How to Apply for a TFN Australia 2025
A step-by-step guide to getting your Tax File Number, whether you're an Australian resident, migrant, or working holiday visa holder.
IntuitiveCalc Team
Financial Content Specialist
A Tax File Number (TFN) is your unique identifier for tax purposes in Australia. You'll need one to work legally, open a bank account without excessive tax, and lodge your tax return. The good news? It's completely free to apply.
Key Facts
- • TFN application is FREE - never pay for one
- • Processing time: approximately 28 days
- • You can start work while waiting for your TFN
- • Your TFN is for life - you'll never need a new one
Table of Contents
Who Needs a TFN?
You need a TFN if you want to:
- Work in Australia - Employers need your TFN to pay you correctly
- Lodge a tax return - Required to file your annual return
- Open a bank account - Without TFN, 47% tax on interest
- Receive government benefits - Centrelink requires your TFN
- Apply for an ABN - Business registration needs TFN
- Have a super fund - Your superannuation is linked to your TFN
Who Can Apply?
| Category | Eligible? | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Australian citizen | Yes | Online + Australia Post |
| Permanent resident | Yes | Online + Australia Post |
| Working holiday visa (417/462) | Yes | Online only (from Australia) |
| Student visa | Yes | Online only (from Australia) |
| Skilled work visa | Yes | Online only (from Australia) |
| Tourist visa | No | Cannot work in Australia |
Before You Apply
Gather the following documents before starting your application:
For Australian Citizens/Permanent Residents
Required Documents (one of these)
- • Australian passport (current or expired within last 2 years), OR
- • Australian birth certificate + photo ID (driver licence, proof of age card)
Plus You'll Need
- • Current residential address in Australia
- • Contact phone number
- • Date of birth
For Visa Holders (Working Holiday, Student, Work Visa)
Required Documents
- • Valid foreign passport
- • Valid Australian visa (with work rights)
- • Travel document number
- • Australian address (can be hostel, friend's address, etc.)
Important
You must be in Australia when you apply. Applications from overseas are not accepted for visa holders.
Application Methods
Method 1: Online (Recommended)
The fastest and easiest way to apply. Processing is typically quicker than paper applications.
- Australian citizens/PRs: Apply online, then verify identity at Australia Post
- Visa holders: Apply entirely online - no Post Office visit needed
Method 2: Paper Application
Available for those who cannot apply online:
- Download form from ATO website
- Complete by hand
- Mail to the ATO with certified copies of ID
- Takes longer to process
Avoid TFN Scams
TFN applications are always free. Never pay anyone to apply for a TFN on your behalf. Only use the official ATO website: ato.gov.au
Step-by-Step Application
For Australian Citizens & Permanent Residents
Step 1: Start Online Application
- 1. Go to ato.gov.au/tfn
- 2. Click "Apply for a TFN"
- 3. Select "Australian resident" option
- 4. Complete the online form (takes 10-15 minutes)
- 5. You'll receive an Application Reference Number (ARN)
Step 2: Verify Identity at Australia Post
- 1. Visit a participating Australia Post within 14 days
- 2. Bring your ARN and ID documents
- 3. Staff will verify your identity (free service)
- 4. You'll receive confirmation of identity verification
Step 3: Receive Your TFN
- 1. Wait approximately 28 days
- 2. TFN will be sent by mail to your address
- 3. Keep the letter safe - memorise your TFN
For Visa Holders (Working Holiday, Student, etc.)
Complete Process (Online Only)
- 1. Ensure you're already in Australia
- 2. Go to ATO foreign passport application
- 3. Select your visa type
- 4. Enter passport details exactly as shown
- 5. Enter your visa details
- 6. Provide your Australian address
- 7. Submit the application
- 8. No Post Office visit required
- 9. TFN arrives by mail in ~28 days
Tip for Visa Holders
Apply for your TFN immediately after arriving in Australia. The 28-day processing time means you'll have your TFN by the time you find a job.
Processing Time
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online (visa holders) | 28 days |
| Online + Post Office (citizens/PRs) | 28 days after Post Office verification |
| Paper application | 28-50 days |
Tracking Your Application
Unfortunately, there's no way to track your TFN application online. If it's been more than 28 days:
- Call the ATO on 13 28 61
- Have your application details ready
- They can check the status and resend if needed
Working While Waiting for Your TFN
You don't need to wait for your TFN to start working. Here's what to do:
The 28-Day Rule
You Have 28 Days
When you start a new job, you have 28 days to provide your TFN to your employer. During this time:
- • Tell your employer you've applied for a TFN
- • Complete the TFN Declaration form and select "I have made an application/enquiry"
- • Provide your TFN within 28 days of starting
- • Your employer should withhold tax at normal rates (not the higher rate)
What If You Don't Provide TFN in 28 Days?
Higher Tax Rate Applied
If you don't provide your TFN within 28 days, your employer must withhold tax at the top marginal rate (45%) plus Medicare Levy (2%) = 47% on all your earnings. This continues until you provide your TFN.
Opening a Bank Account Without TFN
You can open a bank account before receiving your TFN, but:
- You have 28 days to provide your TFN to the bank
- After 28 days, the bank withholds 47% tax on any interest earned
- You can claim this back when lodging your tax return
After Receiving Your TFN
What to Do with Your New TFN
- Memorise it - Learn your 9-digit TFN like your phone number
- Store safely - Keep the letter in a secure location
- Provide to employer - Update your TFN Declaration form
- Provide to bank - Update your bank account details
- Link to myGov - Connect to ATO services online
- Keep it confidential - Never share publicly
Setting Up myGov
Link Your TFN to myGov
- 1. Create a myGov account at my.gov.au
- 2. Link to the ATO service
- 3. You'll need your TFN and other details to verify
- 4. Access tax returns, income statements, super info online
Your TFN Never Changes
Your TFN stays the same for life, even if:
- You change your name (marriage, etc.)
- You move addresses
- You change jobs
- You leave and return to Australia
- Your visa status changes
Related Calculators & Resources
PAYG Tax Explained
Understand how tax is withheld from your pay.
First Tax Return Guide
Lodge your first Australian tax return.
Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after tax.
Bank Account Guide
Opening your first Australian bank account.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ TFN application is completely free - never pay for one
- ✓ Apply online at ato.gov.au - it's the fastest method
- ✓ Processing takes approximately 28 days
- ✓ You can start work while waiting - you have 28 days to provide TFN
- ✓ Visa holders apply entirely online - no Post Office needed
- ✓ Your TFN is for life - it never changes
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about applying for a Tax File Number in Australia as of January 2025. For official information and to apply, visit the Australian Taxation Office website. This content is for informational purposes only.