Australia · Independent guide

Tax file numbers: apply, wait, or find a lost one

A TFN is your personal tax reference, issued free by the ATO and kept for life. If you never had one, apply; if you had one, find it — never apply twice. Guard it: don't share it with websites, including this one.

Official site: ATO — Tax file number ↗

Guides and tools

Sources: Australian Taxation Office — Tax file number.

Page updated 25 October 2026. Rules change — confirm current details on the official site. Public Services Desk is independent and is not a government agency; we cannot lodge or process applications. General information, not legal, financial or immigration advice.