A Tax File Number (TFN) is an essential part of the tax and superannuation system in Australia. Understanding its importance, how to find it, and how to apply for it are crucial for anyone living and working in the country. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about your TFN, including why it’s important, where to find it, and how to keep it safe.

About Your TFN

A Tax File Number (TFN) is your reference number in the Australian tax and superannuation systems. It’s a unique nine-digit number that’s free to apply for and serves as a key component of your identity. Once you receive your TFN, it’s yours for life, meaning it stays with you even if you change jobs, change your name, move interstate, or go overseas.

Where to Find Your TFN?

If you already have a TFN, there are several places you can find it:

  • ATO App or MyGov Account: If you have a myGov account linked to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), you can find your TFN in the ATO app or your online account.
  • Income Tax Notice of Assessment: Your Tax File Number(TFN) is usually printed on your income tax notice of assessment.
  • Letters from the ATO: Some official correspondence from the ATO will contain your TFN.
  • Payment Summary or Income Statement: Your employer’s payment summary or income statement might have your TFN listed.
  • Superannuation Account Statement: Check your superannuation account statement for your TFN.
  • Registered Tax Agent: If you use a registered tax agent, they can provide your Tax File Number.

If you think your TFN is lost, stolen, or being misused, contact the ATO immediately to protect your identity and finances.

What to Do If You Don’t Already Have a TFN?

You can apply for a TFN at any age, although online applications require you to be at least 15 years old and have an Australian passport. Applying for a Tax File Number is crucial for financial and employment activities. Without a TFN:

  • Higher Tax Withholding: Employers and financial institutions must withhold more tax from your payments.
  • Government Benefits: You can’t apply for government benefits or allowances, such as JobSeeker.
  • Tax Return Lodging: You can’t lodge your tax return online without a TFN.
  • Australian Business Number (ABN): You can’t apply for an ABN without a Tax File Number.

You will typically receive your TFN within 28 days after submitting your completed application and identity documents. The Tax File Number will be sent to the postal address you provided or your myGov inbox, depending on your application method. If you didn’t get your TFN after 28 days, get in touch with the ATO.

How to Apply for a TFN?

Applying for a Tax File Number is straightforward, and you can do so through several methods:

  1. Online Application: If you are 15 or older and have an Australian passport, you can apply online via myGov.
  2. Paper Application: You can download the TFN application form from the ATO website and submit it via mail.
  3. In-Person Application: Visit a participating Australia Post outlet with your application form and identity documents.

The ATO website provides a detailed guide on how to apply for a TFN: Apply for a TFN.

Keeping Your TFN and Personal Details Safe

Protecting your identity is vital, and keeping your TFN secure is a significant part of that. Identity fraud is a real risk, and basic details such as your name, date of birth, address, myGov details, or TFN are often enough for someone to commit identity fraud. To keep your Tax File Number safe:

  • Limit Disclosure: Only share your TFN with people and organisations that legitimately require it, such as the ATO, your employer, your bank, government agencies, your superannuation fund, and your university.
  • Secure Storage: Keep documents containing your Tax File Number in a safe place.
  • Be Cautious Online: Be wary of scams and phishing attempts online that request your TFN.

For Lost or Stolen TFN

If you’ve lost your Tax File Number (TFN) or suspect it has been stolen, you can locate it using the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online services. It’s crucial to inform the ATO immediately if your Tax File Number is compromised or misused.

  • Call the Client Identity Support Centre at 1800 467 033 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. They help those whose identities have been compromised or misused, providing advice and assistance to re-establish your identity.
  • The support centre may apply security measures to monitor suspicious activity on your account.

For more information on safeguarding your details, see Protect your information.

How to Update Your Tax File Number Registration Details?

Update Your Contact Details by Post

You can update your contact information and add a new authorised contact by mailing a Change of Details for Individuals form. Download and complete the form, then post it to the address provided on the form. Updates may take up to 28 days to process after receipt.

Update Your Name

Your Name and Title

You can update your name and title with the ATO. The fastest way is online, using a myGov account linked to the ATO.

  • To update your name to a new one, you must verify an Australian identity document. If you don’t have one, updates must be done by post.
  • If using a previous name or changing your title only, identity verification is not needed.

Update Online

To update your name or title online:

  1. Sign in to your myGov account linked to the ATO.
  2. Select Linked Services> Australian Taxation Office.
  3. Go to My profile > Personal details.
  4. Choose:
    => Update name and title
    => Update title only for title changes
  5. If applicable, select Choose a previous name to avoid verifying an identity document.
  6. For a new name, select the identity document for verification.
  7. Agree to have your document checked with the issuing agency, then click Next.
  8. Select the document’s issuing state or territory and fill in the fields to verify your identity.

