What is an Australian tax file number (TFN)?
Your Australian TFN is a very important document which you will need when opening a bank account, joining a superannuation fund, filing a tax return and more. By having a TFN, you can also ensure that you don’t pay too much tax on your income and that you have a clean record with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Each year, the Taxback team support thousands of temporary workers in Australia with their TFN applications.
Do I need an Australian TFN?
Anyone planning to work in Australia will need a TFN which will enable you to:
- Open a bank account
- Pay the correct rate of tax
- Change jobs easily
- Apply for any applicable government benefits
- Join a superannuation fund
- File a tax return
- Claim a tax refund
Australian TFN FAQs
A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique 9 digit number the Australian Government uses to identify you for tax and superannuation purposes. Your TFN is your own unique number for life… so keep it safe!
If you don’t have a TFN, you risk having to pay emergency tax on your earnings. You’ll be able to work in Australia, but you won’t have much disposable income! You also won’t be able to claim any benefits or tax deductions you’re entitled to.
If you’re already in Australia or are planning to go there soon, you’ll need your passport number and your Australian visa number when applying for a TFN.
There are a number of ways you can track down your TFN. For example, you will find it on:
- Your income tax notice of assessment
- Any correspondence from the Australian Tax Office (ATO)
- A payment summary
- Your superannuation member statement
If you still can’t find it, simply call the ATO on 13 28 61 or +61 2 6216 1111 from overseas.
Yes you can. Simply complete our registration and send us the following:
- Copy of ID or TFN of parent or guardian
- Copy of ID of the child or dependant
- Statement showing your relationship (e.g. birth certificate or guardianship papers)
Once we receive these, we’ll contact you to explain how you can complete your application.
If you don’t have a TFN, you may be taxed at a higher rate and you won’t be able to claim any benefits. In fact, you will need your TFN for many aspects of daily life down under, including:
- Opening a bank account
- Paying the correct rate of tax
- Changing jobs easily
- Applying for any applicable government benefits
- Joining a superannuation fund
- Filing a tax return
- Claiming a tax refund
Any person or company that wants to work in Australia, claim a tax refund, file a tax return or open a bank account will need a TFN.
If you’re not going to Australia anytime soon, you’ll need to provide two certified copies of identification, such as a passport or birth cert and one other type of identification.
It typically takes less than 10 days to get you your TFN once your application is ready. However, applications can occasionally be delayed for up-to 28 days.
We charge just AU$30 for each TFN application.
Did you know? We can also help you claim your Australian tax refund!