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taxes

What is a Tax File Number (TFN) & How To Apply in Australia

A Tax File Number (TFN) is important for all Australians – and not just for tax purposes. In this guide, we’ll provide a definition of a Tax File Number and explain how it fits into the Australian taxation system. 


We’ll also cover the following topics:


  • What’s a TFN?
  • What does a Tax File Number look like?
  • Why Do I Need a TFN?
  • How To Apply for a TFN
  • Consider the Type of TFN You Need for Businesses
  • Protecting Your Personal Information
  • How To Find A Tax File Number 

TFN Defined


So, what’s a TFN? 


A TFN is a 9-digit number provided to you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It’s a unique reference number that’s used as part of your super and tax records. Your TFN stays with you when you move interstate or overseas, change your name, or change jobs. 


Organisations can also be issued with a TFN – it’s used for reporting income and complying with tax obligations.


The easiest way to define ‘TFN’ (Tax File Number) is: it’s how the ATO identifies individuals and organisations. Essentially, it facilitates streamlined interactions with the ATO at tax time. 

What Does a TFN Look Like?


A TFN is usually formatted in three groups of three digits, like this:


  • 123 456 789
  • 987 654 321
  • 456 789 123


Each TFN is unique to an individual or organisation and should be kept confidential to prevent identity theft or fraud.

Why Do I Need a TFN?


It’s not compulsory for individuals to have a TFN, but without one, you’ll 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).


If you’re starting a business, applying for a TFN is essential. A business can use its TFN to apply for an ABN and electronically lodge tax returns. 


If you are an Australian citizen or Australian resident for tax purposes, you are eligible to apply for a TFN. You are not eligible to apply for a TFN if you are a temporary visitor or live outside Australia. Permanent migrants and working holidaymakers are eligible but must be in Australia to apply. 

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:


  1. Set up your myID (formally mygovID)
  2. Review the ATO terms and conditions 
  3. 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: 


  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. Attend your interview and don’t forget your application summary and original proof of identity documents.
  5. 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:


  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 



Types of TFN Needed for Businesses


What is a TFN in Australia for businesses? 


For businesses operating in Australia, a TFN is used for lodging tax returns, meeting Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding obligations, and interacting with the ATO.


While a TFN is used primarily for tax reporting, an ABN (Australian Business Number) is essential for conducting business transactions in Australia. Find out how to apply for an ABN


The type of TFN you apply for will depend on your business structure:


1. Trust, Company, or Partnership


You will need a TFN specifically for your trust, company, or partnership. Most businesses or organisations can apply for a TFN while completing their ABN application.


2. Sole Trader


If you are a sole trader, you can use your personal TFN when dealing with the ATO. (If you do not yet have an individual TFN, you will need to apply for one). 


More information can be found here: Registering your business.

Protecting Your Personal Information

You should take steps to protect your personal information. Identity theft is as simple as getting access to basic details like your name, address, date of birth, or TFN.

Only certain organisations will ask you for your TFN: 


  • The ATO
  • Your financial institution or bank
  • Your employer once you start a job
  • Centrelink
  • Your superannuation fund
  • Your registered tax agent 


If anyone else requests your TFN, you should not share it with them. Learn more here: Protect your personal identifying information.

How To Find Your Tax File Number 

If you've lost your TFN, you can retrieve it by checking:


  • Your income tax notice of assessment from the ATO
  • Any correspondence from the ATO
  • Your employer’s payment summary
  • Your superannuation fund account statement


If you've linked your ATO account to myGov, you can also find your TFN there.


If you still can't locate it, contact your accountant or tax agent, as they may have it on file. Otherwise, contact the ATO (be prepared to verify your identity).


If you suspect your TFN has been stolen or misused, call the ATO’s identity theft hotline at 1800 467 033 for immediate assistance.

Digital Content Editor for Intuit Australia Jessica Holmes featured blog post
Jessica Holmes
Digital Marketer

Jessica Holmes is the Digital Content Editor for Intuit Australia. She loves to keep up with the latest digital trends and has a desire to see small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the best breakfast spots around Sydney and baking for her food blog, Sweetest Menu.

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