Does A Tax File Number Cost Money

Australian residents – TFN application

A tax file number (TFN) is free. You can apply for a TFN if you're an Australian resident, that is you:

were born in Australia
have taken out Australian citizenship
are an Australian resident for tax purposes.

If you're unsure of your residency status, go to – Your tax residency.

Australian citizens with an Australian passport, check if you can apply online using myGovID.

Residents of Norfolk Island, use the TFN application for Norfolk Island residents.

On this page

Apply at Australia Post
Apply at a Services Australia centre
Apply by post

Apply at Australia Post

You can apply for your TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outletExternal Link if you're able to attend an interview. There is no fee for lodging your TFN application with Australia Post.

To apply through Australia Post, you need to:

Complete the online formExternal Link – the form is not supported by Internet Explorer, use another browser.
Print the application summary, which will include your application reference number.
Book your interviewExternal Link at a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form.
Attend your interview and take your application summary and original proof of identity documentsExternal Link to the interview.
Sign your application at Australia Post at your interview to complete your TFN application.

You should receive your TFN within 28 days from when we receive your completed application and the required documents have been sighted by Australia Post.

To prevent delays, don't lodge another application. We appreciate your patience during the processing period.

If you haven't received your TFN notification letter after 28 days, contact us.

Note: Changes to Australia Post services due to COVID-19 may affect lodging your application. Check Australia post updatesExternal Link for more information.

Apply at a Services Australia centre

You can apply in person at a Services AustraliaExternal Link service centre by completing a paper form – Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432) if you're:

a Services Australia customer
unable to get a Strong myGovID online or apply at Australia Post.

To apply at Services Australia, you can:

get a copy of the form by ordering onlineExternal Link or Services Australia can provide you with the form.
provide your original proof of identity documents.

See the application instructions for the proof of identity documents you need to provide.

If you have authorised Centrelink to receive your TFN from the ATO, select To give to Centrelink as your reason for needing a TFN.

Once processed, we'll send your TFN to both you and Centrelink.

Apply by post

If you can't apply via any of the other available channels, you'll need to complete a paper form.

You can get a copy of the paper form by either:

ATO Publication Ordering External LinkService – Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432)
Order ATO publications service by phone.

Send your completed TFN application and certified copies of your proof of identity documents to the address listed on the form.

Note: Don't send your original identity documents to us as they may not be returned to you.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who don't have enough documents to sufficiently identify themselves may need to complete an alternative paper form. For more information see TFN application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If you're an Australian resident, you can apply for a free tax file number (TFN) in various ways, depending on your circumstances.