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| Applying for TFN | |
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| Topic Started: 14 Nov 2007, 04:48 AM (432 Views) | |
| Kaz and Malc | 14 Nov 2007, 04:48 AM Post #1 |
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Just been looking at application form for applying for Tax File Number. Looks like we will have to apply for a medicare card and vic driving licence first, because these seem to be required as forms of identification when applying for TFN. Do they accept temp accomodation address on these 3 applications? Karen |
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| Pootle | 14 Nov 2007, 04:56 AM Post #2 |
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We didn't need medicare or vic drivers licence - you just need to have an address here so they can post your number to you. I think you just need your passport details, and yes - a temporary address is fine. We put our apartment that we were in for a month when we first arrived. Good luck! (Edit - just looked at one of the online forms and I see what you mean - maybe they've changed the rules? Temp residents don't need to get a vic licence but it definitely helps for id over here - I need to show it each time I post a parcel at the post office!) |
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| Chris & Becci | 14 Nov 2007, 06:04 AM Post #3 |
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Noooo. Crikey. I need my TFN pronto after arriving as I start work within a couple of days. Really do not need my Christmas pay attracting 49% tax. Seems a bit stupid. Practically, most people want to work soon after arriving. TFN is the number 1 priority alongside ambulance cover. Not driving license! Medicare won't be dealt with for 10 days or so. I thought we could probably visit one of the tax offices in person and walk out with a TFN number? Chris |
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| True Blue | 14 Nov 2007, 06:09 AM Post #4 |
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Hi, We arrived in August and at the time were allowed to use our temporary address, not sure if the rules have changed? We went to the tax office, filled out the application on line, you don't get the TFN straight away, had to wait about 3 or 4 weeks for it to arrive by post. This doesn't mean you can't work in the meantime! If you leave your temporary address before it has arrived just do a postal redirection with the post office, cost us about $20 for 3 months. Good luck. Di x |
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| Chris & Becci | 14 Nov 2007, 06:50 AM Post #5 |
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3 to 4 weeks? No way. That means my first 2 fortnights pay will be nailed for 49% tax. Thats going to sting. If I had a temporary address now, do you think I could apply for it early? I know you are supposed to wait until you are in the country... Cash flow will be a nightmare the month we arrive without the added tax frustration. Previous reports I had read suggested the TFN would arrive in 4-5 days! Chris |
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| buzzy--bee | 14 Nov 2007, 07:03 AM Post #6 |
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You can apply for ambulance cover now if you want, you don't have to be in Oz. My TFN was threatening to take a while so I rang up the tax office and had it emailed to be within 24 hours. Buzzy |
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| bigAPE | 14 Nov 2007, 07:19 AM Post #7 |
Administrator
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As a new migrant all you need to apply for your TFN is your Passport, the Visa and an Australian address. This is all we had and were told by the ATO that it was fine, I walked into their office in the CBD on Day 2 and went to apply. They told me I could also apply on-line, etc. In the end our Accountant applied for us, along with all the company stuff. I think it does take some time, but you can always claim any excess tax back. Our bank taxed us at source for ages (up to yesterday in fact!). We're really lazy and only go t about to providing the TFN to them yesterday. They gave us all the Tax back on the spot. Of course we will still have to pay that tax, just not as much. |
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| Chris & Becci | 14 Nov 2007, 08:23 AM Post #8 |
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Ah, guess i'll just need to make a fuss and see what they can do for me. I assume if taxed at 49% I can get the tax back, i just didnt want to wait until end of the tax year to do so. |
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| koalakim | 14 Nov 2007, 08:28 AM Post #9 |
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Hi Chris Unless they've changed the rules (as they like to do out here!) then as Al says we only needed passport number and address. We did ours online in the internet cafe and it didn't take as long as they said it would do to come through. I thought some people had applied before leaving the UK - we never bothered as knew we were taking some time off. As soon as it comes through then get it down to the bank and to your employer and then you'll stop paying the emergency tax, you will get it back - eventually! Kim |
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| Chapmans | 14 Nov 2007, 12:18 PM Post #10 |
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We only arrived September applied on line for TFN's first week we got here using passport and temp address and I think they want visa info as well and Marks arrived just over a week later, mine took a little longer but he had his before he started work. You just change your address with them when you get a new one. Sharon PS If you haven't got it in a week you can chase it, as you get a reference number when you register. Medicare takes 10 minutes to do and believe me is worth it as we needed it a lot quicker than we thought! Vic Roads you need to get an appointment and depending on which office you are going to could be a few weeks ahead as they are quite busy - that can take anything from 15 minutes to 1 1/2 due to waiting times. |