Using the ATO App

  1. Log in to the ATO app.
  2. Select More > My details.
  3. Under Personal details, click Update to open ATO online services.
  4. Follow the steps to update your name using ATO online services.

Update by Phone

You can also update your name or title by phone by speaking with a customer service representative. You will need one of the following identity documents:

  • Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  • Australian marriage certificate
  • Australian change of name certificate

The ATO will verify your document information with the issuing agency. If changes can’t be made over the phone, other options will be provided.

Update by Post

To update your name and title by post, download and complete the Change of Details for Individuals form. You will need one of the following identity documents:

  • Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  • Australian marriage certificate
  • Australian change of name certificate
  • National photo identification card
  • Foreign passport
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Foreign marriage certificate
  • Foreign government identification
  • Foreign driver’s license (address must match your ATO records)

Send the submitted paperwork and an official copy of your authentic identification document to the address provided on the form. Don’t send original identity documents as they may not be returned. Certified copies of digital documents are not accepted.

  • Certification options vary depending on whether you’re in Australia or overseas.
  • Updates may take up to 28 days after the form is received.

Update Your Date of Birth Record

Correct Your Date of Birth

To correct your date of birth quickly, use a myGov account linked to the ATO. Verification of at least one identity document is required.

Online Update

To correct your date of birth online, you need one of these documents:

  1. Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  2. Australian passport
  3. Australian citizenship certificate
  4. Australian visa
  5. Australian driver’s license or learner’s permit

These documents will be verified with the issuing agency.

Using ATO Online Services

  1. Sign in to your myGov account.
  2. Under Linked Services, select Australian Taxation Office.
  3. Go to My profile > Personal details.
  4. Select Update date of birth.
  5. Choose your identity document for verification.
  6. Agree to have your document checked with the issuing agency, then click Next.
  7. Fill in the required fields to verify your identity document, then select Verify.

Using the ATO App

  • Log in to the ATO app.
  • Select More > My details.
  • Under Personal details, click Update to access ATO online services.
  • Follow the steps for updating your date of birth online.

Update via Australia Post

You can also correct your date of birth at a participating Australia Post outlet. Visit the Australia Post office locator to find a location.You’ll need one of these identity documents:

  • Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  • Australian passport
  • Australian citizenship certificate
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Foreign passport

To update via Australia Post:

  1. Complete the online form.
  2. Print this summary to bring to your Australian Post interview.
  3. Attend an interview at a participating outlet within 30 days with your printed summary and proof of identity documents.

Update by Phone

You can correct your date of birth by contacting a customer service representative. You’ll need one of these identity documents:

  • Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  • Australian passport
  • Australian citizenship certificate or Extract from Register of Citizenship by Descent
  • Australian driver’s license or learner’s permit

The ATO will verify your document information with the issuing agency. If changes can’t be made by phone, other options will be provided.

Update by Post

To update your date of birth by post, download and complete the Update Date of Birth form. You should have one of the following documents:

  • Australian full birth certificate (not an extract)
  • Australian passport
  • Australian citizenship certificate
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Foreign passport

Post the form and a certified copy of your document to the address on the form. Certified copies of digital documents are not accepted. Updates may take up to 28 days.

Update Your Gender

To change your gender details, provide a certified copy of one of the following:

  1. An Australian Government travel document, like a valid passport, specifying your preferred gender
  2. A state or territory birth certificate specifying your preferred gender
  3. A document from a state or territory Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages recognising a change of gender
  4. A statement from a licenced doctor or psychologist confirming your desired gender.

The statement from a medical professional must include:

  • Letterhead with full name and contact details
  • Declaration of treatment or history evaluation
  • Your full name and chosen gender
  • Signature and registration number of the professional from the Medical Board of Australia or equivalent overseas

You can also record your gender as indeterminate in your ATO record.

1. Update by Phone

The ATO can’t change your recorded gender over the phone unless there is an error during registration. However, they can change or remove your title without documentation. For that Call 13 28 61 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

2. Update by Post

To update your gender details by post, write to the ATO including:

  1. Your recorded name and address
  2. Your new name and title (if applicable)
  3. A request to update your gender information
  4. Your signature
  5. Supporting document as listed above

Mail a certified copy of your original document (not altered) to the Australian Taxation Office

Conclusion

A Tax File Number is a vital part of your financial life in Australia. Whether you’re starting your first job, opening a bank account, or applying for government benefits, your Tax File Number is essential. By understanding its importance, knowing how to find it, applying it correctly, and keeping it safe, you can ensure that your tax and superannuation affairs are in order and protected. Protect your economic well-being by staying educated and responsible.