How to apply for a tax file number

Taxes are paid on income earned, such as, a salary from a job, business earnings and interest earned on money deposited in a bank. Taxes are collected by the Australian Government and are used to provide welfare services, income support, roads and health services and other services and infrastructure. States and territories also collect taxes called stamp duties on certain transactions and services. This money goes into funding state and territory services and infrastructure. Everyone receiving income or financial support from the government is required to apply for a Tax File Number from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The Australian tax year runs from July to June. Under Australian law most people are required to lodge a tax return each year.

To receive an income in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN). Income includes wages or salary from a job, payments from the government, and money earned from investments including interest on savings accounts.

In Australia, you can telephone the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and have an application form sent to you. Alternatively, you can apply for a TFN at the ATO website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Forms are also available from ATO or Centrelink shopfronts which are listed in the White Pages telephone book.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) contact details:

Telephone 13 2861

Apply for a TFN online at the ATO website: www.ato.gov.au