How to Get Your Australian Tax File Number (TFN) on the Go: A Complete Guide for Travellers and New Workers

By Camilla Anthony on 11/29/2024

If you’re coming to Australia to work, you’ve probably already heard of the term "Tax File Number" or TFN. This essential piece of identification plays a key role in ensuring that your taxes are properly managed while you’re working Down Under. But how do you get one, and what happens if you're on the move and don’t want to wait around for it to arrive in the post? This blog post answers all your questions about the TFN process and how our service can help you receive it digitally, so you can start your Australian adventure without delay.

What Is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals for tax purposes. It helps the government track your income and ensure that you're paying the right amount of tax. Your TFN is a critical piece of your financial identity in Australia.

Who Needs a TFN?

Anyone who plans to work in Australia or needs to interact with the ATO must have a TFN. This includes:

Foreign workers including working holiday makers: If you’re coming to Australia to work, you’ll need a TFN to ensure you’re taxed correctly.
Australian residents: Permanent residents or citizens need a TFN for tax purposes.
International students: If you’re studying in Australia and working part-time, a TFN is also required.

Who Can Apply for a TFN?

Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants, and temporary visitors located in Australia with work rights can apply for a TFN online using Individual Auto Registration (IAR).

You can apply for a TFN if you meet all the following 3 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 resident visa
- A visa with work rights
- An overseas student visa
- A visa allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely

Simply put, if you’ll be earning an income in Australia, you need a TFN.

Why Do You Need a TFN?

Having a TFN ensures that:

You pay the correct tax: Without a TFN, your income will be taxed highly, significantly reducing your take-home pay.
You avoid overpaying taxes: A TFN enables you to claim any tax deductions or benefits you’re entitled to.
You receive your full salary: Without a TFN, your employer may withhold additional tax from your pay.

Having a TFN makes the tax process smoother and ensures you’re not missing out on your rightful income.

How to Apply for a TFN

Applying for a TFN is a straightforward process. Here's how it works:

You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

What you’ll need: Generally, you’ll need identification documents (like a passport, valid visa) and proof of your address in Australia.

How Long Does It Take for Your TFN to Arrive?

Once you apply for a TFN, the ATO processes your application and mails your TFN to the address you provided. The standard processing time for a TFN application is up to 28 days, but this can take longer if there are issues with your application or if you're applying during peak periods.

For many people, this wait can be frustrating, especially if you're in Australia on a short-term visa or traveling across the country. You might need to wait around in one place just to receive your TFN — which is why our service can help you get your TFN digitally, so you don’t have to stay in one location waiting for your mail.

When Can You Apply for a TFN? From Outside or Inside Australia?

As a working holiday maker or foreign worker, you can only apply after arriving in Australia. Many international visitors and workers do this once they’ve settled into the country.

Do you have to pay to apply for a TFN? No, it is free to apply for a TFN.

How Our Service Can Help You Get Your TFN on the Go

At Backpackers TFN, we know that many working holiday makers (WHV) and new workers don’t want to wait around for their TFN to be mailed to them. That’s why we’ve developed a service that allows you to receive your TFN digitally, so you can get back to enjoying your travels without delay.

No waiting for the post: As soon as your TFN is posted and received by us, we’ll send you a digital copy, allowing you to continue your journey without waiting around in one place for your mail.
Secure and easy: Our service is fast, secure, and straightforward. Once your TFN is processed, we’ll ensure it’s delivered straight to your TFN Backpackers account.
A hassle-free experience: With our service, you don’t have to worry about missing important mail or delays in the postal system.

Ready to get your TFN on the go? Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you receive your TFN digitally, no matter where you are in Australia!