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Last updated 6 Feb 2026 · 524,879 views
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Your tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems. Once you’ve got your TFN, it stays the same for life – you only get one!

You may need your TFN when:

  • starting a new job

  • applying for government benefits

  • opening a bank account

  • lodging a tax return

  • applying for study loans.

So, let’s jump in and answer some of your top questions below.

Where can I find my TFN?

We get it, you don’t use your TFN often and not many people have it memorised!

Remember, if you already have a TFN, it’s yours for life. You can’t apply for a new one.

Here are some tips on how you might be able to find your TFN:

  • Look under the personal details section of your ATO online account, if you've linked your ATO online services to to myGov

  • Your TFN is listed under ‘My details’ in the ATO app

  • If you’ve used a registered tax agent before, they’ll have it on file

  • You may find it on your income statement or the payment summary from your employer

  • Check any letters from us including your notice of assessment (NOA) that we send after you do your tax return

  • Your TFN will be on your superannuation account statement

  • Call our self-help line to request your existing TFN (if you have a voiceprint enrolled with the ATO)

If you still can’t find your TFN, you’ll need to get in touch with us directly, or lodge a tax file number - application or enquiry

How do I apply for a TFN?

It’s free to apply for a TFN with us. Depending on your circumstances, you can apply for a TFN in a few different ways. You can apply online, by post or in person through Australia Post or a Services Australia Centre.

You should receive your TFN in the mail within 28 days of us receiving your completed application and required documents. We’ll reach out if there’s an issue with your application - don't apply more than once as this can cause delays.

Don’t want to wait? You can apply online using a Strong Digital ID, such as myID, your TFN will most likely be displayed on screen straight away.

Can I track my TFN application once it’s lodged?

No, once you’ve submitted your TFN application there’s no way to track the progress.

I made a mistake on my TFN application – what do I do?

We can’t make changes to your TFN application after it’s been submitted. But don’t worry, once you get your TFN you’ll be able to update your details with us.

If you’ve recently moved or made a mistake with your address on your application, we recommend redirecting your mail with Australia Post. This will ensure your TFN is sent to the right address.

Don't submit a second application as this can cause delays.

If it’s been more than 28 days and you haven’t received your TFN you’ll need to contact us.

I paid for a TFN online – have I been scammed?

Although you can get a TFN for free through us, it is legal for registered tax professionals to charge for this service. Rest assured, if you’ve paid for a TFN, you’ll likely still receive it in 28 days. You’ll need to allow extra time for the tax professional to send it on to you.

If you believe you’ve been scammed by someone impersonating us, you can submit a scam report and we’ll investigate.

Can I start work without my TFN

Yes, you can start work while waiting for your TFN, but your employer may withhold more tax until you provide it.

I think someone else has used my TFN - what do I do?

Your TFN is private. Don’t share it publicly or upload documents containing your TFN.

If you suspect misuse, contact us right away. We can review your record and take steps to protect your identity.

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Liked by ReelMuse, Hellen-charless and 3 others
Amelia.K(Newbie)Newbie
14 Apr 2026

Hi! I’m new here but I’ve tried everything in this website and the app.


I cannot find my TFN, I have one and I don’t remember it, I cannot find it on the app, myGov or my bank app, I’ve tried the ‘self assist’ ones but they all ask me for my TFN which I DO NOT KNOW, there are no other options that work, I have no letters from them that I still have, I’m not even sure I actually have one but I am trying to get on Youth Allowance and can’t do it without one, so this is my last resort, please help.

Liked by marz_barz143, anniewarner67 and 1 other
RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
14 Apr 2026

Hi @Amelia.K,


This situation is very common. The next step is to phone us directly. You don’t need to know your TFN to speak to us.


When you call, let us know you’ve lost your TFN and need it to apply for Youth Allowance. Once we confirm your identity we can tell you whether you already have a TFN and either give it to you or explain your next steps.

Liked by anniewarner67
marz_barz143(I'm new)I'm new
9 June 2026

I am having this same issue, and have attempted multiple times throughout the day (at vastly different times) to access help via a phone call, but haven't been able to speak to anyone as it is a 'peak' mobile traffic time and no-one is available. The call immediately ends and there is no other automated system to help. I'm also not able to get it automatically as that requires a voiceprint - which you need your TFN to set up. What do I do?

phienhuynh(Newbie)Newbie
19 Dec 2025

I have apply by my self on ato.gov and also via another website, which charge me 99$. I just received the paper TFN by mail, I want to check it is real TFN or scam, how can I check it?

Liked by anniewarner67
DamienATO(Community Support)Community Support
21 Dec 2025

Hi @phienhuynh,


If you've received a paper TFN by mail, it's likely legitimate. We send TFN letters to your postal address after processing applications.


Here's how to check if your TFN is real:

  • call us on 1800 008 540 to verify if it was a scam or not
  • check if the TFN works when you log into ATO online services through myGov
  • look for your TFN in the 'My details' section of your ATO online account.

About that $99 charge, applying for a TFN is free through us, but it's legal for registered tax professionals to charge for this service. If you paid someone, you should still get your TFN within 28 days. They just need extra time to send it to you.


If you have concerns someone has unauthorised access to your TFN, call our CISC team and they can add security measures to your account.

Foxbat_61(Newbie)Newbie
21 Nov 2025

Hi there, I applied for TFN on 25th of September 2025, my reference number is [removed by moderator]

Still no reply from ATO

RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
24 Nov 2025

Hi @Foxbat_61,


It usually takes about 28 days for us to process a Tax File Number (TFN) application, but it can take longer if we need to verify your details or if extra information is required. Since you applied on 25 September, it’s been more than 8 weeks, so it’s definitely worth following up.


If you haven’t received any correspondence by mail or email, you can call us (between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday) and have your reference number handy. We’ll be able to check the status and let you know if there’s an issue.


Sometimes delays happen if documents weren’t received or if identity checks couldn’t be completed. If that’s the case, we’ll tell you what’s needed to finalise your application.

Kingstan(Newbie)Newbie
28 Apr 2025

Hello, I missed to mention my apartment unit number in my address. I am trying to call the helpdesk but could not catch the support. What is the solution for my issue?

Liked by TrueBlueAussie
RachelATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
28 Apr 2025

Hi @Kingstan,


We issue your TFN via the post, so if you didn't provide the correct address details and you haven't received it, call our individuals line and we can provide it for you.


Just note, that if you've recently applied, it generally takes 28 days to process the TFN application.

Liked by TrueBlueAussie
anind.sharma(Newbie)Newbie
7 Apr 2025

Its been more than 28 days since TFN application is lodged (5th March) and upon calling customer care number it do not have any option to talk to someone directly for checking the issue or reason for delay. How can I get the status of my application?

Liked by TrueBlueAussie
Fahim9(Newbie)Newbie
19 Mar 2025

Hello there,(i'm new)


I am here in perth and also applied for tfn watching tfn tutorial videos which all are same and maintained all the answers very carefully..... I did not paid for tfn.... Just got the ato receipt number...... But the thing is more than 28 days had passed.... No email came nor anything came in my mail box!.... While my Senior friends got their tfn in 7-14 days!.... Even i contacted 132861 but not essential help from them.....i logged in my gov,my id everywhere.... Even tried to link with ato but it requires for tfn number for ato link! ...... Now what should i do please advise....in my house i am facing this problem and they can not say anything ... Please advise me thank you....i contacted many time in 132861 number also

Liked by TrueBlueAussie

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Finding your TFN | ATO Community