How to Obtain Your Tax File Number Australia as a Migrant

Summary

Apply online at ato.gov.au — it is free, takes about 20 minutes, and you must already be in Australia — your tax file number Australia is posted to your Australian address within 28 days; you do not need to send any documents

Without a TFN, your employer must withhold 47% of your wages — the top marginal tax rate applied to every dollar you earn; your bank must also withhold 47% on any interest; applying immediately on arrival prevents this

You only ever need one TFN — it stays with you for life; if you have ever worked or studied in Australia before, you already have one; find it via myGov rather than applying again

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique nine-digit number that identifies you in Australia’s tax and superannuation systems. It is the first thing you need when you start work, open a bank account, or set up superannuation. Ensure you have your tax file number Australia ready.

The application takes about 20 minutes online. It is free. And the consequences of not having one are immediate — 47% tax withheld on every dollar you earn until you provide it.

What is a TFN and why do you need it?

Your TFN is used by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to track your income, tax and superannuation across your entire working life in Australia. You give it to:

Your employer — so they can withhold the correct amount of tax from your pay
Your bank — so they do not withhold 47% tax on interest earned in your savings account
Your superannuation fund — so your super contributions are taxed at 15% inside the fund rather than the top rate
The ATO — when you lodge your tax return via myTax

Without a TFN: Employers must withhold tax at 47% — the highest rate. Banks must withhold 47% on interest. Your super fund must withhold extra tax on contributions. All of this can be reclaimed in your tax return, but it ties up your money unnecessarily.

Who can apply for a TFN?

You can apply for a TFN if you are in Australia and hold a valid visa with work rights — including:

Permanent resident (all subclasses)
Skilled temporary visa (482, 189, 190, 491 etc.)
Working holiday visa (417 or 462)
Student visa (500) — if you have work rights attached
Partner visa (820/801)
New Zealand citizens — automatically granted work rights on arrival

You must already be in Australia to use the online application. Set your device to an Australian time zone before applying — the ATO system checks this and returns errors if it detects an overseas time zone.

How to apply: step by step

Step 1: Go to the ATO’s TFN application page

Navigate to ato.gov.au/tfn-application

Select the option for Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors — this is the correct pathway for all migrants, regardless of visa type.

Step 2: Complete the online form (Individual Auto-Registration — IAR)

The form takes approximately 20 minutes. You will need:

Your passport (number, country of issue, expiry date)
Your visa details (subclass and grant number — find these on your visa grant notice or via VEVO)
Your Australian residential address
Your Australian phone number or email address for correspondence
Your date of arrival in Australia

You do not need to upload or send any documents. The ATO verifies your identity against the Department of Home Affairs records electronically.

Step 3: Submit and save your receipt

After submitting, the ATO gives you a receipt ID. Save this immediately. You can give this receipt ID to your employer as proof that your TFN application is in progress — your employer can then withhold at the correct rate while your TFN is being processed, rather than the default 47%.

Step 4: Receive your TFN letter

Your TFN is sent by post to the Australian address you provided on the application. It arrives within 28 days of the ATO receiving your completed application. Do not lodge a second application if it has not arrived — contact the ATO with your receipt ID instead.

What if you need your TFN urgently? The ATO does not offer an express service. However, once you have lodged the application, you can call the ATO on 13 28 61 to confirm your application is in progress and ask for verbal confirmation of your TFN in some circumstances.

Alternative: apply at Australia Post

You can also apply for a TFN in person at a participating Australia Post retail outlet. This is useful if you need assistance completing the form or do not have easy access to a computer.

The process is the same — free, takes about 20 minutes, TFN arrives by post within 28 days. Find your nearest participating outlet at auspost.com.au.

What to do when your TFN arrives

Once you receive your TFN letter, act immediately:

Give it to your employer — complete a Tax File Number Declaration form (available from your employer or from ato.gov.au). This locks in the correct tax withholding rate.
Add it to your bank account — log in to your bank’s app or website and add your TFN under tax settings. This prevents 47% withholding on interest.
Give it to your super fund — contact your superannuation fund and provide your TFN. This ensures your contributions are taxed at 15% inside the fund.
Link to myGov — create a myGov account at my.gov.au and link it to the ATO. This lets you lodge your tax return, find your super accounts and access all ATO services online.
Store it securely — write it down and keep it somewhere safe. Do not give it to recruiters, landlords or anyone other than your employer, bank, super fund or the ATO.

Where to find your TFN if you have already applied

If you have ever worked or studied in Australia, you likely already have a TFN. You only ever get one — it stays with you for life and does not change even if you change visa status, become a permanent resident or become an Australian citizen.

Where to find your existing TFN:

myGov: Log in at my.gov.au, select ATO, and choose “Find my TFN”
Previous tax return or payment summary
ATO correspondence (any letter from the ATO will have your TFN)
Your super fund — your super statement shows your TFN
Call the ATO: 13 28 61 — they can verify your identity and provide your TFN

Do not apply for a new TFN if you already have one — duplicate TFNs cause complications with the ATO.

FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)

How long does it take to get a TFN in Australia?

The online application takes about 20 minutes. Your TFN is posted to your Australian address within 28 days of the ATO receiving your completed application.

Is it free to apply for a TFN?

Yes. The TFN application is completely free through the ATO website or at Australia Post.

What happens if I start work before my TFN arrives?

Give your employer the receipt ID from your ATO application as proof that your TFN is in progress. Most employers will withhold at the correct rate while waiting. Once your TFN arrives, provide it immediately.

Can I apply for a TFN before I arrive in Australia?

No. You must already be in Australia to use the online individual auto-registration (IAR) system. Your device must also be set to an Australian time zone.

Does my TFN change if I get permanent residency or citizenship?

No. Your TFN is yours for life and does not change regardless of your visa or citizenship status.

What if I lose my TFN?

Find it via myGov (link your ATO account), on previous tax returns or super statements, or by calling the ATO on 13 28 61.

Do I need a TFN for a bank account?

You do not need a TFN to open a bank account. But without one, the bank must withhold 47% on any interest earned. Add your TFN to your bank account as soon as you receive it.

Related guides

This guide is for general information only. TFN application processes are subject to change — always verify current requirements at ato.gov.au. Last updated July 2026.

Sources: Australian Taxation Office — TFN application for permanent migrants and temporary visitors (ato.gov.au) | ATO — Apply for a TFN (ato.gov.au) | myGov — Get or find your TFN | eduyush.com — TFN Guide for New Migrants in Australia (May 2026)

How to get a Tax File Number (TFN) in Australia