Lyla Lindsey
Applying for a tax file number (TFN) in Australia is free and can be done online or by paper depending on your residency status and circumstances. Australian citizens with an Australian passport can apply online using myID, while those without an Australian passport can apply by completing an online form at Australia Post and attending an interview at a participating Australia Post retail outlet. Individuals with a valid foreign passport or visa living in Australia and those living outside Australia with income from an Australian source can also apply for a TFN.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Cost | Free |
| Application Channels | Online, Paper, In-person |
| Application Requirements | Australian residency, Identity documents |
| Processing Time | Up to 28 days |
| Application Form | NAT 1432 |
| Supporting Documents | Birth certificate, ImmiCard, Account statements |
| Document Submission | Certified copies, not originals |
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What You'll Learn
Online application
Australian citizens with an Australian passport can apply for a tax file number (TFN) online using myID. The fastest way to apply is online using myID, but you will need to be 15 years old or older and have an Australian passport. If you don't meet these requirements, you can use one of the other application options.
To apply online, you must complete the online application form on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website. The form is not supported by Internet Explorer, so use another browser. Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number, and gather your required identity documents.
Within 30 days of printing your application summary, attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet. Bring your application summary and current original proof of identity documents to the interview. Sign your application at Australia Post during your interview to complete your TFN application.
You should receive your TFN within 28 days from when the Australian Taxation Office receives your completed application. Your TFN will be mailed to the postal address on your application.
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Paper application
Applying for a tax file number (TFN) in Australia is free and can be done online or via paper form, depending on your circumstances and residency status. If you are unable to apply online or attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet, you can apply via paper form.
To apply for a TFN via paper form, you must complete the Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432) paper form. You can order a copy of this form online, by phone (1300 720 092), or by visiting a Services Australia Centre.
Before submitting your application, you must gather the required identity documents. These include proof of identity documents, such as a birth certificate, passport, or visa. If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide a written translation certified by an authorised translation service. It is important to note that you should not send original documents, only certified copies. Your application will be returned to you if all the required documents are not provided, and your TFN cannot be issued.
Once you have completed the form and gathered your certified copies of identity documents, you can submit your application by mail to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You should receive your TFN within 28 days of submitting your application. The ATO will mail your TFN to the postal address provided on your application.
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Identity documents
Applying for a tax file number (TFN) in Australia is free and can be done online or by paper depending on your circumstances and residency status. If you are an Australian citizen with an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN online using myID. If you are an Australian resident for tax purposes, you can apply for a TFN online or by paper. If you live outside Australia or are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor, you can refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.
When applying for a TFN, you will need to provide proof of identity documents. If you are completing a paper application, you must provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents (not originals). These documents may not be returned to you. Documents that have been corrected or changed and initialled are not acceptable. If your documents are in your previous name, you must provide another document that shows how you changed your name, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, or change of name certificate. If your documents are in a language other than English, you must provide a written translation that has been certified as a true and correct copy by an authorized translation service.
A full list of acceptable identity documents is provided on the application form, and more information is available in the "Copies of identity documents for applicants in Australia" guide. Some of the acceptable documents include:
- Australian full birth certificate (a birth certificate extract is not acceptable)
- ImmiCard (for those who previously held Documents for Travel to Australia (DFTTA)
- Account statement from an Australian bank, credit union, or building society less than one year old, with your name and current address matching the details provided on your application
If you are applying online or at a participating Australia Post retail outlet, you will need to bring your application summary and required identity documents to the interview.
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Residency status
Australian Residents:
Australian residents, including citizens and residents for tax purposes, can apply for a TFN. If you fall into this category, you have several options for applying:
- Australia Post: You can apply online through Australia Post and then present your identity documents at a participating retail outlet. You must attend an interview within 30 days of completing the online form, bringing along the required documents.
- Services Australia Centre: If you are a Centrelink customer, you can apply in person at a Services Australia service centre using a paper form. You will need to provide original proof of identity documents.
- Online Application: If you have an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN online using myID. This is a convenient option for citizens with the necessary identification.
Foreign Passport Holders, Permanent Migrants, and Temporary Visitors:
If you are a foreign national living in Australia with a valid passport or travel document (visa), you can apply for a TFN. Here are the options for this category:
- Individual Auto Registration (IAR): This is an online application system that can be used by foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, and temporary visitors located in Australia with work rights. A valid passport or relevant travel documents are required for this process.
- Paper Application Form: If you don't have a valid visa for IAR, you may need to use the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia, even if you are currently in Australia. This option is also available if you are a foreign national living outside Australia but have income from an Australian source.
It's important to note that the requirements and processes may vary depending on your specific circumstances and residency status. Always refer to the official Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding TFN applications.
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Application processing time
The processing time for TFN applications in Australia can vary depending on factors such as the applicant's residency status, the method of application, and the completeness of the submitted documents. Here is an overview of what you can expect:
Australian citizens with an Australian passport can apply for a TFN online using myID. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will send the TFN to the applicant's postal address or their myGov inbox, and they can generally expect to receive it within 28 days of submitting their completed application and required identity documents. However, for Australian citizens aged 15 or older with an Australian passport, the beta application process may result in receiving the TFN sooner.
For Australian residents without an Australian passport, they can still apply for a TFN online or by paper, depending on their specific circumstances. The ATO will post the TFN to the Australian postal address provided on the application, and it should arrive within 28 days.
Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, or temporary visitors in Australia who cannot use the online system must use the paper TFN application form. They should refer to the ATO website for detailed information.
It is important to note that applicants should not lodge multiple applications to prevent delays in processing. If an individual has not received their TFN after 28 days, they should contact the ATO and provide their receipt ID for follow-up.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian citizens with an Australian passport can apply for a tax file number online using myID. Australian residents can apply at Australia Post by completing the online form. You must attend an interview at a participating Australia Post retail outlet and bring your application summary and required identity documents.
You must provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents (not originals). A full list of acceptable identity documents is on the form. If your documents are in your previous name, you must provide another document that shows how you changed your name, such as a marriage certificate. If your original document is not written in English, you must provide a written translation that an authorised translation service has certified.
Applying for a TFN is free.
