Your tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and super systems in Australia. Your TFN is an important part of your tax and super records as well as your identity, so you need to keep it secure. When you have been assigned a TFN, it is yours for life. You keep the same TFN even if you change your name, change jobs, move interstate or go overseas.
It is a unique identifier issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to each taxpaying entity.
You don’t have to have a TFN to work in Australia, but if you don’t have one you will pay more tax, you won’t be able to apply for government benefits, lodge your tax return electronically or get an Australian Business Number (ABN).
As you enter Australia,you can apply for a tax file number online if you meet these three conditions:
- You are a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant or temporary visitor.
- You are already in Australia.
- 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 .
You will be required to provide your tax file number to your workplace and make sure you are paying the correct amount of tax .Please apply for a TFN before you start commencing your job .