Tax File Number Australia: How to Apply, What It Is & FAQs (2026)

What Is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It identifies you in the Australian tax system and stays with you for life — regardless of how many jobs you have, where you live, or whether your visa changes.

Your TFN is used to:

• Report your income to the ATO
• Lodge your annual tax return and claim refunds
• Set up superannuation (retirement savings)
• Access Centrelink payments and government services
• Open certain bank accounts and investments

Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate (47%) regardless of your actual income. It is one of the first things you should apply for when you arrive in Australia.

Who Needs a Tax File Number?

You need a TFN if you:

• Plan to work in Australia (any visa — student, working holiday, skilled worker, or permanent resident)
• Earn any income in Australia, including freelance, casual, or part-time work
• Want to open certain bank accounts or investment accounts
• Plan to lodge a tax return to claim a refund
• Receive Centrelink payments or government benefits
• Set up a superannuation account

Even if you are not working immediately, apply for your TFN as soon as you arrive — it takes up to 28 days to arrive by post.

Three Ways to Apply for a TFN

1. Online via the ATO Website (Best for International Students and Temporary Visa Holders)

The fastest method for new arrivals. The ATO verifies your identity using your passport and visa details so no in-person visit is needed. Go to ato.gov.au — Apply for a TFN and choose the foreign passport holder option.

2. Via Australia Post (For Australian Residents and Permanent Visa Holders)

Australian residents and some permanent visa holders can apply through a participating Australia Post outlet. You start the application online at the ATO website, then visit a Post Office to have your identity documents verified in person. The ATO then mails your TFN.

3. At an ATO Service Centre (In-Person)

Some ATO service centres can assist with complex TFN applications. Use the ATO contact page to find a service centre near you.

What You Will Need to Apply

Before starting your application, have these ready:

• Passport — your foreign passport containing your visa or evidence of your visa grant
• Visa details — visa subclass, grant date, and expiry date (find these on your visa grant letter or via VEVO)
• Australian address — where the ATO will post your TFN letter
• Contact details — email address and phone number
• Full name and date of birth — exactly as shown in your passport

If you do not yet have a permanent address, use your university accommodation, hostel, or a friend's address. You can update your address with the ATO later.

Step-by-Step: Apply Online (International Students and Temporary Visa Holders)

Step 1 — Visit the ATO TFN Application Page

Go to ato.gov.au — Apply for a TFN and select the option for foreign passport holders.

Step 2 — Confirm You Are in Australia

The ATO will confirm you are applying from within Australia and that your visa is valid. You must be physically in Australia to apply.

Step 3 — Enter Your Personal Details

Provide your full name (exactly as in your passport), date of birth, country of birth, email address, and phone number.

Step 4 — Enter Your Visa Information

Enter your visa subclass, visa number, grant date, and expiry date. Double-check these — errors are the most common cause of delays.

Step 5 — Provide Your Australian Address

This is where your TFN letter will be sent. Use an address where you will reliably receive mail for the next 4 weeks.

Step 6 — Review and Submit

Check every field carefully, then submit. Save your application reference number — you can use it to track progress on the ATO website.

Step 7 — Receive Your TFN by Post

The ATO posts your TFN letter within 28 days. Keep this letter permanently — your TFN never changes.

Can I Work While Waiting for My TFN?

Yes — you can start work while waiting for your TFN, as long as you have already submitted your application. Tell your employer you have applied and give them your application reference number.

However: if you do not provide your TFN within 28 days of starting work, your employer is legally required to withhold tax at 47% — the highest rate. Once you provide your TFN, normal withholding rates apply. You can claim any overpaid tax back when you lodge your annual tax return.

How to Find Your TFN If You Have Lost It

If you already have a TFN but cannot find it, check these places:

• myGov — log into my.gov.au, link to the ATO, and your TFN is shown in your profile
• Previous tax returns — your TFN appears on any return you have lodged
• Income statements or payment summaries — your employer or the ATO may have sent these
• Superannuation statements — your super fund holds your TFN on file
• Call the ATO — phone 13 28 61 and verify your identity to have your TFN confirmed

Do not apply for a second TFN. Each person can only have one. If you have lost yours, recover it through one of the methods above.

