Guide to Finding Your Tax File Number

Author: Jasmine Burrows, Progressive Legal

Tax file numbers (TFNs) are unique identification numbers issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and organisations for tax purposes.

If you are living or working in Australia, it is essential to have a TFN as it is required for various financial and administrative transactions. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the vital aspects that are crucial for your understanding of TFNs. 

Tax File Number Issues Covered In This Guide

Click on any of the questions you have below to jump straight to an answer in our guide:

What is a Tax File Number?

Why is your Tax File Number important?

How do you apply for a Tax File Number?

What if you have lost your Tax File Number?

What if your Tax File Number is stolen?

Who can ask for your Tax File Number?

Do you have to give your Tax File Number?

Key Takeaways

What is a Tax File Number? 

Think of your TFN as your special identification number with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It’s like your personal tax ID number that sets you apart from everyone else.  

TFNs are a nine-digit number that are unique to each individual. That means no one else has the same number as you do. It’s like having your own little digital fingerprint. 

Once you get your TFN, it’s yours for life! That means it doesn’t matter if you change jobs, change your name, or even move to a different place within Australia. Your TFN stays with you through it all. It’s like a trusty companion that sticks by your side. 

Why is your Tax File Number Important? 

Having a TFN will prove to be very important for several reasons: 

Income Tax Purposes

Your TFN is used to track your income and taxation obligations. When you earn money through a job or other means, the government needs to know how much tax to deduct from your income. Your TFN helps the ATO keep track of your earnings and ensures that you’re paying the right amount of tax. 

Employment

When starting a new job, your employer will ask for your TFN to calculate the amount of tax to withhold from your salary. Without a TFN, you may be subject to a higher tax rate. Nobody wants that, right? 

Government Benefits

If you receive government benefits such as youth allowance, pension, or family tax benefits, your TFN is used to determine your eligibility and calculate the correct entitlements. 

Superannuation

Your TFN is required when opening a superannuation account. Providing your TFN to your super fund allows you to receive concessional tax treatment on your contributions and earnings. 

Financial Transactions

Some financial institutions and service providers may request your TFN when opening a bank account, applying for a loan, or dealing with investments. It helps them verify your identity and comply with anti-money laundering regulations. 

Starting a Business

If you wish to start a business, you will need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN). You can’t do this without having a TFN.

For everything you need to know about starting a business in Australia check out our checklist for starting a business or make an enquiry below to get in touch with our experienced team.

How do you Apply for a Tax File Number?

There are numerous ways to apply for a TFN. It can be done online, at the post office, at a tax office etc. Have a look at which category you fall under and follow the steps provided below.  

Australian Citizens with an Australian Passport

To apply for a TFN online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Age: You must be 15 years old or older. 

Australian passport: You need to have an Australian passport, even if it has expired within the last three years. 

Australian citizenship: You must be an Australian citizen, which includes individuals born in Australia or those with a citizenship certificate. 

Australian identity document: You should possess at least one other Australian identity document, such as a driver’s license. 

Strong myGovID: You will also need to set up a Strong myGovID. To set up your Strong myGovID, download the myGovID app and enter your personal details like full name, date of birth, and email address. Verify your identity by providing an Australian Passport and another accepted document. Then, complete a photo verification process to ensure your appearance matches the photo on your passport. 

To apply for your TFN using your myGovID, follow these steps: 

1. Sign into your myGov account and connect your myGovID.  
2. Complete the TFN application.  
3. Your TFN should be displayed on the screen.  
4. If your TFN is not displayed on the screen, your application may need to be looked over. This can take up to 28 days. If you would like to track the progress of your application, you will be provided with a reference number.  

Australian residents

To apply for a TFN online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Age: You must be 15 years old or older. 

Passport: You must have a valid passport. 

You may then proceed to applying online using your myGovID. Refer to the steps above.  

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you may apply: 

At Australia Post:

1. Fill out the online form.  
2. Print the application summary, which will contain your application reference number. 
3. Within 30 days of submitting the online form, book an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet. 
4. Attend the interview at Australia Post and bring your application summary and original proof of identity documents. 
5. Sign your application at the interview, which finalises your TFN application. 
6. Your TFN should be issued within 28 days from the receipt of your completed application and the sighting of the required documents by Australia Post. 

At a Services Australia Centre:

You can apply in person at a Services Australia service centre if you’re a Services Australia customer. 

