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Are you an Australian resident and need a tax file number (TFN) or TFN application form PDF? We can help. Apply online and verify your identity at one of our participating post offices around Australia.

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TFN application form 2023 PDF Download

What is a tax file number (TFN)?

A tax file number (TFN) is a unique 9 digit number issued to individuals and organisations to administer tax and other Australian government systems.

Who is eligible for a Tax File Number – TFN Application?

All Australian residents can apply for a TFN online.

You can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these 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 migrant visa
- a visa with work rights
- an overseas student visa
- a visa allowing you to stay in Australian indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

Please note: TFN application applies to Australian residents only. There is no fee for a TFN application. Any Australian resident can apply for a TFN at no cost.

If you live outside Australia, or are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor, Please visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

How to apply for Tax file number (TFN) Online

To apply for TFN Online follow the following steps;

Complete the online application form by visiting the ATO website
Print the application summary and gather your required identity documents to present at an interview
Find a participating Post Office near you. Only selected Post Offices accept TFN applications. While bookings are not essential, you may book an appointment if you prefer
To complete your application, you must visit a participating Post Office for an interview within 30 days of printing your application summary. Don’t forget to bring along your application summary and required identity documents

NOTE: You should receive your TFN within 28 days after your interview. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will mail your TFN to the postal address on your application. Your patience during the processing period is appreciated. Please do not lodge another application during this time.

Why is Your TFN Important?

The Tax File Number is a requirement to transact with the Australian Taxation Office. It is also useful to other organisations, particularly the government agencies in the country. Typically, you will have to provide your TFN for the following transactions:

You lodge your tax return with the ATO
You start working
You change jobs
You establish a business as a sole trader and apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
You apply for HECS-HELP
You wish to claim the Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
You make payments under PAYG, or you are the recipient
You want to apply for assistance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
You will submit an application for payments through Centrelink

With all the transactions mentioned, you may automatically think that you should get a Tax File Number. In reality, having a TFN is not a necessity. You do not have to apply for a Tax File Number your whole life because the law does not require it.

There is a problem when you do not have a TFN though, especially if you are working. Your employer should take 47% of your salary and pay it in taxes. Additionally, any financial institution will deny 47% of interest earned.

Just the thought of paying more tax will encourage you to apply for a TFN. If you do not have this particular number, it will certainly stop you from filing your tax returns in the easiest possible way. You are not allowed to process your tax returns electronically. For most people, it becomes a burden to meet their tax obligations. It may also be challenging to get your money back – even if the government owes it to you.

Those who will need to apply for government benefits are required to have a Tax File Number. The TFN makes it easier for the tax office to search your records.

Meanwhile, if you wish to start a business, you cannot apply for an Australian Business Number without having a TFN first.