Eligibility to apply for a TFN online

Apply for a tax file number (TFN) online using your Digital ID to generally receive it straight away. Once you have your TFN, you can start accessing myGov and ATO online services.

To apply for a TFN online, you must:

• be at least 15 years old
• have a Strong Digital ID, such as a Strong myID.

If you're unable to apply online using your Digital ID, you can apply using another option. See Australian residents – TFN application.

Apply online with myID

To apply for your TFN online using myID, you will need to:

• Set up your Strong myID
• Review the terms and conditions
• Apply for your TFN.

Set up your Strong myID

To set up your Strong myIDExternal Link:

• download the myID appExternal Link from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your compatible smart device
• enter your personal details, including your
  • full name
  • date of birth
  • personal email address – if you have an existing myGov account, the email address you provide for myID needs to match
• verify your Australian passport and one of the following Australian identity documents
  • citizenship certificate
  • drivers licence (including learners permit)
  • Medicare card
• verify your photo – a one-off face verification check which involves taking a selfie, that's compared to the photo on your passport. This process checks that you’re a real person, the right person and verifying in real time.

Note: If you hold a Western Australian drivers licence, you also have the option to use it to verify your photo and achieve a Strong identity strength – when combined with other identity documents.

To find out how to update your myID email to match your myGov account, see Updating your myID email addressExternal Link.

Apply for your TFN

Once you are ready to apply for your TFN using your Strong myIDExternal Link:

• review and agree to the Terms and conditions
• select Continue with Digital ID
• confirm that you have a Digital ID – if you have an existing myGov account, the email address you provide for myID needs to match
• sign in to your myGov account or create an account – a prompt will ask you to connect your Digital ID
• complete your TFN application.

Apply for your TFN online:

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:

1. Complete the online formExternal Link – the form is not supported by Internet Explorer, so use another browser.
2. Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
3. FindExternal Link a participating Australia Post outlet near you.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Who can apply

Permanent migrants and temporary visitors located in Australia with a work rights visa can apply for a TFN online using the Individual Auto Registration (IAR). Australian citizens cannot use IAR.

If you are a permanent migrant who needs a TFN but cannot use IAR, apply using the Australian residents – TFN application. If you are a temporary visitor who needs a TFN but cannot use IAR, you will need to use the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia, even if you are currently in Australia.

It is free to apply for a TFN.

To work in Australia, you will need authorisation (a valid visa) from the Department of Home Affairs. New Zealanders are automatically granted a work rights visa upon arrival into Australia.

You can apply for a TFN using IAR if you meet all the following 3 conditions:

1. You are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
2. You are located in Australia.
3. Your visa is one of the following
   • a permanent resident visa
   • a visa with work rights
   • an overseas student visa
   • a visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.

To apply online using IAR, you must have a work rights visa linked to your passport or travel document. If you don't have a work rights visa, you can't apply for a TFN using IAR.

You don't need to send documents to us.

For instructions, see Online TFN registration – permanent migrants and temporary visitors.

For specific help and instructions on the application fields, see Individual Auto-Registration help.

For known issues or errors and troubleshooting, see Help and support for online services – individuals.

Processing your TFN application

Once you have completed your application online, we will post your TFN to the Australian postal address on your application. This can take up to 28 days. We appreciate your patience during the processing period.

To prevent delays in processing your application, don't lodge another application.

If you haven't received your TFN notice after 28 days, contact us and provide your ATO receipt ID.

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.

If you already have a TFN

If you already have a TFN, you can also complete the IAR online application if you:

• want to know your TFN
• want a copy of your TFN notice
• need to confirm your identity details with us.

Valid visas

Valid working visas include:

• Working holiday makers (subclass 417 and 462)
• Temporary Activity visaExternal Link (subclass 408).

Asylum seekers may use a bridging visa, and their passport or travel document number will be their ImmiCard number. For previous identification cards, the passport or travel document number will be PLO56 or PL56.

If your visa doesn't have work rights, you are not eligible to apply for a TFN using IAR. Check your visa details and conditions using VEVOExternal Link. If your visa contains any of the following conditions, you are not eligible to use IAR:

• 8101 NO WORK
• 8103 NO WORK
• 8116 NO WORK/APD ACTIVITY.

If you don’t have a valid visa for IAR, refer to Australian residents – TFN application. Alternatively, you may need to use the paper TFN application form for people living outside Australia, even if you are currently in Australia.

Eligibility to apply

People living outside Australia with income from an Australian source may need to apply for a TFN.

It is free to apply for a TFN.

Apply for a TFN if you:

• receive income from an Australian source, other than interest, dividends or royalty payments, such as rental income
• receive income from Australian business interests
• have a spouse who is an Australian resident and is applying for family tax benefit or child care subsidy
• are a member of an Australian superannuation fund that
  • you expect to receive benefits from
  • you intend to make personal contributions to
  • contributions are made to on your behalf
• need to lodge an Australian tax return or apply for an Australian business number (ABN).

For more information about your tax obligations if you live overseas, see Coming to Australia or going overseas.

What you can claim

Use your TFN to claim a refund of any tax withheld, from an Australian bank account or dividends from Australian shares.

Foreign residents of Australia for tax purposes do not need a TFN if they only receive from an Australian source:

• interest
• dividends
• royalty payments.

To find out the rate of tax that your payer should withhold, see Investment income.

How to apply

If you are a foreign resident for tax purposes, to apply for a TFN you will need to complete a paper form.

Download and complete: Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals living outside Australia.

If you can't download the form, order it either onlineExternal Link or by phoning 1300 720 092.

Send your completed TFN application and certified copies of your original proof of identity documents to the address on the form.

You must provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents. You don't need to send us your original documents as they may not be returned to you. We don't accept certified copies of digital identity documents.

You should receive your TFN within 28 days from when we receive your completed application and the required documents.

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.

Keep your TFN and your personal information secure to prevent identity theft and fraud.

Eligibility to apply for a TFN

If you're a Norfolk Island resident, you can apply for a tax file number (TFN) at any age. Norfolk Island residents born on the island are Australian citizens if, at the time they are born, a parent is an Australian permanent resident or citizen.

It is free to apply for a TFN.

If you are unsure of your residency status, check your tax residency.

Options to apply for a TFN

Norfolk Island residents can apply online using a Digital ID, such as myID, if you're at least 15 years old and have a Strong identity strength.

If you're a permanent migrant or temporary visitor with a foreign passport or travel document and a valid work rights visa, you can apply for a TFN online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

If you are unable to use an online application process and you're on the island, you will need to apply through the Office of the Administrator.

Norfolk Island residents on the island don't have an online application process available through Australia Post.

Apply through the Office of the Administrator

To apply in person through the Office of the Administrator:

1. Order the form either onlineExternal Link or by phoning 1300 720 092 – Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432).
2. Complete the application form.
3. Organise your original identity documents.
4. Take your application and original identity documents to the

NORFOLK ISLAND OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
NEW MILITARY BARRACKS
KINGSTON  NORFOLK ISLAND  2899.

Your TFN application should be processed within 28 days after the Office of the Administrator receives your completed application and required documents.

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 in processing your application, don't lodge another application.

To obtain your TFN over the phone after 28 days, contact us.

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.