TFN: the number to apply for as soon as you land
Your Tax File Number, Australia's tax number, in numbers. Free, for life.
Updated 2 November 2026
$0
to apply on the ATO's official website
28 days
at most to get it in the mail
45%
withheld from your pay without a TFN
28 days
to give it to your employer after you start
47%
tax on your super without a TFN, instead of 15%
1
TFN for life, even if you come back
What a week without a TFN costs you
Tax withheld each week, with and without a TFN:
| Weekly wage | With TFN (15%) | Without TFN (45%) | Less in your pocket |
|---|---|---|---|
| $800 | $120 | $360 | −$240 |
| $1,000 | $150 | $450 | −$300 |
| $1,223farm minimum wage | $183 | $550 | −$367 |
| $1,500 | $225 | $675 | −$450 |
At the farm minimum wage full time, that's $367 less every week, $1,467 over a month. You get it back in your tax return, but only after 30 June. Work out your refund →
The calendar
Day 1
You land with your visa: apply online
≤ 28 days
The letter arrives at your Australian address
First job
You give it to your employer (TFN declaration)
Then
You link it to myGov for your super and tax return
Apply in 4 steps
Open the ATO form for foreign passport holders, once you're in Australia.
Enter your passport, your visa and an Australian postal address.
Submit: no documents to send, and it's free.
Wait for the letter, then give your TFN to your employer.
Who to give it to
Yes
- Your employer, on the TFN declaration
- Your bank
- Your super fund
- myGov and the ATO
- A registered tax agent
Never
- A job ad before you're hired
- Facebook groups or social media
- A text or email asking for it
- A website charging for the application
The 3 traps
Paid websites
Some charge up to $99 for the same application. The only address is ato.gov.au, and it's free.
No fixed address
Your TFN comes in the mail. Give an address where you'll stay at least a month, or a friend's.
The TFN declaration
Answer "yes" to the working holiday maker question, or your employer may use the wrong rate.
Start your working holiday with the app
Your employers, work days and budget in one place, from your first job to your tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for my TFN before I leave?
No: you need to be in Australia with a valid visa. Apply as soon as you land, ideally on day one.
Can I start working without a TFN?
Yes. Tell your employer you've applied: for 28 days they withhold the normal rate. After that without a TFN, they withhold 45%.
How long does it take to arrive?
Up to 28 days in the mail, often less. You don't need to wait for it to start working.
I lost my TFN, what do I do?
It's on your payslips, in myGov and on letters from your super fund. Otherwise, call the ATO on 13 28 61 with your passport and visa.
Is a TFN the same as an ABN?
No. Everyone needs a TFN. An ABN is an extra number, only if you work for yourself, like delivering for Uber Eats or DoorDash.
I'm coming back on another visa?
Keep the same TFN: it's for life. Don't apply for a second one.