Eligibility to apply for a TFN
Australian residents can apply for a tax file number (TFN) at any age. It is free to apply for a TFN.
The fastest way to apply is online using a Digital ID, such as myID. You will need to be at least 15 years old and have a Strong identity strengthExternal Link.
If you're unable to apply online using a Digital ID, use one of the other options to apply.
Are you an Australian resident
You are an Australian resident if you're either an Australian citizen or Australian resident for tax purposes.
If you're unsure of your residency status, check your tax residency.
If you're not an Australian resident, find out how you can apply for a TFN.
Options to apply for a TFN
As an Australian resident, your options to apply for a TFN depend on the identity documents you can provide. You can:
- apply at Australia Post – using the online form and by then presenting your current identity documents at a retail outlet
- apply at a Services Australia centre – using the paper form
- apply by post – using the paper form.
Check alternative options for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – if you can't provide enough identity documents to meet the requirements of the other application options
- Norfolk Island residents – if you're on Norfolk Island and unable to apply online
- Foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitors – you can apply online using the Individual Auto Registration (IAR) system.
Apply at Australia Post
You can apply for your TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outletExternal Link if you're able to attend in person. There is no fee for lodging your TFN application with Australia Post.
To apply through Australia Post, you need to:
- Complete the online formExternal Link – the form is not supported by Internet Explorer, so use another browser.
- Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
- FindExternal Link a participating Australia Post outlet near you.
- Attend a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form. Take your application summary and current original proof of identity documentsExternal Link with you.
- Sign your application at Australia Post to complete your TFN application.
You should receive your TFN within 28 days from when we receive your completed application, after the required documents have been sighted by Australia Post.
To prevent delays, don't lodge another application. We appreciate your patience during the processing period.
If you haven't received your TFN notification letter after 28 days, contact us.
Apply at a Services Australia centre
You can apply in person at a Services AustraliaExternal Link service centre if you're a Centrelink customer. You will need to complete one of the following paper TFN application forms:
- Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432)
- Tax file number – application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589) – if you don't have enough identity documents, you will need a referee to complete the proof of identity reference on page 7.
To get a copy, go to our Publications Ordering Service (POS)This link opens in a new window at iorder.com.au and search '1432', '1589' or 'Tax file number application'.
For the documents you need to provide, see the application instructions or proof of identity documents. You must provide Services Australia with current original proof of identity documents.
If you have authorised Centrelink to receive your TFN from the ATO, select To give to Centrelink as your reason for needing a TFN. Once we process your application, we'll send your TFN to both you and Centrelink.
Apply by post
If you can't apply through any of the other available channels, you'll need to complete a paper form.
Go to our Publications Ordering Service (POS)This link opens in a new window at iorder.com.au to get a copy and search '1432' or 'Tax file number – application or enquiry'. You can get a copy of the paper form online or by phone through the ATO Publication Ordering ServiceThis link opens in a new window.
Complete the TFN application and send it with certified copies of your current original proof of identity documents to the address on the form. For help completing the form and proof of identity requirements, see TFN application or enquiry for individuals – instructions.
You must provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents. Don't send your original identity documents to us as we may not be able to return them to you. We don't accept certified copies of digital identity documents.