TAX FILE NUMBER

If you intend to earn money in Australia and have a visa that allows you to work, you will generally be required to have a Tax File Number (TFN). Each TFN is unique and is issued by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to enable them to keep accurate records. If you do not have a TFN you may pay more tax than necessary or not be able to claim government benefits you are entitled to receive. You will also need a TFN to open any Australian interest bearing bank accounts you open.

Once you have a TFN, you will keep the same number for life. You do not need to re-apply if your circumstances change, for instance you change your name, get married etc. You will, however, need to inform the tax office of such changes.

You can apply for a TFN via the ATO website either before or after you arrive in Australia so long as you have been issued a visa that permits you to work in Australia. As the ATO is linked to the Australian Department of Immigration, it is able to process your application immediately and a TFN will be forwarded to you as a hard copy document within 4 weeks.