How to Get a Tax File Number (TFN) — Step by Step Guide

What Is a Tax File Number?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Think of it like a Social Security Number (US), National Insurance Number (UK), or Social Insurance Number (Canada) — it's your personal reference number for tax purposes in Australia.

Your TFN is used to:

• Lodge tax returns
• Start employment (your employer needs it to tax you at the correct rate)
• Open bank accounts (banks need it to avoid withholding tax on interest)
• Apply for government benefits through Centrelink
• Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you start a business
• Set up your superannuation (retirement savings)

Why You Need a TFN Urgently

This is the critical thing to understand: without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate of 47% (plus the 2% Medicare levy, so effectively 49%). That means nearly half your pay goes to tax.

With a TFN, you pay tax at your actual rate — which for most new arrivals earning $50,000-$80,000 is around 20-30%. The difference is hundreds of dollars per week in your pocket.

How to Apply for a TFN

There are three ways to apply, depending on your situation:

Method 1: Online (Fastest — Recommended)

If you have a valid Australian visa, you can apply online through the ATO website. This is the fastest and easiest method.

1. Go to ato.gov.au TFN application page
2. Click "Apply for a TFN" and select the appropriate option for your visa type
3. Fill in your personal details — name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, passport number, visa details, and Australian residential address
4. Submit the application
5. You'll receive a reference number — keep this safe
6. Your TFN will be sent by post to your Australian address within 28 days

Method 2: By Phone

Call the ATO on 13 28 61 (within Australia) during business hours (8am-6pm Monday to Friday). An operator will take your details over the phone and process your application. You'll need the same information as the online application.

Method 3: In Person at a Tax Office

You can visit an ATO shopfront with your identity documents. This is useful if you're having trouble with the online application. You'll need your passport and visa grant letter. Note that ATO shopfronts are being reduced in number — check online before visiting.

What You Need to Apply

Gather these before starting your application:

• Valid passport — your passport number, country of issue, and expiry date
• Visa details — your visa subclass number and grant date (found on your visa grant notification from VEVO or ImmiAccount)
• Australian residential address — this is where your TFN letter will be posted. It cannot be a PO Box for the initial application.
• Your full legal name — exactly as it appears on your passport
• Date of birth
• Contact phone number — an Australian mobile number is preferred

Processing Time

After submitting your application, the ATO states it takes up to 28 days to receive your TFN by post. In practice:

• Most applications: 10-15 business days
• During peak periods (July-October): Can take the full 28 days or slightly longer
• If there are issues with your application: May take longer if the ATO needs to verify your identity

What to Do While Waiting for Your TFN

You don't need to wait for your TFN to start working. Here's what to do:

1. Tell your employer you've applied. When you start a new job, your employer will give you a TFN Declaration Form. On this form, you can tick the box that says "I have applied for a TFN" and leave the TFN field blank.
2. Your employer has 28 days. They can pay you at the standard tax rate for 28 days while you wait for your TFN. After 28 days without a TFN, they must switch to the highest rate.
3. Provide your TFN as soon as you get it. Once your TFN letter arrives, give the number to your employer immediately. They'll update your records and tax you at the correct rate going forward.
4. If you were overtaxed, don't worry — you'll get the excess back as a refund when you lodge your tax return at the end of the financial year.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New arrivals frequently make these errors — here's how to avoid them:

1. Applying Twice

If you've already applied and it's been less than 28 days, do not submit a second application. Multiple applications cause confusion in the system and can further delay your TFN. If it's been more than 28 days, call the ATO on 13 28 61 to check the status.

2. Wrong Address

If you move before receiving your TFN letter, call the ATO immediately to update your address. The letter cannot be redirected through Australia Post. If the letter is returned to the ATO, you'll need to call and request it be resent.

3. Name Mismatch

The name on your application must match your passport exactly. If your passport says "Mohammed" but you apply as "Mohamed," it may cause issues. Use your full legal name as it appears on your travel document.

4. Applying Before Arriving

You must have already arrived in Australia (or at least be in Australia) to apply for a TFN. You cannot apply from overseas before your trip. Plan to apply on your first or second day in Australia.

