How do I get a tax file number - the facts (Updated 2020)

Sep 18, 2020

If you want to lodge a tax return in Australia you will need a tax file number (TFN) to do so.

What is a tax file number?

TFNs, Tax file numbers are a nine digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office. Your TFN is yours for life and is the same number even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas. It is an important part of your tax and superannuation records, as well as your identity.

How do I apply for a tax file number?

A new taxpayer receives a tax file number within about a month of making an application and providing proof of identity. How you apply for a TFN will depend on your circumstances:

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors -

To work in Australia, temporary visitors and permanent migrants need authorisation (a valid visa) from the Department of Home Affairs.

You can apply for a TFN if you meet all the following three conditions:

You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
You are already in Australia.
Your visa is one of the following

a permanent resident visa
a visa with work rights
an overseas student visa
a visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

To apply online you must have a valid passport or relevant travel documents. If you don't have a valid visa, you can't apply for a TFN. Apply here

Australian residents -

Applying for a tax file number (TFN) is free. You can apply for a TFN if you're an Australian resident, that is if either you:

were born in Australia
have taken out Australian citizenship

If you are an Australian resident for tax purposes.If you are the Australian resident the quickest way to apply is here online

People living outside Australia -

People living outside Australia with Australian sourced income need to apply for a tax file number (TFN) to claim a refund of any tax withheld, from an Australian bank account or from dividends from Australian shares.

You can apply for a TFN if you:

receive income from an Australian source, other than interest, dividends or royalty payments, such as rental income
receive income from Australian business interests
have a spouse who is an Australian resident and is applying for family tax benefit
are a member of an Australian superannuation fund that
you expect to receive benefits from
you intend to make personal contributions to
contributions are made to on your behalf
need to lodge an Australian tax return or apply for an Australian business number (ABN). You can download the form here

Business and TFN’s, Tax file numbers

The type of TFN that you need depends on your business structure.

If you operate a partnership, company or trust, your business will need its own TFN.

A TFN can be obtained at the same time as an Australian Business Number (ABN), using the same application form.

Sole traders use their own personal TFN.

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