Australia TFN Application Complete Guide 2025 - How to Get Tax Number

Have you arrived in Australia? Congratulations! The first thing you need to do is apply for a TFN (Tax File Number).

Working without TFN means 47% tax deduction. But with TFN, you only pay 15-32%. This makes a difference of millions of won annually.

This article perfectly organizes everything from TFN application to approval based on experiences from hundreds of working holidaymakers. Complete online application in 10 minutes!

💡 Feeling overwhelmed in your first week in Australia? Check out Australian Working Holiday First Week Guide for all essential procedures including TFN application.

1. What is TFN? (Tax File Number)

1.1. Definition of TFN

TFN stands for Tax File Number, a unique tax identification number issued by the Australian government to individuals.

TFN Characteristics:

• 9-digit number (e.g., 123 456 789)
• Valid for life (doesn't change even after leaving Australia)
• Independent of visa type
• Free issuance
• Online application available

1.2. Why TFN is Needed

Working Without TFN:

• ❌ 45% tax deduction (almost half!)
• ❌ No tax refund possible
• ❌ Difficult Super (retirement pension) refund
• ❌ Highest tax rate applied to bank interest

With TFN:

• ✅ 15-45% tax (depending on income, for registered WHM employers)
• ✅ Annual tax refund possible
• ✅ Simple Super refund
• ✅ Normal tax rate on bank interest

💡 Example (for registered WHM employers):

• Hourly rate $25, 40 hours/week, 50 weeks/year
• Annual income: $50,000
• Without TFN: $22,500 tax (45%)
• With TFN: $8,250 tax (16.5% average)
  • $0-$45,000: 15% = $6,750
  • $45,001-$50,000: 30% = $1,500
• Difference: $14,250 (approximately 12 million won!)

📌 Note: If employer is not registered as WHM employer, 30% tax applies to first $135,000.

2. TFN Application Eligibility and Requirements

2.1. Application Eligibility

Who Can Apply for TFN:

• ✅ Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417, 462)
• ✅ Student visa (with work rights)
• ✅ Work visa
• ✅ Permanent residents
• ✅ Australian citizens

⚠️ Can only apply after visa approval. Cannot apply from Korea in advance.

2.2. Required Documents

What You Need for Online Application:

1. Passport

   • Passport number
   • Issue date, expiry date
   • Passport photo page scan (for upload)

2. Australian Address

   • Airbnb, hostel address acceptable
   • Address where you can receive mail

3. Email

   • Accessible email address
   • Gmail, Naver, etc. all acceptable

4. Visa Information

   • Visa number (Grant Number)
   • Visa approval date

💡 Tip: Prepare your passport and visa approval email in advance. You'll need to enter this information during application.

3. TFN Online Application Method (Step-by-Step Guide)

STEP 1: Access ATO Website

1. Access ATO (Australian Taxation Office) official website:
   • 🌐 www.ato.gov.au
2. Enter "Apply for TFN" in search bar
3. Click "Apply for a Tax File Number"

⚠️ Warning: Many scam sites exist. Always verify it's the ato.gov.au domain.

STEP 2: Select Visa Type

Select "Apply for a TFN - foreign passport holders"

Visa type:

• Working Holiday Maker (Subclass 417, 462) ✅ Select
• Student visa
• Temporary Work visa
• Other

STEP 3: Enter Personal Information

Information to Enter:

1. Name

   • In English, same as passport
   • Given name: First name
   • Family name: Last name

2. Date of Birth

   • DD/MM/YYYY format
   • Example: 15/03/1995

3. Gender

   • Male / Female / Other

4. Country of Birth

   • Select South Korea

5. Passport Details

   • Passport number: Passport number (M12345678)
   • Country of issue: South Korea
   • Date of issue: Issue date
   • Date of expiry: Expiry date

STEP 4: Enter Contact Information

1. Australian Address

   Example:
   Unit 5, 123 Collins Street
   Melbourne VIC 3000
   Australia
   

2. Email

   • Must be accessible email
   • TFN will be sent via email

3. Phone Number (Optional)

   • Enter if you have Australian number
   • OK if you don't have one

STEP 5: Enter Visa Information

1. Visa type: Working Holiday visa (417/462)
2. Visa Grant Number
   • Check via ImmiAccount
   • Or refer to visa approval email
3. Date visa was granted
4. Date of arrival in Australia

STEP 6: Answer Additional Questions

Some Additional Questions:

Q: "Will you receive an Australian Government pension or allowance?"

• Most: No select

Q: "Are you in receipt of an annuity or superannuation from an Australian super fund or retirement savings account?"

• Most: No select

Q: "Do you want to claim the tax-free threshold?"

• Yes select (This is key to tax savings!)

