't apply for your TFN before you arrive then you'd use our foreign passport holder application once you're here.


It's up to you when exactly you decide to apply. Keep in mind TFN applications take about 28 days to process and then they're mailed out to the address you put on the form. Depending on timing it might be better to do now or wait until you're here.

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Most helpful reply

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
1 Mar 2024

Hiya @Nonih,


We can't work out your residency for you, I can tell you in general if you're coming here to live permanently then yes, you'd be an Australian tax resident. You can work it out yourself using the residency tests or the 'Am I a resident?' tool on our website.


If you don't apply for your TFN before you arrive then you'd use our foreign passport holder application once you're here.


It's up to you when exactly you decide to apply. Keep in mind TFN applications take about 28 days to process and then they're mailed out to the address you put on the form. Depending on timing it might be better to do now or wait until you're here.

Nonih(Newbie)Newbie
1 Mar 2024

My question is can I apply before coming to Australia?


Does this apply to me because it says that its for foreign tax residents, but from the residency tests I should be considered as an Australian tax resident.


Context: I have entered australia previously on my working holiday visa so it's definitely active.


I am currently working remotely for an Australian company, but will be moving over in May. In that case, can I apply for a TFN before coming back to Australia? I don't have 45% of my income to be withheld by my employer.


Thanks in advance!

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