Guide to tax file numbers

TFN declaration

A TFN declaration is the form you use before you start to receive payments from a new payer, such as an employer or Department of Human Services (Centrelink). The information you provide on the TFN declaration is used to determine the amount of tax to be withheld from payments made to you.

For example, you should complete a TFN declaration form when you:

• start work for the first time
• change jobs to a new employer
• apply for some benefits or allowances from Department of Human Services (Centrelink)
• receive payments under labour hire arrangements
• receive super benefits.

Your payer should provide you with a TFN declaration form.

If they don't, you can get one through online ordering, by phoning us on 1300 130 072 or from selected newsagents.

You don't have to give your TFN, but if you don't your payer must withhold the top rate of tax plus the Medicare levy from all payments made to you, unless you qualify for an exemption. When you start a new job, you have 28 days to give your TFN to your employer before this requirement to tax you at the highest rate applies.

For more information about declarations, refer to Tax file number declarations - what are they? To complete your declaration, refer to Tax file number declaration.

Tax file numbers - home

Sections within Using your TFN and keeping it safe

• Lost or stolen TFN
• TFN declaration