What is a tax file number (TFN) ?
Your tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and super systems.
Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity, so keep it secure.
Your TFN is yours for life. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.
You don’t have to have a TFN, but without one you 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 an Australian resident, you can apply for a tax file number (TFN) in various ways but the easiest and often the most convenient is via an online form and provide proof of identity documents at your local Australia Post office.
You can apply for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet if you’re an Australian resident and able to attend an interview. There is no fee for lodging a TFN application.
Steps to follow to apply for a TFN are:
Print the summary, which will include your application reference number, and take it to your Australia Post interview.
Attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form.
(You’ll need to take your printed summary and proof of identity documents to the interview.)
Alternatively you can apply at Centelink or via post, see ATO for further details
