Applying for a Tax File Number is free and is done with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The right route depends on who you are and where you are.
Which route fits you?
| Your situation | How to apply |
|---|---|
| Visa holder with work rights, in Australia | Online on the ATO website with your passport and linked visa. |
| Australian citizen or permanent resident | Online with a strong Digital ID, or through Australia Post with proof of identity. |
| Living outside Australia | A paper form, depending on your circumstances. |
| Business, company or trust | Usually alongside an ABN on the Business Registration Service. |
The official instructions are on the ATO TFN page.
Step by step (visa holders)
- Check your visa allows work — you can see your conditions on VEVO. Visas with a "no work" condition can't use the online application.
- Be in Australia. The online application is for people who are already here.
- Have your passport ready, with your visa linked to it.
- Enter your details exactly as on your passport — full name, date of birth, passport number.
- Give an Australian postal address where you can receive letters.
- Submit and wait. Allow up to 28 days. Don't apply again in the meantime.
If you're already working
You can start a job before your TFN arrives. Tell your employer you've applied; you then have 28 days to give them your TFN before they must withhold tax at the highest rate.
Mistakes that cause delays
- Middle names missing or in the wrong order
- Wrong passport number or an expired passport
- Incomplete address (no unit number or postcode)
- Applying twice
- Applying with a visa that has no work rights
Want help?
If you prefer, our TFN application service prepares and checks your application before it's submitted. It costs 99–199 AUD and doesn't speed up the ATO — its value is avoiding the mistakes above.
Related: How long does it take to get a TFN? · TFN for international students