How to find your tax file number (TFN) in Australia

What is a TFN

The tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number for Australia's tax and superannuation systems. It's 9 digits and stays with you for life. You'll need it when you start a job, file a tax return, claim government payments, apply for an ABN, or manage superannuation.

How to find your TFN

Start here: Do you already have a TFN but can't find the number? Have you never had one? Or are you applying from outside Australia? Your answer determines what you do next.

Scenario 1: You've had a TFN before but lost the number

The fastest way to recover a lost TFN is through myGov or old documents. Contacting the ATO is the escalation route if those don't work.

Step 1: Try myGov

1. Go to my.gov.au and sign in. Register if you don't have an account
2. If you haven't linked the ATO yet, complete the linking process
3. Select the ATO from your linked services
4. Select "Find my TFN"
5. Your TFN will display on screen. Make a note of it and store it securely

Speed: Generally instant once your myGov account is set up and linked to the ATO. First-time linking may take a few minutes.

Struggling with myGov? See the detailed FAQ section below for step-by-step instructions on setting up an account and signing in.

Step 2: Search old documents if myGov isn't working

If you can't access myGov or didn't find your TFN, check:

• Notice of Assessment from ATO. The ATO prints your TFN at the top
• Payment summaries from past employers. Your employer may list your TFN on your payment summary
• Superannuation account statements
• Any ATO correspondence

Step 3: Contact the ATO if Steps 1 and 2 don't work

Call ATO. Have your full name, date of birth, and current address ready. They can retrieve your TFN if you've had one before.

For contact options, see the ATO's contact page.

Scenario 2: You've never had a TFN

If you've never had a TFN before, you'll apply through the ATO. The application method depends on your circumstances.

Visit the ATO's TFN application page

1. Go to the ATO's TFN application page
2. The ATO will guide you through the application method based on your residency status, age, visa type, and other individual circumstances
3. Provide the identity documents your situation requires
4. Submit your application

Processing time: Varies depending on your circumstances. Check the ATO's application page for current timelines.

Friction point: Documents in another language

If your documents are in a language other than English, you'll need a written translation certified by an authorized translation service. The ATO's application guidance includes information on approved translators and NAATI-certified services. Check the relevant ATO application page for your pathway.

Scenario 3: Applying from overseas

If you already have a TFN (recovery from overseas)

You can find your existing TFN through ATO online services via myGov from anywhere in the world. If you can't access your myGov account, use myGov's sign-in and recovery process, you can recover your account online through phone, SMS, email, or identity verification.

If you've never had a TFN (applying from overseas)

The ATO has a dedicated application process for overseas residents. Identity verification requirements vary by country and circumstance; some countries can use apostilles or consular certification, while others may have different requirements.

For detailed guidance on which application route applies to you, refer to the ATO's overseas TFN application guidance.

Certifying identity documents

The ATO maintains a list of approved certifiers, including legal practitioners, registered medical practitioners, judges, Justices of the Peace, ministers of religion with authority to celebrate marriage, police officers, bank, building society, or credit union officers with at least five years of service, sheriffs' officers, and Commissioners of Declarations in Queensland.

For the complete and current list, see the ATO's approved-certifier page.

Note: Tax agents can’t certify documents for TFN applications, even if they're registered tax practitioners.

Within Australia

Outside Australia

If you're overseas, your proof-of-identity options depend on your country and the ATO's current requirements. The ATO's overseas applicants page outlines which certifiers and documents it will accept.

Before arranging certification, refer to the ATO's overseas proof-of-identity requirements to confirm:

• Which certifiers does the ATO accept in your country?
• What documents do you need?
• Any specific format or certification requirements?

Possible certifiers (verify with ATO first):

• Notary Public: Verify the ATO accepts notarial certification in your country
• Australian diplomatic missions: staff may certify documents in person; contact your nearest mission directly
• Apostille, used for Hague Convention countries; check if the ATO accepts this format for your situation
• NAATI-Certified Translator. You only need this if your documents aren’t in English; verify the translator is on the NAATI register

Don’t assume any certifier is acceptable without confirming with the ATO first, as requirements vary significantly by country and document type.

Note: Australian consular staff can certify photocopies of original proof-of-identity documents. However, consular staff can’t issue TFNs or receive/transmit your application.

Your certifier must sight the original and copy, certify the copy as a true and correct copy, and provide their name, contact number, qualification, registration number (if relevant), and certification date.

If your country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the ATO may accept copies of certain public documents bearing an apostille. Check the ATO's current requirements for your documents and country.

Translation requirement (if documents aren't in English)

Documents not in English require a written translation certified by an authorized translation service.

• If you're in Australia: The ATO directs you to NAATI-certified translation services
• If you're outside Australia: Contact your nearest Australian embassy, high commission, or consulate for approved translation services in your location

For current overseas TFN application instructions applicable to your country and situation, see the ATO's overseas TFN application guidance.

Timelines, costs, and what to expect

Next steps based on your situation

Why your TFN matters

If you start employment without providing your TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate up to 47% unless you either claim an exemption or advise that you've applied for or inquired about a TFN. Learn more about PAYG withholding obligations to understand what happens if you delay providing your TFN.

If you notify your employer that you've applied for a TFN or made an inquiry with the ATO, you have 28 days to provide your TFN before the higher withholding rate applies.

Better approach: Get your TFN before your first pay date if possible. If you can't, notify your employer immediately that you've applied or inquired; this process gives you time to obtain it without the cash flow impact of higher withholding. Learn more about withholding implications and how to provide your TFN correctly to avoid this scenario.

Safeguarding your TFN

Your TFN contains sensitive information. What you should do:

Keep it safe: Store a copy of your TFN in a secure place, such as a password-protected document, rather than writing it down.

Only provide your TFN when you're dealing with an organization that is legitimately entitled to request or use it. Legitimate recipients include employers, the ATO, banks and financial institutions, Services Australia, registered tax agents, superannuation funds, and higher-education providers.

If you're unsure whether an organization should have your TFN, ask them why they need it before providing it.

If you suspect your TFN has been misused

If you suspect your TFN has been misused, contact the ATO's Client Identity Support Centre.

On applications: Do not put your TFN on public documents or in unsecured emails.

Final thoughts: Your TFN is just the start

Your TFN is straightforward to find if you've had one before; check myGov, old documents, or ATO correspondence. If you've misplaced it and can't find it anywhere, contact the ATO directly. If you have never had one, the ATO's application page will guide you through the right process for your circumstances.

Once you have your TFN, the next steps you take will depend on your situation:

• For employment: Provide your TFN to your employer to avoid high tax withholding
• For business: If you're starting a business, first decide on your business structure (sole trader, company, etc.), then register for an ABN. Learn how to register for an ABN so you can move forward with setting up your business

Keep your TFN secure and only share it with legitimate organizations. If you suspect misuse, contact the ATO's Client Identity Support Centre.