Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application
You can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these three conditions:
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You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
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You are already in Australia.
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Your visa is one of the following:
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a permanent migrant visa
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a visa with work rights
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an overseas student visa
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a visa allowing you to stay in Australian indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).
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To apply online you must have a valid passport or relevant travel documents.
You don't have to provide proof of identity documents – we will compare your personal and travel document details with Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) records.
Within 28 days, we will send your TFN to the Australian address you give us on your application.
Working visas
Valid working visas include:
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Working holiday makers (subclass 417)
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Entertainment (subclass 420)
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Sport (subclass 421)
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Work and holiday makers (subclass 462).
Apply for TFN
Australian Residents
Apply at Australia Post
You can apply for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet if you're an Australian resident and able to attend an interview. There is no fee for lodging a TFN application.
If you're an Australian resident the easiest way to apply for a TFN is to:
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Complete the online formExternal Link.
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Print the summary, which will include your application reference number, and take it to your Australia Post interview.
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Attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form. You'll need to take your printed summary and proof of identity documents to the interview.
Next step:
Apply at an ATO shopfront
If you're unable to use the Australia Post service you can apply in person at an ATO shopfront by completing the paper form Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432).
You can get a copy of this form by:
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phoning 1300 720 092 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
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asking for one from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if you're applying for a government benefit or pension.
Next steps:
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Make sure you have originals of your proof of identify documents (see the instructions on the form for details of the documents you'll need).
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Make an appointment with:
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an ATO Shopfront – phone 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm Monday to Friday
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the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) if you are applying for Austudy or ABSTUDY, or receiving certain benefits or income support payments
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the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) if you are receiving certain benefits or income support payments.
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Apply by post
If you can't attend an interview at an Australia Post or ATO shopfront, you'll need to complete the Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals form.
You can get a copy of this form by:
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phoning 1300 720 092 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Send your TFN application and certified copies of your identification documents to the address listed on the form.
Don't mail your original identification documents – documents that you mail may not be returned to you.
*For further information visit the Australian Taxation Office website or telephone 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.