Damon Mcknight
A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to taxpaying entities in Australia. It is required for individuals to access government benefits and certain forms of tax relief. The application process depends on the applicant's citizenship and residency status, with different processes for Australian citizens, foreign passport holders in Australia, and applicants from outside Australia. Applicants must provide proof of identity and other relevant documents, and can apply online, via Australia Post or a Centrelink centre, or by post.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues TFNs? | Australian Taxation Office (ATO) |
| Who needs a TFN? | Australian citizens, foreign passport holders, international students, and those deriving income from Australia |
| What is it used for? | Australian tax and superannuation systems, accessing government benefits, tax relief, and registering a business |
| How to apply | Online via the ATO website, through an agent or intermediary, or by visiting a branch of Australia Post or a Centrelink centre |
| Documents required | Primary and secondary proof of identity, e.g., passport, birth certificate, ATM card, student ID, Australian driver's license |
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What You'll Learn
Application process for Australian citizens
As an Australian citizen, you can apply for a tax file number (TFN) online or in person. The application is free of charge.
Online Application
If you have an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN online using myID. You will need to verify your Australian passport and one of the following Australian identity documents:
- Australian full birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate
- ImmiCard
- Driver licence
- Medicare card
- Account statement from an Australian bank, credit union or building society
You will also need to verify your photo, which is a one-off scan to check your identity.
Once you submit your application, your TFN will be displayed on the screen, and you can download or print a summary of your application. Your TFN will also be sent to your myGov Inbox. You should receive your TFN straight away or within 28 days.
In-Person Application
If you do not have an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN in person at a participating Australia Post retail outlet or a Services Australia service centre.
To apply at Australia Post, you will need to:
- Complete the online form
- Print the application summary
- Gather your required identity documents
- Find a participating post office near you
- Attend an interview within 30 days of completing your online form
- Take your application summary and current original proof of identity documents to the interview
- Sign your application at the interview
You should receive your TFN within 28 days of the interview.
To apply at a Services Australia service centre, you will need to complete a paper TFN application form and provide current original proof of identity documents.
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Application process for foreign passport holders
As a foreign passport holder, you can apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia if you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor with work rights. You will need a valid visa and a valid passport or relevant travel documents to apply online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).
To apply online using IAR, go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website and complete the online application form. You will need to provide personal details, including your passport or travel document number, a postal address in Australia where your TFN can be sent, your legal name and other names you use or have used, and your contact details. You should receive your TFN within 28 days by post. Applying for a TFN online should take about 20 minutes.
If you are unable to use IAR, you will need to use the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia, even if you are currently in Australia. You can get a copy of the paper form online or by phone through the ATO Publication Ordering Service. Complete the TFN application and send it with certified copies of your current original proof of identity documents to the address on the form.
Alternatively, you can apply for your TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet. You will need to complete the online application form, print the application summary, and gather your required identity documents. Then, find a participating post office and present your documents at an interview within 30 days of printing your application summary. You should receive your TFN within 28 days after your interview.
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Required documents
The exact documents required to support your application for a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia vary depending on your circumstances. However, here is a list of the most commonly requested documents:
Primary Proof of Identity:
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
Secondary Proof of Identity:
- ATM card
- Student ID card
- Australian driver's license
Additional Documents:
If you wish to change the details of your TFN (for example, due to a name change), you may need to provide additional documentation, such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Legal name change documentation
It's important to note that if you are applying for a TFN as a foreign passport holder from within Australia, the process and required documents may differ. The same applies if you are applying from outside of Australia. In these cases, it is recommended to refer to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for specific instructions and document requirements.
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Where to find your TFN
Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique nine-digit identifier that is your financial fingerprint in Australia. It is used for tax and superannuation purposes, and also when receiving government benefits, lodging an online tax return, and applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
If you already have a TFN, there are several ways to find it. Firstly, you can find it online through myGov if your account is linked to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To do this, log in to your myGov account, access the ATO online services, and locate your TFN on the dashboard. Alternatively, you can use the ATO app.
If you do not have a myGov account, you can create one on the myGov website and link it to the ATO. You will need to enter some personal details to verify your identity.
You can also find your TFN by calling the ATO on 13 28 61 (within Australia) or +61 2 6216 1111 (outside Australia). They can usually confirm your TFN immediately after verifying your identity. You can also request written confirmation, which may take up to 28 days to arrive.
Your TFN may also be found on old documents such as tax returns, superannuation records, payslips, or other financial paperwork. If you remember your past employers, they may also have your TFN on record.
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Benefits of having a TFN
A Tax File Number (TFN) is an individual reference number used in the Australian tax and superannuation systems. Here are some benefits of having a TFN:
- Your TFN is key to accessing government benefits and some forms of tax relief.
- If you're an entrepreneur, you'll need a personal TFN before you can register a business in Australia.
- You'll usually pay less tax with a TFN, so you'll have more money to make the most of your time in Australia.
- Your TFN remains the same even if you change your name, employer, or other personal details.
- The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will automatically issue your partnership, company, or trust with a business TFN when you apply for an Australian Business.
- You can apply for a TFN online and verify your identity at participating post offices in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
TFN stands for Tax File Number, a unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to each tax-paying entity.
Anyone who is a tax-paying entity in Australia can apply for a TFN. This includes individuals, companies, superannuation funds, partnerships, or trusts. Foreign passport holders can also apply for a TFN if they have the right type of visa.
You can apply for a TFN online via the ATO website. If you are in Australia, you can also apply via a branch of Australia Post or a Centrelink centre, but you will need to attend an interview and bring original copies of your documents. If you are outside of Australia, you can still apply online, but the forms are different from those used for applications made within the country.
The exact documents you need will depend on your circumstances, but primary proof of identity (e.g. passport or birth certificate) and secondary proof of identity (e.g. ATM card, student ID, or Australian driving license) are usually required. You may also need additional documents if you are changing the details of your TFN, such as a marriage certificate or name change proof.
