Tax file numbers

We issue tax file numbers (TFNs) to individuals and organisations to help us administer tax and other Australian Government systems. You don't have to have one, but if you don't you may have more tax withheld from your wages than necessary and be unable to receive some government benefits. Having a TFN also makes many of your tax-related activities easier.

What you need to know

Overview

How to find your TFN

Applying for a TFN

Changing your name or address

Using your TFN and keeping it safe

TFNs for school students

Calculators, rates and forms

Tax file number application

Other forms

In detail

Individual and business tax file numbers

Tax file declarations

Identity theft

Identification documents

Permanent migrants and visitors

Family trusts

Applying for a TFN

Depending on who you are, there are a number of ways to apply for a TFN.

Changing your name or address

It is important to keep your name, address and contact details up to date. You can do this by mail or in person but the fastest way is over the phone.

Copies of documents - applicants within Australia

To inform clients when they may supply certified copies of POI instead of originals.

Guide to tax file numbers

We issue tax file numbers (TFNs) to individuals and organisations to help us administer tax and other government systems.

How to claim the tax free threshold

Explains how to claim the tax-free threshold when you complete a tax file number declaration.

Tax file number declarations - what are they?

Explains what a Tax file number declaration (NAT 3092) is, and when you need to use one.

How to find your TFN

Your TFN is yours for life. This information explains how you can find it.

Identity theft - help from the ATO

Support service for taxpayers who have had their identities compromised (stolen, misused, or lost).

Identity theft and your tax file number

Information about how to keep your tax file number secure and prevent it from being used fraudulently.

Keep your tax file number safe

Basic information about how to keep your tax file number secure and prevent it from being used fraudulently.

Watch out for scams - protect yourself

An information product about tax time scams and how to protect yourself from them.

Online tax file number application for permanent migrants or temporary visitors to Australia

Permanent migrants and temporary visitors to Australia, who are in Australia and have a visa that allows work rights or permanent migration, are able to apply for a TFN online any time.

Permanent migrants or temporary visitors to Australia - online tax file number (TFN) application or enquiry

This application can only be used by permanent migrants and temporary visitors with a work rights visa. (NAT 4157).

Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals

For use by individuals (Australian citizens) to apply for or enquire about a tax file number (NAT 1432).

Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals living outside Australia

Information for individuals living outside Australia about how to apply for a tax file number (NAT 2628).

Tax file number application for companies and other organisations

Information for non-individuals about how to apply for a tax file number. (NAT 3799)

Tax file number application or enquiry for a deceased estate

This form can be used by deceased estates to apply for a tax file number. (NAT 3236)

Secondary school education program

Our secondary school education program helps students become prepared and educated about entering and interacting with the tax system.

Tax file number and income tax obligations

Information about obtaining a tax file number and income tax lodgment obligation, including payment and refund.

Tax file numbers

This information explains why a tax file number is needed, proof of identity requirements, how to apply for (or ask about) a tax file number, privacy and penalties.

Tax file number declaration

The information you provide in this declaration will allow your payer to work out how much to withhold from payments made to you. (NAT 3092)

Applying for a TFN

Depending on who you are, there are a number of ways to apply for a TFN.

Changing your name or address

It is important to keep your name, address and contact details up to date. You can do this by mail or in person but the fastest way is over the phone.

Copies of documents - applicants within Australia

To inform clients when they may supply certified copies of POI instead of originals.

Guide to tax file numbers

We issue tax file numbers (TFNs) to individuals and organisations to help us administer tax and other government systems.

How to claim the tax free threshold

Explains how to claim the tax-free threshold when you complete a tax file number declaration.

How to find your TFN

Your TFN is yours for life. This information explains how you can find it.

Identity theft - help from the ATO

Support service for taxpayers who have had their identities compromised (stolen, misused, or lost).

Identity theft and your tax file number

Information about how to keep your tax file number secure and prevent it from being used fraudulently.

Keep your tax file number safe

Basic information about how to keep your tax file number secure and prevent it from being used fraudulently.

Online tax file number application for permanent migrants or temporary visitors to Australia

Permanent migrants and temporary visitors to Australia, who are in Australia and have a visa that allows work rights or permanent migration, are able to apply for a TFN online any time.

Permanent migrants or temporary visitors to Australia - online tax file number (TFN) application or enquiry

This application can only be used by permanent migrants and temporary visitors with a work rights visa. (NAT 4157).

Secondary school education program

Our secondary school education program helps students become prepared and educated about entering and interacting with the tax system.

Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals

For use by individuals (Australian citizens) to apply for or enquire about a tax file number (NAT 1432).

Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals living outside Australia

Information for individuals living outside Australia about how to apply for a tax file number (NAT 2628).

Tax file number and income tax obligations

Information about obtaining a tax file number and income tax lodgment obligation, including payment and refund.

Tax file number application for companies and other organisations

Information for non-individuals about how to apply for a tax file number. (NAT 3799)

Tax file number application or enquiry for a deceased estate

This form can be used by deceased estates to apply for a tax file number. (NAT 3236)

Tax file number declaration

The information you provide in this declaration will allow your payer to work out how much to withhold from payments made to you. (NAT 3092)

Tax file number declarations - what are they?

Explains what a Tax file number declaration (NAT 3092) is, and when you need to use one.

Tax file numbers

This information explains why a tax file number is needed, proof of identity requirements, how to apply for (or ask about) a tax file number, privacy and penalties.

TFN withholding for closely held trusts

Guide for TFN withholding for closely held trusts.

TFN withholding for closely held trusts - flowchart

This flowchart will help trustees of closely held trusts understand whether they need to withhold from payments to their beneficiaries.

TFNs for school students

This information lets secondary students know how they can apply for a TFN at school.

Using your TFN and keeping it safe

Your TFN is an important part of establishing your identity when you start a new job, open bank accounts and apply for government benefits. Find out how to keep it secure.

Watch out for scams - protect yourself

An information product about tax time scams and how to protect yourself from them.

TFN withholding for closely held trusts

Guide for TFN withholding for closely held trusts.

TFN withholding for closely held trusts - flowchart

This flowchart will help trustees of closely held trusts understand whether they need to withhold from payments to their beneficiaries.

TFNs for school students

This information lets secondary students know how they can apply for a TFN at school.

Using your TFN and keeping it safe

Your TFN is an important part of establishing your identity when you start a new job, open bank accounts and apply for government benefits. Find out how to keep it secure.