A conceptual illustration showing an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) guide with a laptop, Australian flag icon, and tax documents.

 

Last updated: June 2026  |  Reading time: 8 min

When I first moved to Australia for work, the very first thing my employer asked for was a Tax File Number. I had no idea what it was or where to get one — I just knew I needed it before my first payslip, or I'd be taxed at the highest possible rate with no way to get it back easily.

If you're new to Australia, starting a job, or opening a bank account for the first time, your TFN is the first piece of the financial puzzle. Here's everything you need to know — including how to apply, what to do if you lose it, and what happens if you don't have one.

What Is a Tax File Number?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to identify you in the tax and superannuation systems. It stays with you for life — you keep the same TFN whether you change jobs, move interstate, get married, or become an Australian citizen.

Think of it as your personal ID number for anything money-related with the government. Banks, employers, super funds, Centrelink, and the ATO all use it to connect financial activity to you specifically.

One TFN for life: Unlike some countries where tax IDs can change, your Australian TFN never changes and never expires. If you applied for one 20 years ago and haven't used it since, it's still valid — you just need to find it.

Who Needs a TFN?

👔
Employees

Anyone starting a job in Australia. Without a TFN, your employer is legally required to withhold tax at the top marginal rate (47%) from your pay.

🏦
Bank account holders

Banks will withhold tax at the highest rate on any interest earned if you don't provide your TFN when opening an account.

🦺
Super fund members

Your employer needs your TFN to make super contributions. Without it, your super fund can't accept contributions and you may miss out on the government co-contribution.

📋
Centrelink recipients

Required to claim most government payments and benefits, including JobSeeker, Family Tax Benefit, and parental leave.

Technically, providing your TFN is voluntary — you can't be fined for not having one. But in practice, not having one costs you money through higher withholding tax, and sorting out the mess afterwards takes time and effort.

How to Apply for a TFN

The application process depends on your situation. Most people apply online, but there are a few different pathways.

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident

  1. 1
    Apply online through myGov Go to ato.gov.au and use the online TFN application. You'll need a myGov account linked to the ATO — or you can apply without one using the ATO's standalone form.
  2. 2
    Verify your identity You'll need your Australian passport, driver's licence, or Medicare card to verify your identity during the application. The ATO uses document verification services to confirm your details automatically in most cases.
  3. 3
    Receive your TFN If everything checks out, you'll receive your TFN within 28 days by post, or in some cases you can see it immediately in your myGov account under ATO services.

If you're a foreign resident or on a temporary visa

You can apply for a TFN if you're in Australia and have permission to work. The process is similar — apply online via the ATO website using your passport and visa details. Your visa type doesn't need to be permanent; working holiday makers (417/462 visas), student visa holders with work rights, and skilled visa holders can all apply.

Working holiday makers: Apply for your TFN as soon as you arrive and have a fixed address in Australia. You'll need it before you start any paid work. It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks to arrive by post, so don't leave it until the day you start a job.

In-person at Australia Post

If you'd prefer to apply in person or don't have the documents required for the online process, you can visit a participating Australia Post office to complete a paper TFN application. You'll need to bring original identity documents. The ATO then processes it and posts your TFN to you.

What Happens Without a TFN?

Not providing your TFN doesn't mean you're breaking the law — but it does mean everyone who pays you money is required to withhold tax at the highest rate.

  • Employer: Withholds 47% (top marginal rate + Medicare Levy) from your pay
  • Bank: Withholds 47% from any interest earned on savings accounts
  • Super fund: Can't accept employer contributions — you may lose super entitlements until your TFN is provided
  • Centrelink: Won't process most payment applications without a TFN

You can technically recover overpaid tax at the end of the financial year by lodging a tax return, but that's a lot of hassle for something that takes less than 15 minutes to sort out upfront.

How to Find Your TFN If You've Lost It

Your TFN appears in several places you might already have access to:

  • Previous tax returns or notices of assessment from the ATO
  • Your myGov account under ATO services → "My profile"
  • Payment summaries or income statements from past employers
  • Letters from the ATO
  • Your super fund's annual statement

If you genuinely can't find it anywhere, call the ATO on 13 28 61 and go through their identity verification process. They'll confirm your TFN over the phone once they've verified who you are. They won't issue a new one — you'll always have the same number.

Never share your TFN unnecessarily. Your TFN is a sensitive identifier. Only provide it to employers (on a tax file number declaration form), your super fund, Centrelink, your bank, and the ATO. You should never need to email it or post it publicly. TFN scams — where someone calls pretending to be the ATO and asks for your TFN — do happen. The real ATO will never call you unexpectedly and demand personal information.

TFN Declaration Form — What Your Employer Needs

When you start a new job, your employer will give you a Tax File Number Declaration form. This is separate from your TFN itself — it tells your employer how much tax to withhold from your pay based on your circumstances.

On this form you'll confirm:

  • Your TFN
  • Whether you're an Australian resident for tax purposes
  • Whether you want to claim the tax-free threshold (if this is your main job)
  • Whether you have a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP/HECS) debt
Claiming the tax-free threshold: You can only claim the tax-free threshold from one employer at a time — your primary job. If you have two jobs and claim it from both, you'll end up owing tax at the end of the year. If you're starting a second job, select "No" for the tax-free threshold on that employer's declaration form.

Common Questions

Can I apply for a TFN before arriving in Australia? ▼
No — you need to be physically in Australia to apply. The ATO requires an Australian address for the TFN to be sent to, and most identity verification processes require you to be in the country. Apply as soon as you arrive and have a fixed address.
Is a TFN the same as an ABN? ▼
No — they're different. A TFN is your personal tax identifier as an individual. An ABN (Australian Business Number) is issued to businesses, sole traders, and contractors. If you do freelance or contract work, you may need both — your TFN for personal tax purposes and an ABN to invoice clients and register for GST if your turnover exceeds $75,000.
Do I need a TFN to open a bank account? ▼
You can open a bank account without a TFN, but the bank will withhold tax at 47% on any interest your account earns until you provide one. It's worth getting your TFN sorted before or shortly after opening the account to avoid unnecessary withholding.
What if my employer asks for my TFN before I've received it? ▼
You have 28 days from starting a new job to provide your TFN. During that window, your employer cannot withhold tax at the top rate — they must use the rate that applies if you had provided your TFN. Let your employer know you've applied and give them the number as soon as it arrives.
Can my TFN be cancelled or changed? ▼
No. A TFN is issued once and stays with you for life. It cannot be cancelled, changed, or transferred to another person. If you believe your TFN has been compromised or used fraudulently, contact the ATO immediately on 13 28 61 to report it and protect your account.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. ATO processes and requirements may change. Always refer to ato.gov.au or consult a registered tax agent for advice specific to your situation.

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