There are three ways of applying for a tax file number (TFN), depending on whether 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.
To obtain a tax file number you need to provide evidence of your identity to the Tax Office. If you rely on evidence of identity documents to do this, the documents must be unaltered originals. You will find a list of acceptable evidence of identity documents on the back of the tax file number application form.
If you are a secondary school student, the quickest and easiest way for you to get your tax file number 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 your:
Australian birth certificate
Australian citizenship certificate, or
overseas passport.
Check with your school to see if they are part of the program.
visit one of our shopfronts or selected newsagents, or
ask for one from Centrelink if you are applying for a government benefit or pension.
There are two ways to get your completed application to the Tax Office:
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.
Note: If you are applying for a Centrelink benefit you can apply for your tax file number at the same time. The Centrelink officer will check your identity documents and give them straight back to you, then forward your application to the Tax Office.
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 (formerly the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs). Make sure that you keep a record of your receipt number.
You can apply for a tax file number at any age; however, if you are:
aged 12 years or under – your parent or guardian must sign on your behalf
between the ages of 13 and 15 – either you or your parent/guardian can sign the form, or
aged 16 or older, you must sign the form yourself.
Note: If your parent/guardian signs your application, they will need to meet all evidence of identify requirements for both themselves and you. They will also need a document that links you with them – for example, a full birth certificate or a Medicare card.
The Tax Office will mail a letter with your tax file number to your nominated address within 28 days of our receiving your application. If you have not received it within 28 days, phone the Tax Office on 13 28 61 (8.00am–6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays). If you applied online, you will need your receipt number.
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