There are different routes for applying for a Tax File Number, with eligibility conditions for each. Here they all are, side by side — pick who you are and the rest fade out, or read all four.
Work out your route
Which TFN application is yours?
Tap who you are and the other lanes fade out — but you can always see the whole picture, including the ones that aren't yours.
Who are you?
What you need
- Current Australian passport Your own, not a family member’s.
- One more ID Driver's licence or learner's permit…
- …or Medicare card Any one of these works.
- …or citizenship certificate Any one of these works.
What you do
- Set up the myID app — scan your passport, add one more ID, take a selfie
- Sign in to myGov and link the ATO
- Fill in the short TFN application
Residents can apply at any age — being at least 15 is only a requirement for this online myID route.
How long
What arrives
What you need
- Nothing to post or photocopy Just your passport and visa details, typed in.
What you do
- Check your visa shows as in effect on VEVO first
- Open the ATO's online application for foreign passport holders
- Enter your passport, visa and an Australian postal address
Blocked by visa conditions 8101, 8103 or 8116 — those mean no work, so this route won’t accept the application. Use the in-person route instead.
How long
What arrives
What you need
- Current original ID documents For the two in-person channels — not photocopies.
- Certified copies For the postal channel only — never send originals.
What you do
Australia Post
- Complete the online form and print the summary
- Take it to a participating outlet within 30 days, with your original documents
- Sign it there
Services Australia — eligible customers only
- This route is for Services Australia or Centrelink customers; check the current ATO conditions first
- Complete the paper form NAT 1432 if this is the route that applies to you
- Bring current original documents to a service centre
By post
- For people who can’t use either channel above
- Complete NAT 1432 and send certified copies — never the originals — to the address on the form
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who can’t provide enough identity documents can use form NAT 1589 instead — a referee completes the proof-of-identity reference.
How long
What arrives
What you need
- Form NAT 2628 Download from ato.gov.au, or order it on 1300 720 092.
- Certified copies of your ID Copies, never the originals.
- Postage To the address printed on the form.
What you do
- Check you actually need one — interest, dividends or royalties alone usually don't require a TFN
- Download and complete NAT 2628
- Get your ID documents certified, then post everything together
How long
What arrives
Only provide your TFN when the recipient is legally allowed to collect it. If you are unsure, verify the request directly with the ATO. Never put your TFN on a resume or send it to Howloop. Use official contact details rather than links in an unexpected message.