1. Order a copy of the ‘Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals’ online  
2. Provide Services Australia with your original proof of identity documents. 

Apply using the paper form via post:

1. Print out a copy of the paper form online or via phone through the ATO Publication Service.  
2. Send the completed form and certified copies of your proof of identity documents to the address on the form.  

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors 

To apply for a TFN online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Australia: You must currently be in Australia 

Visa: You must have a valid visa. Your visa must fall into one of the following categories.  

• Permanent resident visa 
• Visa with work rights 
• Overseas student visa 
• Visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely (including New Zealanders who are automatically granted a visa upon arrival). 

You may then proceed to applying online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).   

People living outside Australia

To apply for a TFN if you are a foreign resident living outside of Australia, follow these steps: 

1. Print and complete this form.
   
2. Send the form and certified copies of your proof of identity documents to the address on the form.
3. Your TFN should be issued within 28 days.

For more detailed information on how to apply for a TFN, check out this page on the ATO website.  

What if you have lost your Tax File Number? 

If you know that you already have a TFN but you’re not too sure where to find it, there are several things you can do. You can: 

• Look at your Notice of Assessment of your income tax from previous years; 
• Look for any correspondence from the ATO; 
• Look for any correspondence from a tax agent who has previously helped you with your tax return; 
• Look at your pay slips from your workplace; 
• Look at your superannuation account and statements; 
• Look on myGov if your account has been linked to the ATO; or 
• Call the ATO on 13 28 61.  

What if your Tax File Number is stolen?  

If you think that your TFN has been stolen and used by an unauthorised third party, you should call the ATO’s client identity support centre on 1800 467 033. They will be able to give you information and advice on what you should do to re-establish your identity and ensure its protection. They can also apply further security measures to track any irregular activity on your account.  

It is critical that you take immediate action if you suspect that your TFN has been stolen. Scammers can use your TFN along with other stolen data to commit identity theft, engage in financial fraud, file fraudulent tax returns, apply for loans or credit cards in your name, access your bank accounts, open utility accounts or services in your name, and potentially cause significant harm to your financial and personal well-being. 

Who can ask for your Tax File Number? 

You should be very cautious about who you give your TFN to. Only certain individuals, organisations and agencies are allowed to ask for your TFN. These include: 

• The ATO; 
• A new employer; 
• Banks and other financial institutions; 
• Your registered tax agent; 
• Your superannuation fund; and  
• The Department of Human Services i.e. Centrelink  

If an authorised individual, organisation or agency requires your TFN, they must: 

• Disclose the reason why they require it and the relevant laws that allow them to collect it; 
• Disclose that it is not an offence if you do not provide your TFN; and  
• Establish the consequences of not providing your TFN.   

If you are unsure whether or not you should disclose your TFN, you should play it safe. It is not worth the risk of compromising your identity. For example, if you receive a suspicious phone call, simply hang up and call the institution on their official phone line. This way you can assure if the call is genuine and legitimate.  

Do you have to give your Tax File Number? 

There is actually no law that forces you to hand over your TFN to anyone who asks for it. However, it’s important to note that there might be some financial consequences if you decide not to provide your TFN when it’s requested.  

Let’s say, for instance, your employer, bank, or superannuation fund asks for your TFN. If you don’t give it to them, they might end up applying the highest marginal tax rate on your income or interest payments. 

Moreover, not sharing your TFN could also impact whether or not you’re eligible to receive certain personal assistance payments, such as a pension, benefit, or allowance.  

If you come across a document that requires you to include your TFN, then you are allowed to cross out or remove your TFN before handing it over. Even if the person or entity asking for the document is technically allowed to collect your TFN, you can still take steps to protect your privacy by erasing it from the document.  

Remember, it’s always good to exercise caution and be aware of your rights when it comes to sharing personal information like your TFN. Our experienced team at Progressive Legal can guide you in recognising and exercising your legal rights when it comes to sharing this information. 

Key Takeaways

A TFN is an essential identification tool for individuals, organisations and agencies in Australia. It plays a crucial role in managing taxation, employment, government benefits, and financial transactions.

By applying for a TFN and using it effectively, you ensure compliance with tax laws, protect your identity, and access various financial benefits and services. Remember to handle your TFN with care, keeping it secure and providing it only to relevant parties as necessary.