Getting a Tax File Number (TFN) in New South Wales works exactly the same as anywhere else in Australia: the application goes to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), it is free, and your TFN is posted to the Australian address you give. What matters locally is having a reliable New South Wales postal address and knowing which application route fits your situation.
Who needs a TFN in New South Wales?
- Anyone starting a job — employers must withhold tax at the highest rate if you don’t provide a TFN.
- Working holiday makers, international students and other visa holders with work rights.
- New permanent residents and Australians who never got one (for example, because they never worked).
- Anyone opening a bank account, joining a super fund or lodging a tax return.
How to apply in New South Wales, by situation
| Your situation | How to apply |
|---|---|
| Visa holder with work rights, already in Australia | Online on the ATO website, using your passport and the visa linked to it. You usually don’t send documents. |
| Australian citizen or permanent resident | Online with a strong Digital ID, or through Australia Post with proof of identity. |
| Child or teenager | A parent or guardian can help with the application; requirements depend on age. |
| Business, trust or company | Usually as part of an ABN application on the Business Registration Service. See our ABN guide. |
Full official details are on the ATO TFN page.
What you need
- Your passport (and, for visa holders, a visa that allows you to work)
- Your name and date of birth exactly as they appear on your passport
- An Australian postal address in New South Wales where you can receive letters
- An email address and phone number
How long it takes
For visa holders applying online, the ATO asks you to allow up to 28 days from when it receives your completed application. Don’t apply twice while you wait — a second application slows things down. You can start work in the meantime and give your TFN to your employer when it arrives.
Living in New South Wales
The process is identical everywhere in New South Wales, including Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong. New South Wales uses AEST/AEDT time, which is worth knowing when you call national phone lines.
Studying in Newcastle? Read our TFN guide for international students in Newcastle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Names or date of birth that don’t match your passport
- Incomplete address (missing unit number or postcode)
- Applying with a visa that has a “no work” condition
- Submitting a second application while the first is being processed
Free or with help
You can apply yourself for free on the ATO website. If you’d rather have someone prepare and check your application, our TFN application service costs 99–199 AUD. It doesn’t make the ATO faster, but it reduces the mistakes that cause delays.