STEP 7: Upload Passport Photo

• Upload scan or photo of passport photo page
• JPG, PNG format
• Maximum 10MB
• Must be clear for approval

STEP 8: Complete Application and Confirmation

• Review all information
• Click "Submit"
• Receive confirmation email (within 5-10 minutes)

4. TFN Approval Period and Verification

4.1. Approval Period

Typical Approval Period:

• 📧 Online application: 10-28 days
• 📮 Mail receipt: Within 28 days

💡 Real Experiences:

• 70%: Approved within 10-14 days
• 20%: 15-21 days
• 10%: 22-28 days

Tips for Fast Approval:

• Enter all information accurately
• Upload clear passport photo
• Enter Australian address accurately

4.2. TFN Verification Method

When TFN Arrives by Mail:

• 9-digit number printed on A4 paper
• Example: Your TFN is 123 456 789
• Keep this letter safely

Online Verification:

1. Create myGov account (optional)
2. Link ATO
3. Check Tax File Number

5. How to Use TFN

5.1. Provide TFN to Employer

First Day of Work:

• Inform employer of TFN
• Complete Tax File Number Declaration Form
• Or enter in online system

Format:

Tax File Number: 123 456 789
Name: Kim Mina
Date of Birth: 15/03/1995
Residency Status: Working Holiday Maker
Claim tax-free threshold: Yes ✅

5.2. Provide TFN to Bank

After Opening Bank Account:

• Inform bank of TFN
• Can enter directly via online banking
• Normal tax on interest income

💡 Tip: Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac all allow TFN entry online. If you don't have an account yet, check Australian Bank Account Opening Guide.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is there a TFN application fee?

A: Completely free! Any site requesting payment is 100% a scam. Only apply through the official ATO website (ato.gov.au).

Q2. Can I apply from Korea in advance?

A: No. You can only apply after arriving in Australia with an approved visa.

Q3. I lost my TFN. Can I get it reissued?

A: TFN is not reissued but retrieved. You use the same number for life.

Retrieval methods:

1. ATO phone: 13 28 61
2. Check via myGov account
3. Contact employer or accountant

Q4. Can I start working without TFN?

A: Possible but absolutely not recommended. You'll be taxed at 45%, and refund process is complicated. Always get TFN before starting work.

Q5. Does TFN become invalid when working holiday visa ends?

A: No! TFN is valid for life. You can use the same TFN if you return to Australia later.

Q6. My TFN hasn't arrived after 28 days. What should I do?

A: Contact ATO.

Contact Methods:

• ☎️ Phone: 13 28 61 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
• 💬 Online chat: ATO website
• 🏢 Visit: Nearest ATO office

7. What to Do After TFN Application

7.1. Inform Employer of TFN

• Provide TFN before first day of work
• Complete Tax File Number Declaration Form
• Check "Claim tax-free threshold: Yes"

7.2. Register TFN with Bank

• Enter TFN via online banking
• Normal tax on interest income

7.3. Store TFN Safely

• 📧 Email backup
• 📱 Smartphone memo
• ☁️ Save to Google Drive
• 🔐 Manage safely like a password

⚠️ Warning: TFN is personal information. Don't share carelessly with others.

8. TFN Precautions

8.1. Beware of Scams

Absolutely Avoid:

• ❌ TFN application agencies
• ❌ Sites requesting payment
• ❌ Clicking links in suspicious emails
• ❌ People requesting TFN by phone

Real ATO:

• ✅ Website: www.ato.gov.au
• ✅ Phone: 13 28 61
• ✅ Email: Never sends links

8.2. Privacy Protection

Only provide TFN to:

• Employer
• Bank
• Accountant
• ATO

Never share with anyone else!

Conclusion

TFN application is the first essential procedure in Australian working holiday.

10-minute online application can save you millions of won annually. Follow this guide and apply for TFN right now!

Next Steps:

1. WHRESUME CV Builder to create professional resume
2. Australian Working Holiday First Week Guide - What to do next
3. Australian Tax Return Guide - Get tax refund with TFN

Related Guides:

• Australian Bank Account Opening Guide - Essential with TFN!
• Australian Tax Return Complete Guide - Get refund after 1 year
• Australian Superannuation Refund Guide - Refund when returning home

Best of luck with your Australian working holiday! 🇦🇺✨

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About the Author The WHRESUME team is in their 3rd year living in Melbourne and genuinely supports Australian working holiday makers. This guide is based on feedback from the working holiday community and analysis of official Australian sources.

💬 Feedback Welcome: If you find outdated or inaccurate information, please let us know via Contact Us!

📌 Latest Information:

• Australian Taxation Office - Official TFN application website
• Department of Home Affairs - Visa related information