how do i apply for an abn without a tfn?

 Author: NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator

18 Nov 2025

Hi @Lachie2013,

The first step is to work out whether you're an employee or a contractor, because that decides whether you need a TFN (employee) or an ABN (contractor).

Employees:

• Don’t need an ABN.
• Should have tax withheld by their employer.
• Get super and other entitlements.

Contractors, on the other hand, run their own business and invoice for work. They do need an ABN, but only if they’re genuinely contracting.

If you’re an employee, your employer should be withholding tax and reporting your income – not asking you to get an ABN.

If you’re an Australian resident for tax purposes, you must have a TFN to apply for an ABN.

You can still work and get paid without a TFN or ABN. But if you don’t give your employer a TFN, they’ll need to withhold tax at the highest rate. You can give them a TFN later and they can adjust things.

Reply0 likes

• Report as inappropriate

 Author: Lachie2013(Newbie)Newbie

20 Nov 2025

Thanks, i am contracting not an employee​, my bos said i dont have an abn and i need that to get paid. I cant get a tfn to apply for an abn.

Reply0 likes

• Report as inappropriate