Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – TFN application

Eligibility to apply for a TFN

Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age. It is free to apply for a TFN.

How to apply

How you apply (online or by post) will depend on if you can use online services and the identity documents you have.

Apply online

You can apply online through:

• ATO online services using a Digital ID, such as myIDExternal Link. You need to
  • be an Australian citizen
  • be at least 15 years old
  • have a Strong myIDExternal Link identity strength.
• Australia Post. After you complete the online form you will need to
  • print the form and take it when you go to an interview at a participating Australia Post retail outletExternal Link
  • show your current original identity documents at the interview.

If you can't apply online you will need to apply by post.

Apply by post

You need to complete the paper form Tax file number – application or enquiry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589).

To get a copy of the form, you can:

• order it online through the ATO Publication Ordering ServiceExternal Link
• phone the Indigenous helpline on 13 10 30.

Proof of identity for the paper form

If you can't provide enough documents that prove your identity, you will need to ask a referee who has known you for 12 months or more to complete the Proof of identity reference on page 7 of the form.

This must be an authorised referee. Examples include:

• a council chairperson
• a community manager
• a school principal
• a minister of religion
• a doctor
• a senior nursing sister
• an authorised government officer, such as a
  • police officer
  • Services Australia agent
  • nurse.

The referee must not be a family member.

You can lodge this form be either:

• posting it to the address on page 6 of the form
• going to a Services Australia centreExternal Link, if you're a Services Australia customer.