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 whether you can access 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 (8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays).
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 by 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.
If your name is different on your identity documents and you cannot provide a linking document to explain why your name has changed, you will need to apply through Services Australia.
After you apply for a TFN
If you applied:
- online using a Digital ID, in most cases, you should receive your TFN straight away. If you do not receive your TFN straight away, your application may need further processing, which can take up to 28 days.
- by post (including through Australia Post), you should receive your TFN within 28 days from when we receive your completed application. We will send your TFN notice to the postal address provided on your application.
We appreciate your patience during the processing period. To prevent delays, do not lodge another application during those 28 days. If you haven't received your TFN notification letter after 28 days, contact us. In most cases, we can only give updates over the phone to the person who applied for the TFN or their authorised contact.
When you receive your TFN, it's important that you keep your TFN and all your personal information secure to prevent identity theft and fraud.