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| PaulAndSarah | 14 Nov 2007, 07:10 PM Post #11 |
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Hi, Paul will need to start work ASAP (so will need the TFN etc), but I don't know when I will start work again. Maybe not for 6 months or more, when we're settled and know that the children are ok at school etc. Do I need to apply for a TFN when we arrive or wait until later when / if I start work? Does the TFN change or does it complecate things if you commence as employed and change to self-employed? Paul's never been employed so I think we'll end up doing self-employment again but it will be easier to get work if he starts off as employed - do you think this is true? Thanks for the help, |
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| Thebears | 14 Nov 2007, 07:32 PM Post #12 |
 
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I think you might find it useful for bank accounts and for child care benefits. Better to get it done and then have it rather than suddenly need it. |
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| Gordy | 14 Nov 2007, 08:26 PM Post #13 |
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We applied online for our TFN's last Friday the day after we arrived......We only needed our passport numbers and an address to send them to.....Did mine and Mrs Gordys in less than 15 minutes......Will let you know when we actually receive them and that will give an idea of timescale..... gordy |
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| Kaz and Malc | 16 Nov 2007, 03:30 AM Post #14 |
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Interesting replies, thanks. Did I read correctly, on the TFN website it gives details for adults and kids over 12/13 I think :o Do they really need a TFN and has anyone else got their older kids one?? Also, re emergency tax. Does it mean that my savings will be charged higher tax until I give bank TFN number?? Karen Edit: As permanent resident visa holders, are we entitled to child benefit straight away? |
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| PaulAndSarah | 17 Nov 2007, 07:11 PM Post #15 |
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Hi Karen, With a permanent visa I believe your are entitled to 'family assistance payments' with no waiting period. We're not in Australia yet, so I could be corrected. I read through the Family Assistance website : www.familyassist.gov.au There are 2 payments you could be entitled to - Family Tax Benefit Part A & Part B. You can get Part B if the parent earning the lesser amount earn up to $4,234. If you look at the website it will help you. I'm still waiting to see how 'Gordy' gets on applying for his TFN's online too. BritVics is so helpful isn't it? Bye for now, |
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| Tony & Emma | 17 Nov 2007, 07:47 PM Post #16 |
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We did ours online the day after we arrived ( 23rd OCtober ). We only needed our passports, and we used the temporary address. It is supposed to come within 4 weeks. It has not come yet. We phoned to chase it the other day, they do not have any records of where you are in the system - or even IF you are in the system until the number is actually issued. They said that it can come at any time in the 4 weeks, and to call at the end of 4 weeks if we still have not got it. Then they will do something about it. I think you have to be in the country before you apply as your passport number is checked for a valid visa, I think that when you come into the country it is 'logged'? SO the TFN system knows if you are here? I could be wrong, but thats what I was led to believe. Don't worry about starting work before you get your TFN. You will be asked to fill in a form from your new employer asking for your TFN number. There is a box to tick if you DONT have one, but HAVE applied for one. You then get your first 28 days at normal tax rates, not withholding tax as they say you should have your TFN within the 28 days. The only thing you can't get around it paying witholding tax on your bank interest until your TFN comes through, but as previously stated, you can claim it back ( assuming you have enough money in the bank here to get enough interest to worry about the tax on it anyway ). Anyhow - good luck. |
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| Kaz and Malc | 19 Nov 2007, 10:19 AM Post #17 |
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thanks guys Yeah the tax on savings will be very pertinent because our house proceeds will be in our savings account. I wonder how long they take to give back the full tax rebate at the bank or will it be done at year end? Karen |
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| Gordy | 19 Nov 2007, 11:06 AM Post #18 |
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Guys, We applied for our TFN's on Friday the 09th of November and Mrs Gordy received hers on the 16th of November!!!!!! Still no sign of mine yet but hey i can wait...... Just shows that there is no real system as such, we wondered if it was because Mrs Gordy was the main applicant on the skilled 136 visa and maybe hers was sent out as priority......Will let you know when mine appears but it seems to work well doing it online and as i said we only needed our passports to complete the application...... Gordy |
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| koalakim | 19 Nov 2007, 11:14 AM Post #19 |
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Hi Gordy You should get yours any time as I know ours came within a few days of each other. Kim |
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| Tony & Emma | 19 Nov 2007, 11:51 AM Post #20 |
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Oh, you lucky buggers. Our online application is 28 dyas old tomorrow - and no sign of them. Will have to phone them tomoroow if no joy. |
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