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  Your tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and super systems. It is a unique 9 digit number issued to individuals and organisations to administer tax and other Australian government systems. Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity, so keep it secure. Your TFN is yours for life. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.

  You don’t have to have a TFN, but without one you pay more tax. You also won’t be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian business number (ABN).

You can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these three conditions:

1. You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
2. You are already in Australia.
3. Your visa is one of the following:
   • a permanent migrant visa
   • a visa with work rights
   • an overseas student visa
   • a visa allowing you to stay in Australian indefinitely (including New Zealanders automatically granted a visa on arrival).

Valid working visas include:

• Working holiday makers (subclass 417)
• Entertainment (subclass 420)
• Sport (subclass 421)
• Work and holiday makers (subclass 462).

The Tax File Number registration can take between 10 to 28 working days.

• Look on your income tax notice of assessment or other letters from us
• Look on a payment summary (provided by your employer) or your super statement
• If you have a myGov account linked to the ATO, you can access your TFN online
• Ask your tax agent (if you use one)

If you still can’t find it, contact ATO on 13 28 61, 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. International callers can phone on +61 2 6216 1111 – between 8.00am and 5.00pm (EST or daylight-saving time) and ask to be transferred to the appropriate area within the ATO.

If your TFN has been lost, stolen or accessed by an unauthorised third party, report to Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as soon as possible. ATO may apply security measures that will monitor for any unusual or suspicious activity on your account.