Linking Your TFN to myGov

Once you have your TFN, create a myGov account at my.gov.au and link it to the ATO. This gives you online access to:

• Your income statements and payment summaries
• Pre-filled tax return information
• Your superannuation accounts
• ATO correspondence and notices

myGov is also how most people in Australia lodge their tax return online for free using the ATO's myTax tool. For most working holiday makers and students, a straightforward tax return takes under 30 minutes.

Using Your TFN at Work

When you start a new job, your employer will ask you to complete a Tax File Number Declaration form. Provide your TFN so your employer can:

• Report your income to the ATO accurately
• Calculate the correct amount of tax to withhold from your pay
• Make superannuation contributions to your nominated fund

Keep your TFN confidential. Only share it with your employer, bank, superannuation fund, the ATO, or Centrelink. Legitimate organisations will never ask for your TFN by email or social media.

Protecting Your TFN from Scams

TFN fraud is a serious problem in Australia. Protect yourself:

• Never share your TFN via email, text, or social media
• The ATO never demands immediate payment by phone or threatens arrest — hang up on any caller who does
• The TFN application is free — any website charging a fee is a scam
• Report suspected TFN fraud to the ATO on 1800 060 062
• Check your myGov account regularly for unexpected changes

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply on arrival — do not wait until you have a job offer; the process takes up to 28 days
• Use a reliable postal address — if you move before your letter arrives, update your address with the ATO
• Check your visa details carefully — errors in your visa subclass or dates are the most common cause of rejections
• It is free — never pay anyone to apply for a TFN on your behalf
• Your university international student office can help — many have staff experienced with the ATO process

Official Resources

• ATO — Apply for a Tax File Number — official application page
• ATO Contact Page — individuals line: 13 28 61 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm)
• myGov — link your TFN and lodge tax returns online
• VEVO — Check Your Visa Details — find your visa subclass and grant date
• Fair Work Ombudsman — for workplace rights including unpaid wages and TFN obligations

Important: This article provides general information only and is not tax or legal advice. Tax laws and ATO processes can change. For advice specific to your situation, contact the Australian Taxation Office directly on 13 28 61 or speak with a registered tax agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It identifies you in the tax system and is used for employment, tax returns, superannuation, and government services. Your TFN stays the same for your entire life.

How long does it take to get a TFN in Australia?

Online applications for temporary visa holders typically take up to 28 days to arrive by post, though many people receive theirs within 7–14 days. Apply as soon as you arrive in Australia so your TFN is ready when you need it.

Can I work in Australia while waiting for my TFN?

Yes. You can start work while waiting for your TFN if you have already submitted your application. Tell your employer you have applied. If you do not provide your TFN within 28 days of starting work, your employer must withhold tax at 47% until you do — but you can claim the overpaid tax back in your annual return.

How do I apply for a TFN via Australia Post?

Australian residents and permanent visa holders can apply through a participating Australia Post outlet. You start the application online at the ATO website, then visit a Post Office for in-person identity verification. The ATO then sends your TFN by post.

How do I find my TFN if I have lost it?

Log into myGov (my.gov.au) and link it to the ATO — your TFN is displayed in your profile. You can also find it on previous tax returns, income statements, or super fund statements. Alternatively, call the ATO on 13 28 61 to verify your identity and have it confirmed. Never apply for a second TFN.

Is it free to apply for a Tax File Number?

Yes, applying for a TFN through the ATO is completely free. Never pay any website or agent to apply for a TFN on your behalf — this is a scam. Use only the official ATO website at ato.gov.au.

Can I apply for a TFN before arriving in Australia?

No. You must be physically in Australia to apply for a TFN. Apply as soon as you arrive and have an Australian postal address where you can receive your TFN letter.

What is the ATO phone number for TFN enquiries?

For individual tax enquiries including TFN questions, call the ATO on 13 28 61, available Monday to Friday 8am–6pm local time. For TFN fraud or misuse, call 1800 060 062.

Do international students need a Tax File Number?

Yes. If you plan to work in Australia on a student visa, you need a TFN so your employer can withhold the correct amount of tax. Without a TFN provided within 28 days, your employer must withhold 47% of your income. Apply online through the ATO website as soon as you arrive.

What happens to my TFN when my visa expires or I leave Australia?

Your TFN is permanent and never expires. It remains the same even if your visa ends, you leave Australia, or you return years later. Store your TFN letter somewhere safe before you depart.