I am a UK citizen with a visa that allows me to work here in Australia. I am about to start some consulting work for the Queensland government. They have asked if I have an ABN. I don't so I started the application process, but it seems that as a sole trader, I need to have a TFN before I can apply for an ABN. The TFN takes up to 28 days to be issued. Does that mean that I cannot apply for an ABN until the TFN is issued. Can I apply for both at the same time? If I have to wait, how long does it normally take for the TFN to be issued?
Hey @EddyInQLD,
That's right. You won't be able to apply for an ABN as a sole trader without having the TFN first. Each application is done separately for sole traders, so you'll need to apply and receive the TFN and then include it on your ABN application.
It can take up to 28 days for the TFN to be processed, but sometimes it's much faster than that.
All replies
Hey @EddyInQLD,
That's right. You won't be able to apply for an ABN as a sole trader without having the TFN first. Each application is done separately for sole traders, so you'll need to apply and receive the TFN and then include it on your ABN application.
It can take up to 28 days for the TFN to be processed, but sometimes it's much faster than that.
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