AUSTRALIYEAH

Get ready for Australia

Looking for Information on Australia

Enter what you are looking for!

What is a Tax File Number and How to Apply for One

07 Jan, 2025 Move to Australia, Study in Australia, Work in Australia

A TFN is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and organisations to identify individuals, corporations and others who lodge income tax returns with the ATO.

Key Points

  • It is required for various purposes, including working in Australia, filing taxes, and accessing government services.
  • A TFN is necessary when opening a new bank account in Australia to avoid higher tax rates on interest earned.
  • It is unique to an individual (or business) and is a personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems in Australia.
  • TFNs should be kept confidential and shared only with authorised agencies or persons.
  • A TFN is an important part of the tax & superannuation records as well as the identity. Individuals keep the same TFN even if changing name, jobs or when moving interstate or go overseas.
  • If you’re studying and need to access the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) for your tuition fees, a TFN is required to manage your loan.

A TFN Number is for anyone who wants to earn in Australia, however it is not mandatory to have for individuals. But without a TFN more tax is deducted.

How to Apply for a TFN

  • For individuals and sole traders
    • Apply for a TFN or find out more at the ATO’s Tax File Number essentials page.
    • Sole traders use their individual TFN.
  • For Businesses operating as a partnership, company or trust, they will need its own TFN. A TFN can be obtained at the same time as an Australian Business Number (ABN), using the same application form.

Lost the TFN

You keep the same TFN for life, even if you change jobs, move, or go overseas

If you’ve lost your Tax File Number (TFN), there are several ways to find it:

  • Online: The fastest way is to log in to your myGov account linked to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Your TFN will be listed under your personal details.
  • Documents: Check your income tax notice of assessment, letters from the ATO, payment summaries from your employer, or your superannuation account statement.
  • Tax Agent: If you use a registered tax agent, they will have your TFN on file.
  • ATO App: You can also find your TFN in the ATO app under ‘My details’.

If none of the above are useful then call the ATO.