Getting a tax file number

How do you apply?

There are different ways of applying for a tax file number (TFN), depending on if you are:

a secondary school student
an Australian citizen (or a resident without work rights) who is not at school
an overseas visitor or student and you have a visa permitting you to work
a protected person (applicant unable to sign their TFN application).

To get a TFN you need to give us evidence of your identity. If you use evidence of identity documents to do this, the documents must be unaltered originals - see How do you provide evidence of identity documents? You will find a list of acceptable evidence of identity documents on the back of the TFN application form.

Secondary school students

If you are a secondary school student, the quickest and easiest way for you to get your TFN is via the secondary schools TFN program. Applying this way is easy because your school verifies your identity. You don't need to provide any evidence of identity documents. However, you will still need to include on the form some details from one of the following:

your Australian birth certificate
your Australian citizenship certificate
your overseas passport.

Check with your school to see if they are part of the program.

Australian citizens (and residents without work rights)

If you are an Australian citizen aged 16 years old or older and able to attend an interview at one of the participating Australia Post retail outlets, you can apply for a TFN on the web.

Otherwise, you will need to complete a paper Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432) form. You can get a copy of this form:

through online ordering
by phoning 1300 720 092
from one of our shopfronts or selected newsagents
by asking Centrelink for a copy of the form if you are applying for a government benefit or pension.

There are two ways to get your completed paper application to us:

Post it to us, with your original, unaltered evidence of identity documents specified on the form. We will check your documents and return them to your nominated address by registered mail.
Take it to one of our shopfronts. Make sure you have your original evidence of identity documents with you. A tax officer will check your documents and give them straight back to you. It is a good idea to make an appointment before you come in - phone 13 28 61.

If you are applying for a Centrelink benefit you can apply for your TFN at the same time. The Centrelink officer will check your identity documents and give them straight back to you, then forward your application to us.

Overseas visitor or student visa holders with work rights

You can apply for your TFN online if you are a visa holder with work rights, such as:

a working holiday-maker
a New Zealand citizen
an overseas student whose course of study is six months or longer.

When you apply this way, our electronic systems verify your identity through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC's) systems - DIAC was formerly the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Make sure that you keep a record of your receipt number.

To apply for your TFN online you need a:

valid passport
work visa authorised by DIAC.

Protected persons (applicants who are unable to sign their TFN application)

If you are 16 years or older and someone is appointed to help you with financial and legal matters, ask them to phone us on 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday to discuss your application and the identification you need to supply. We have special arrangements in place to help you with the application process.

Appointees can include:

guardians (legally able to act on behalf of someone under a power of attorney or a court order)
carers (those who provide care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail/aged)
parents.

How do you provide evidence of identity documents?

All evidence of identity documents that you bring to our shopfront must be originals, except for documents that you do not own, such as when your name appears on the back of your parent's Australian citizenship certificate. In this case, you can give us a certified copy of the document.

There are some situations where you can post us certified copies of identification documents - for example, if you:

live in a remote area and cannot visit an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or Centrelink shopfront
require the documents on a day-to-day basis - such as your drivers licence
are incapacitated through illness or infirmity
need to update your date of birth on our records.

How old do you have to be to apply?

You can apply for a TFN at any age; however, if you are:

12 years old or younger, your parent or guardian must sign on your behalf
between 13 and 15 years old, either you or your parent/guardian can sign the form
16 years old or older, you must sign the form yourself.

If your parent/guardian signs your application, they need to meet all evidence of identity requirements for both themselves and you. They also need to provide evidence that links you with them - for example, a full birth certificate or a Medicare card.

When will you get your TFN?

We will mail a letter with your TFN to your nominated address within 28 days of us receiving your application. If you have not received your TFN within 28 days, phone us on 13 28 61 (8.00am to 6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays). If you applied online, you need your receipt number.

More information

For more information about TFNs, refer to:

Last Modified: Sunday, 19 May 2013