How To Apply for a TFN (Individuals)
You can apply for a TFN online, at a Services Australia centre, or through Australia Post. The application process will be slightly different depending on whether:
In both these cases, applying for a TFN is free.
We provide more detail about these application options below:
Online TFN Application for Australian Citizens
If you are an Australian citizen with an Australian passport you can apply online using your myGovID. By doing this you will receive your TFN straight away and you’ll be able to start accessing myGov and ATO online services.
For Norfolk Island Residents and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, the TFN application may be different. Please visit the ATO pages for more information.
To apply for your TFN online, you must be 15 years old or older. You’ll also need:
- An Australian passport
- At least one more Australian identity document, such as your driver’s license
Once you have your documents, you can follow the following steps to complete your application:
- Set up your myID (formally mygovID)
- Review the ATO terms and conditions
- Apply for your TFN
Once you complete this process, you should receive your TFN straight away. It will be displayed on the screen and you can then download or print a summary of your application, which will also include your TFN number.
TFN Application for Internationals (Australian Residents for Tax Purposes)
If you are not an Australian citizen but identify as an Australian resident for tax purposes, your options for applying for a TFN will depend on the identity documents you can provide.
Note: If you’re not sure if you are an Australian resident for tax purposes, you can use the ATO tax residency test to find out.
Here are the different ways you can apply for a TFN:
If You Want to Apply at Australia Post
You can apply for a TFN at Australia Post if you are able to attend an interview. There is no fee for lodging your TFN application with Australia Post. Here are the steps how to apply at Australia Post:
- Visit the Australian Tax Office's website to complete the online application. You may need to have your Australian (or international) passport to provide identification.
- Gather your identity documents and relevant information and print your application summary. You will need these at your interview if you choose to apply at Australia Post.
- You will need to find a nearby Post Office that accepts TFN applications and book your interview within 30 days of completing your online form.
- Attend your interview and don’t forget your application summary and original proof of identity documents.
- Sign your application during your interview at Australia Post to complete your TFN application.
Once your interview is complete, you should receive the TFN within 28 calendar days. You will receive your TFN via mail from the ATO. They will use the address included in your application.
If You Want to Apply at a Services Australia Centre
As an Australian resident for tax purposes, you can apply in person at a Services Australia centre. Here are the steps:
- Get a copy of the Tax File Number application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432) form. You can either order it online on the ATO page, or you can ask for one at the Services Australia centre you visit.
- Provide your original proof of identity documents at the Services Australia centre.
Once your TFN application has been processed, the ATO will send your TFN to you.
If You Can’t Apply for your TFN Via Any Other Channels, You Will Have to Apply By Post
If you are having issues applying online, via Australia Post, Services Australia, or any of the other available channels, you will need to complete a paper form and apply via post.
The form you will need for this is called Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432). To get a copy of this paper form you can either:
Please send the completed form and the certified copies of your proof of identity documents to the address listed on the form.
If you have any other questions about this process or applying for your TFN, you can check the ATO TFN application enquiry page.