Australia - Obtain a Tax File Number (TFN)

Advertisement

Procedure

Australian residents

Australia Post: If you are an Australian resident and able to attend an interview apply for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet - LINK. There is no fee for lodging a TFN application.

1. Complete the online form. Link
2. After completing the form, print the summary which includes your application reference number, and take it to your Australia Post interview. You need to attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form.
3. Book an interview - Link
4. Take your printed summary and proof of identity documents to the interview.

ATO shopfront: You may also apply in person at an ATO shopfront.

1. Complete a paper application form - Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432). You can get a copy of this form:
   1. Online (link provided under 'Documents to Use' section)
   2. By phoning 1300 720 092 (available 24/7)
   3. Get one from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs if you're applying for a government benefit or pension.
2. Prepare your proof of identify documents (see the instructions on the form for details of the documents you'll need).
3. Book an appointment with:
   1. an ATO Shopfront phone 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday
   2. the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) if you are applying for Austudy or ABSTUDY, or receiving certain benefits or income support payments
   3. the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) if you are receiving certain benefits or income support payments.

By post:

1. Complete a paper application form - Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals form. You can get a copy of this form:
   1. Online (link provided under 'Documents to Use' section)
   2. By phoning 1300 720 092 (available 24/7)
2. Send you application and certified copies of your identification documents to the address listed on the form. Note: Do not mail your original identification documents because you will not be able to get them back.

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors: You may apply online if you meet the requirements above. To apply online you must have a valid passport or relevant travel documents. No need to provide proof of identity documents. Your TFN will be sent to the Australian address you have given on your application within 28 days.

Apply Online - Link

People living outside Australia : Apply for a TFN by downloading and completing Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals living outside Australia (link provided under 'Documents to Use' Section)

Advertisement

Required Documents

Australian residents:

Australia Post:

• Printed summary
• Proof of identity documents

ATO shopfront:

• Completed application form
• Originals of your proof of identify documents

By post:

• Completed application form
• Certified copies of your identification documents

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors:

• Valid passport or relevant travel documents

People living outside Australia :

• Completed application form

Office Locations & Contacts

Australian Taxation Office - Contact Information

Eligibility

Australian residents

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors: You can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these three conditions:

• You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
• You are already in Australia.
• Your visa is one of the following:
  • a permanent migrant visa
  • a visa with work rights
  • an overseas student visa
  • a visa allowing you to stay in Australian indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

Valid working visas include:

• Working holiday makers (subclass 417)
• Entertainment (subclass 420)
• Sport (subclass 421)
• Work and holiday makers (subclass 462).

People living outside Australia

You don't need to apply for a TFN if you receive only interest, dividends or royalty payments from an Australian source. Non-resident withholding tax will be deducted before you receive these payments.

You need a TFN if you:

• receive income from an Australian source other than interest, dividends or royalty payments
• have a spouse who is an Australian resident and is applying for Family Tax Benefit
• need to lodge an Australian tax return or apply for an Australian business number (ABN).

Fees

There is no fee for lodging a TFN application.

Validity

You will only be issued one TFN and it is yours for life. You will use the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.

Documents to Use

• For Australian residents: Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432)
• For people living outside Australia: Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals living outside Australia (PDF)

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type="website">video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the "&" inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, 
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M" Video ID is "Y0US7oR_t3M". 
	

Instructions

Please provide instructions on obtaining the certificate/documents.
e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.

Required Information

A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the Document

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique reference number that you use whenever you file your tax documents.

Information which might help

Enter other informations which might help

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity.
• Having a TFN is not a requirement, but without one you pay more tax. You also won't be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian business number (ABN).

External Links

• Australian Taxation Office:

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/Apply-for-a-TFN/

Others

More information which might help people.