Apply for an individual Tax File Number

You can apply for an individual Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). It’s not compulsory to hold a TFN, but it will help you to:

• lodge a tax return
• start or change jobs
• limit the amount of tax you pay on interest or dividends from savings accounts or investments.

If you’re operating a business as a sole trader or individual, you can use your individual TFN. For other types of business structures, you’ll need to Apply for a business Tax File Number.

To complete your application, you may need to:

• provide proof of identity documents, and
• attend an interview.

Visit the Australian Tax Office website to learn more about applying for a TFN as an Australian resident, person living outside Australia, foreign passport holder, permanent migrant, or temporary visa holder.