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Last updated 6 Feb 2026 · 503,295 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 Hellen-charless, BroncosvRabbits and 2 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 anniewarner67 and fogi12
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
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
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
harrysinaga96(Newbie)Newbie
11 Oct 2024

Hi there, i want to ask about my TFN

It's been more than 28 days since i applied my TFN through online form and until today i still don't receive my TFN


I only have the ATO Receipt ID, what should I do and where i should ask about my TFN? I have tried to call the given number in the website but everytime i call like in different time each day, still i could not connect to ATO staff that i think can help me


could you please assist me?


Thankyou

Liked by TrueBlueAussie
AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
16 Oct 2024

Hey @harrysinaga96,


The 28 days begins from the date we receive it in the system not the date you posted it to us. It may be possible it's still processing. We will send you the notification to the address you gave us on the application once it's been completed. Postage times can vary depending on where its being sent within Australia we do allow 7-10 business days.


As we can't look into your account or anything from our forum you are best to speak with one of our team. We understand this is hard sometimes due to high call volumes, but we ask you to keep trying. The best time to try is first up of a morning or later in the arvo. We're here from 8am-6pm your local time.

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Liked by BroncosvRabbits
Suzixox(Newbie)Newbie
23 July 2024

I'm 17, lost my TFN and currently not working. I didn't keep all the paper work and my my TFN not link to myGov account. My previous employer have deleted my details. I have tried to call ATO number listed here numerous times but disconnected and Is it possible to walk in ATO office to get it fixed? Please help

Liked by Cheryl-Ann
RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
24 July 2024

Hi @Suzixox,


We don't have shopfronts to visit anymore. If none of the options under the Where can I find my TFN? section in the article are helpful, you'll need to keep trying to contact us. We'll ask some questions to verify your identity before we can give you your TFN over the phone.

krPodge(I'm new)I'm new
22 June 2024

Hi,

I applied and received my TFN a few years ago but have since lost it and I have also moved. I have no way to check it online as I never linked it to my myGov account, I also cannot locate it through NOA or any other ways you have recommended here.

What would be the best way to get this sorted?


Cheers

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
23 June 2024

Hi @krPodge,


If you can't find it using any of the methods we've listed above you'll need to give us a call. After we verify your identity we can give your TFN.

perkedeljagung(Newbie)Newbie
18 June 2024

Dear ATO,

Please help us.

My wife and I have completed our TFN registration forms and sent them along with our ID certified by Justice on 19 Feb 2024 using Australian Post while we visited Melbourne for a short few days trip. We understand that the standard processing time is 28 days. Since we live in Jakarta, Indonesia, it will take more days. 

Until today, we have not received our TFN yet either by letter nor by email.

Could you please help us?

We worry we would not be able to submit our tax report by 30 Jun 2024 since until now we have not had pur TFN yet


Thanks a lot

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
23 June 2024

Hi @perkedeljagung,


We don't email TFNs, it should be mailed to the address you put on the application.


You'll need to get in touch with us directly to follow up your applications. If you're not in Australia, you'll need to use our overseas line.

TonyZ(Initiate)Initiate
3 June 2024

Hi,I sent my application with all the certificates needed with apostles etc to get back my TFN as i used to live in Australia till 1992, I have received a confirmation from Australia post that ATO received my application on the 2nd April 2024, till now i did not get my TFN, tried to call there, they confirmed they received my application, all info and certificates needed were right BUT they cannot tell me if they are going to send me my TFN, I lived and worked in Australia for four and a half years, used my TFN all along BUT didnt keep this number after i left there 32 years ago.... how can I get help to know what is going on with my application please?

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
3 June 2024

Hey @TonyZ,


Yes, usually when you apply for a TFN, and you already have one we'll reissue your TFN notification letter. Generally, our service standard is 28 days but if you're not in Australia it may take longer to receive. Need to account for international postage.


If your concerned that you haven't received it yet check out our other ways of finding your TFN.

aditya2403(I'm new)I'm new
3 June 2024

Hi, I applied for my TFN since  26/04/2024 but have not got my TFN yet. Could you assist me with that?

Thank you

AnitaATO(Community Support)Community Support
3 June 2024

Hi @aditya2403,


You would usually receive notification of your TFN within 28 days of us receiving your application. It'll get posted to the address that you gave us on your application.


As it has been more than 28 days you may need to look at our other options for finding your TFN.

zcastro(I'm new)I'm new
9 May 2024

Hi

I have also applied for my TFN back in 30/03/2024 and It has been more than 28 days. I tried contacting the number provided a few weeks ago but only got put on hold for about an hour. Is there any other ways for me to contact the ATO office to find out when can I get my TFN?


Thank you

PChopra(Newbie)Newbie
24 Apr 2024

Hi


I applied for the TFN on 19.03.2024 and now it is 24.04.2024, more than 28 days and I have not received anything yet. Please let me know, how many more days it will take?


I tried calling the given number but it did not respond.

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Liked by zcastro
Sandhyashrestha(Newbie)Newbie
13 Feb 2024

Hello

It says that, your TFN application or enquiry has been successfully submitted. ATO receipt ID ******

How to know or track whether I have applied for TFN? Because Iam confused.


Deacon14052007(I'm new)I'm new
9 Oct 2023

Hello, is there anywhere online I can check the progress of my TFN application? I can't remember which email address I used on the application form.

Thanks

bbritney(I'm new)I'm new
25 July 2023

Hi there, I’ve applied for my tfn by AusPost on Feb 13 2023 and it’s now 25th of July 2023 and still haven’t recovered it. I have the AusPost receipt of my application with my reference number and unique number aswell info on there. is there any way to contact you to receive my tfn or get any updates? my sister in law got hers within less than 28days and so what’s the hold up with mine? please sort this issue out. I’ve been calling you guys for the past straight 4-8weeks and your line seems to be full everytime and ends the call automatically.

Laine(I'm new)I'm new
4 May 2023

@AnitaATO


hi there,, I've applied for the TFN, but still haven't received it by post.  It’s already 28 days now.. can you help me please.. thank you.

Laine(I'm new)I'm new
4 May 2023

Hi there,


I've applied for the TFN, but still haven't received it by post. It’s been already 28 days now. help me please.



Thank you

Luis_a.silva(I'm new)I'm new
1 Mar 2023

Hi, I recently finished the online TFN application as at this moment I don't have final address I choose to select a post office, is there any way that I can track the exact moment to go to this postal office to retrieve my TFN (the post office worker told me that if I don't go to PO after they receive my TFN he will return it to the sender).

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Finding your TFN | ATO Community