Eligibility to apply online

Apply for a tax file number (TFN) online using your Digital ID, such as myIDExternal Link, 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 an Australian passport – it can be up to 3 years expired
• be an Australian citizen – that is people who either  
  • were born in Australia, and one of their parents was an Australian permanent resident or citizen on the day they were born
  • have an Australian citizenship certificate
• have at least one other Australian identity document – for example, a driver’s licence.

You will also need to set up a Strong Digital ID, such as a Strong myID.

If you don’t have an Australian passport or aren't 15 years or older, apply using an alternative 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 app 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
  • driver’s licence (including learner’s permit)
  • Medicare card
• do a face verification check – this is like a selfie that's compared to the photo on your passport. It's a one-off process to check that you’re a real person, the right person and verified in real time.

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 Digital ID, such as myID:

• 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

Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age.

The fastest way to apply is online using myID, however you will need to be 15 years old or older and have an Australian passport to apply online using myID.

If you don’t have an Australian passport or are under 15 years old, use one of the other application options.

You're an Australian resident if you're either an Australian citizen or Australian resident for tax purposes.

It is free to apply for a TFN.

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

As an Australian resident, your options to apply 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.

You can also check our 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.

If you're a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor, 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 an interview. 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 an interview at 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 to the interview.
5. Sign your application at Australia Post during your interview 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. 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' 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 Service.

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

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors located in Australia with work rights can apply for a TFN online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

If you are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or 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 visa on arrival into Australia.

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

1. You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
2. You are already 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 valid passport or relevant travel documents. If you don't have a valid visa, you can't apply for a TFN.

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 give 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 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, 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 Interest, unfranked dividends and royalties.

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 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.

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

If you're a Norfolk Island resident, you can apply for a TFN at any age. Norfolk Island residents born on the island are Australian citizens.

It is free to apply for a TFN.

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

Find out about how to apply if you're a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor with a valid foreign passport or travel document (visa).

Options to apply

Norfolk Island residents can apply online using myID, if you're an Australian citizen and are 15 years old or older with an Australian passport.

If you are unable to use the online application process and you're on the:

• island, you will need to apply through the Office of the Administrator
• Australian mainland, use the Australia Post TFN service.

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 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 certified copies of your identity documents.
4. Lodge your application and your identity documents with

Norfolk Island Office of the Administrator
New Military Barracks
KINGSTON NORFOLK ISLAND 2899

Don't send your original identity documents to us as they may not be returned to you.

You should receive your TFN within 28 days after 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.

If you haven't received your TFN notice after 28 days, contact us.

Eligibility to apply

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

Use the online application process through

• a Digital ID, such as myIDExternal Link – if you're an Australian citizen, 15 years old or older and have an Australian passport
• Australia post – if you're able to attend an interview and present your identity documents.

However, if you don't have enough identity documents for other application processes, you will need to apply by post.

How to apply by post

If you don't have enough identity documents to apply for a TFN through other application processes, you can apply by post using the paper form.

To get a copy of the form (Tax file number – application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589)), you can:

• order online or by phone through the ATO Publication Ordering Service
• phone the Indigenous helpline 13 10 30.

You'll 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.

Proof of identity

You will need to provide referee details on page 7 of the form to confirm your identity. 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.

You can lodge this form by post using the address on the form or at a Services Australia centreExternal Link, if you're a Services Australia customer.