5. Paying a Third Party

The TFN application is completely free. Never pay anyone to help you apply. There are scam websites that charge for this service. Only apply through the official ato.gov.au website.

TFN vs ABN — What's the Difference?

This is a common source of confusion for new arrivals. Here's the clear distinction:

• TFN (Tax File Number): For individuals. Used for employment, tax returns, bank accounts, and Centrelink. Every working person in Australia needs one. Free to apply.
• ABN (Australian Business Number): For businesses and self-employed people. If you're a freelancer, sole trader, contractor, or running a business, you need an ABN in addition to your TFN. Also free to apply.

If you're working as an employee (getting a salary or hourly wage), you only need a TFN. If someone asks you to get an ABN to work for them, be cautious — this is sometimes used by employers to avoid paying superannuation and other employee entitlements. This is called "sham contracting" and is illegal in Australia.

Keeping Your TFN Safe

Your TFN is a sensitive piece of personal information. Here's how to protect it:

• Never share it publicly — don't post it on social media, include it in emails, or give it to anyone who doesn't genuinely need it.
• Who needs your TFN: Your employer, your bank, the ATO, Centrelink, and your super fund. That's essentially it.
• Who does NOT need your TFN: Real estate agents, phone companies, utility providers, random businesses, or anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the ATO via email or text.
• Memorise it — like a PIN, it's best to have your TFN memorised rather than carrying the letter around.
• Store the letter safely — keep the original letter in a secure place (safe, locked drawer) with your other important documents.
• Report suspected fraud — if you think someone has used your TFN without your permission, contact the ATO immediately on 13 28 61.

Linking Your TFN to myGov

Once you have your TFN, you should link it to your myGov account. This gives you online access to:

• ATO online services — lodge tax returns, check your tax status, manage your super
• Income statements — see your payment summaries from employers
• Super accounts — track and consolidate your superannuation
• Medicare — manage your Medicare details
• Centrelink — apply for and manage government payments

To link the ATO to myGov, you'll need your TFN plus additional identity verification (such as a Notice of Assessment from a previous tax return, or details from your bank account that's linked to the ATO).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

After submitting your application, it takes up to 28 days to receive your TFN by post. In practice, most people receive it within 10-15 business days. During peak periods (July-October), it can take longer. You cannot receive it by email or phone for security reasons.

What happens if I start work without a TFN?

If you don't provide a TFN to your employer within 28 days of starting, they must withhold tax at the highest marginal rate (currently 47% plus Medicare levy). Once you get your TFN and provide it, your employer will adjust your tax rate going forward. You'll get any excess tax refunded when you lodge your tax return.

What is the difference between a TFN and an ABN?

A TFN (Tax File Number) is for individuals and is used for employment, tax returns, and government payments. An ABN (Australian Business Number) is for running a business or freelancing. Most people need a TFN; you only need an ABN if you're self-employed or operating a business. Never let an employer pressure you into getting an ABN instead of a TFN — that's a red flag.

Can I apply for a TFN online?

Yes, if you have a valid visa you can apply online through the ATO website at ato.gov.au. This is the fastest method. You can also apply by phone (13 28 61) or by visiting a tax office in person with your identity documents. The application is completely free.

Do I keep the same TFN for life?

Yes, your TFN is yours for life. It doesn't change if you change jobs, move address, get a new visa, or become an Australian citizen. Never apply for a second TFN — if you lose yours, contact the ATO on 13 28 61 to retrieve it. Having two TFNs causes complications with your tax records.

Can I open a bank account without a TFN?

Yes, you can open a bank account without a TFN. However, if you don't provide your TFN to the bank within 28 days, they'll withhold tax on any interest earned at the highest marginal rate. For most savings accounts, this isn't a huge amount, but it's best to provide your TFN as soon as you receive it. Read our First 30 Days guide for the full bank account setup process.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the TFN application process. Tax rules change regularly — always check the ATO website for the most current information. SettleAU is not a registered tax agent. This is not tax advice.