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.

You can apply for a TFN:

• at participating Australia Post outlets
• at an ATO shopfront,
• online, or
• by post.

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 an TFN as an Australian resident, person living outside Australia, foreign passport holder, permanent migrant, or temporary visa holder.