Lyla Lindsey
Tax File Number (TFN) is a 9-digit number provided by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to all Australian residents, including Australian citizens and residents for tax purposes. It is free to apply for a TFN, and you can do so online or by paper depending on your circumstances and residency status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for a TFN in Australia? | Australian citizens or residents for tax purposes of all ages. |
| What documents are required to apply for a TFN? | Australian passport, foreign passport, visa, identity documents, birth certificate, marriage certificate, deed poll, change of name certificate, ImmiCard, account statement from an Australian bank, credit union or building society. |
| How to apply for a TFN? | Online using myGovID or Digital ID, by paper at a Services Australia centre, or through Australia Post. |
| Is there a fee for applying for a TFN? | No, it is free to apply for a TFN in Australia. |
| How long does it take to receive a TFN after applying? | It usually takes around 28 days to receive a TFN after submitting the application. |
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What You'll Learn
Applying for a TFN online
Eligibility to Apply Online
To be eligible to apply for a TFN online, you must be an Australian citizen or resident and meet the following criteria:
- Be 15 years old or above
- Have an Australian passport
- Have a Digital ID or myID
Application Process
- Complete the Online Form: Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to access the online application form. Ensure that you are using a supported browser, as Internet Explorer is not compatible.
- Print the Application Summary: After submitting the online form, print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary identity documents, as outlined by the ATO. These documents will need to be presented during your interview at a participating Australia Post retail outlet.
- Attend the Interview: Schedule an interview at a participating Australia Post office within 30 days of completing your online form. Bring your application summary and original proof of identity documents to the interview.
- Sign and Submit: During your interview, sign your application form to complete the process.
Receiving Your TFN
You should receive your TFN within 28 days of your completed application. The ATO will mail your TFN to the postal address provided on your application. If you do not receive your TFN within this timeframe, you can contact the ATO for further assistance.
It is important to note that applying for a TFN online is free of charge, and you should only need to apply once in your lifetime. Your TFN is a unique and important reference number for tax and superannuation purposes.
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Applying for a TFN at a Services Australia centre
To apply, you must provide current original proof of identity documents. If you do not have enough identity documents, you will need a referee to complete the proof of identity reference. After completing the form, you can submit it at a Services Australia Centre.
It is free to apply for a TFN. If you have not received your TFN notification letter after 28 days, you should contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Your TFN is issued for life, so keep it safe.
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Applying for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet
If you are an Australian citizen over 15 with an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN online using a Digital ID or myGovID. However, if you do not have an Australian passport or are under 15, you will need to use one of the other application options, such as applying at a participating Australia Post retail outlet.
To apply at Australia Post, you will first need to complete the online form on the Australian Tax Office's website. Make sure to use a browser other than Internet Explorer, as the form is not supported by it. You may need your Australian or international passport for identification. Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
Next, find a participating Australia Post retail outlet near you. Only selected Post Offices accept TFN applications, so be sure to check this before you go. You will then need to attend an interview at the participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form. Bring your application summary and current original proof of identity documents to the interview. Acceptable identity documents include an Australian or international passport, a birth certificate, or an ImmiCard. If your documents are in a name different from the one on your application, you must also provide a document explaining the name change, such as a marriage certificate. If your documents are not in English, you must provide a written translation certified by an authorised translation service.
Finally, sign your application at the interview to complete your TFN application. You should receive your TFN within 28 days of your interview. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will mail your TFN to the postal address on your application.
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Applying for a TFN as a non-Australian resident
If you are a non-Australian resident, you can still apply for a TFN. The application process will depend on your residency status, identity documents, and whether or not you are in Australia. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a TFN as a non-Australian resident:
- Determine your eligibility: To apply for a TFN, you must meet one of the following conditions: you are a foreign passport holder, a permanent migrant, or a temporary visitor with work rights in Australia. New Zealanders are automatically granted a visa upon arrival in Australia.
- Choose your application method: There are two main ways to apply: online or by paper form. The online method is faster, but not everyone is eligible. Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, and temporary visitors located in Australia with work rights can apply online using the Individual Auto Registration (IAR) system.
- Online application process: If you are eligible for the online application, go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website and complete the online form. You will need to provide your Australian postal address, as your TFN will be posted to this address. The processing time is up to 28 days.
- Paper application process: If you are not eligible for the online application, you will need to use the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia. This form can be obtained from the ATO Publication Ordering Service, either online or by phone. Complete the form and send it, along with certified copies of your current original proof of identity documents, to the address provided.
- Application through Australia Post: Another option for applying for a TFN is through a participating Australia Post retail outlet. You will need to complete the online form and then present your current identity documents at the retail outlet within 30 days. You will need to attend an interview, sign your application, and your TFN will be processed within 28 days.
- Application through Services Australia: If you are a Centrelink customer, you can apply in person at a Services Australia service centre. You will need to complete a paper TFN application form and provide original proof of identity documents. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who cannot provide enough identity documents for other application methods can use this option.
Remember, it is free to apply for a TFN as a non-Australian resident. Keep your application reference number handy, and if you haven't received your TFN notification letter within 28 days, follow up with the Australian Taxation Office.
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Applying for a TFN as an Australian resident
Online Application:
If you are an Australian citizen, aged 15 or older, and have an Australian passport, you can apply for a TFN online using a Digital ID or myID. Here are the steps:
- Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.
- Complete the online application form using a supported browser (not Internet Explorer).
- Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
- Keep the printed summary safe, as it contains important information.
Applying at Australia Post:
If you do not have an Australian passport or are under 15 years old, you can apply at a participating Australia Post retail outlet:
- Complete the online form, ensuring you use a supported browser other than Internet Explorer.
- Print the application summary.
- Within 30 days of completing the online form, 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 during the interview to complete the process.
Applying at a Services Australia Centre:
You can also apply at a Services Australia centre, especially if you are a Centrelink customer:
- Complete one of the paper TFN application forms: "Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432)" or "Tax file number – application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589)."
- Provide current, original proof of identity documents.
- Submit your application and wait for your TFN notification letter.
Applying Through Centrelink:
If you have authorised Centrelink to receive your TFN from the ATO, you can select "To give to Centrelink" as your reason for needing a TFN. Once your application is processed, your TFN will be sent to both you and Centrelink.
Remember, your TFN is a personal reference number used for tax and superannuation purposes. You should receive your TFN within 28 days of submitting your completed application. If you do not receive it within this timeframe, contact the Australian Taxation Office.
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Frequently asked questions
Applying for a TFN in Australia is free. You can apply for a TFN online, at a Services Australia centre, or through Australia Post.
If you are an Australian citizen with an Australian passport, you can apply online using your myGovID or Digital ID. You must be 15 years old or older. You will receive your TFN straight away.
You can apply for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet if you are able to attend an interview. You will need to complete an online form and present your current identity documents at the interview.
You can apply in person at a Services Australia service centre by completing a paper form. You will need to provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents.
