Short answer
Applying for a TFN (Tax File Number) in Australia is free, takes about 10 minutes online, and the number arrives by post within 28 days. You apply directly with the ATO — never pay a third-party website to "process" your TFN application for you.
Your TFN is a single lifetime number. It works in every state and territory — there is no separate "NSW TFN" or "QLD TFN", and you never need a new one when you move, change jobs, or change visas.
Who needs a TFN?
Practically everyone earning money in Australia:
- Employees — without a TFN your employer must withhold tax at the top rate (47%)
- International students (subclass 500) starting any casual or part-time job
- Working holiday makers (subclass 417 / 462)
- Temporary skilled workers (e.g. subclass 482) and other visa holders working in Australia
- New permanent residents and citizens entering the workforce
- Anyone who wants to open an interest-earning bank account without non-resident withholding, apply for government benefits, or lodge a tax return
A TFN is different from an ABN. If you have a normal job on payroll, you need a TFN — not an ABN. If you drive for Uber Eats or invoice clients as a contractor, you may need both — see our TFN vs ABN guide.
Which application path applies to you
| Your situation | How to apply |
|---|---|
| Foreign passport holder in Australia on a valid visa (student, working holiday, 482, partner, etc.) | ATO online application (Individual Auto-Registration) — the path most readers need |
| Australian citizen with an Australian passport | Fully online using the myID app with a strong identity level |
| Australian citizen / resident without a passport | Online form + identity interview at a participating Australia Post office, or at a Services Australia centre, or by paper form |
| Living outside Australia with Australian income | Separate non-resident application process on the ATO website |
All paths are free, and all end the same way: the ATO mails your TFN to an Australian postal address.
How to apply online as a visa holder (step by step)
This is the route for international students, working holiday makers and other temporary visa holders — the most common situation.
Step 1: Make sure you are in Australia with a valid visa
The ATO online form for foreign passport holders only works after you have arrived in Australia, because it verifies your visa with the Department of Home Affairs automatically. Any visa that lets you work or stay — student, working holiday, skilled, partner — qualifies. You cannot complete this particular form from overseas.
Step 2: Complete the ATO online application
Go to the official ATO website (ato.gov.au) and search "apply for a TFN — foreign passport holders". The online form asks for:
- Passport details (the ATO checks your visa electronically — no documents to upload)
- Names you have used
- Contact details
- An Australian postal address where your TFN letter can be delivered
It takes about 10 minutes. There is no fee.
Step 3: Note your application reference number
You'll get a receipt number when you submit. Save it — it's what you'll quote if you need to follow up with the ATO later.
Step 4: Wait up to 28 days for your TFN letter
The ATO says to allow 28 days. Most letters arrive faster, but don't call before the 28 days are up — they won't release a TFN over the phone early. Make sure your name is on the letterbox at your postal address: TFN letters that can't be delivered get returned, which restarts the wait.
Step 5: Give your TFN to your employer and link myGov
Once the letter arrives:
- Complete a TFN declaration for your employer (tick the tax-free threshold for your main job only — claiming it with two employers at once causes a year-end tax debt)
- Create a myGov account and link the ATO service — this is how you'll lodge tax returns, check super, and find your TFN forever after
- Give your TFN to your bank so interest isn't taxed at the no-TFN withholding rate
Applying as an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Fastest: if you have an Australian passport and a smartphone, apply through the myID app (the ATO's digital identity app) with a Strong identity level — the TFN can be issued online in minutes.
- Australia Post: complete the online form, then book a free 10-minute identity interview at a participating Post Office within 30 days. Bring original identity documents.
- Services Australia: if you're a customer, you can apply at a service centre.
- Paper form: order the "Tax file number — application or enquiry for individuals" form (NAT 1432) and post certified copies of your identity documents.
Applying for a child or teenager: there is no minimum age for a TFN. Teenagers (roughly 13+, with photo ID) can usually apply in their own right through the Australia Post channel — a 16-year-old starting a casual job definitely can. For younger children, a parent or guardian completes the paper application.
Started a job but your TFN hasn't arrived?
You don't have to delay your start date. The rules:
- On your TFN declaration, tick the box saying you have lodged a TFN application
- Your employer then has 28 days to receive your TFN before they must switch to withholding at 47%
- Once the letter arrives, give the number to payroll straight away
So the practical order for new arrivals is: apply for the TFN the week you land, then job-hunt — the 28-day clocks almost never collide.
Lost your TFN, or want to check application status?
Your TFN never expires, so before re-applying, look for the number you already have:
- myGov → ATO — your TFN is shown in your profile (fastest)
- Any previous notice of assessment or income statement
- Your super fund statement — funds record your TFN
- Your registered tax agent, if you've used one
If none of those work, or your application has passed 28 days with no letter, call the ATO individuals line on 13 28 61 (8am–6pm weekdays). If you prefer to speak another language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to connect you to the ATO — the interpreter is free.
There's no online status tracker for TFN applications — phone is the only follow-up channel, which is why saving your receipt number in Step 3 matters.
Avoid TFN application scams
A TFN application is always free. Websites that charge $50–$100 to "lodge" your TFN application are reselling a free government form — and you're handing your passport details to an unregulated middleman. Only apply at ato.gov.au.
The same applies to texts or emails claiming your TFN is "suspended" — the ATO doesn't suspend TFNs by SMS. When in doubt, hang up and call 13 28 61 directly.
After your TFN arrives: set yourself up properly
Want a quick sense of what you'll get back at tax time? Try the free tax refund calculator.
Need Help With Your Tax Return?
Complex situation? a registered tax agent (see the directory) Our partner agents review every detail for accuracy and compliance.
*Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute personal tax advice. Consult a registered tax agent for advice tailored to your specific situation. Always verify against the latest ATO guidelines at ato.gov.au.*