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fisilia(Initiate)Initiate
9 Mar 2023

Dear Sir / Madam


Greetings!

Hope you are having a wonderful day.


I made TFN long time ago during my study years in Australia, and I had a Tax File Number registered in the year 2002/2003. I have moved back to my country since 2005, and now there is a big possibility I will relocate again to Australia soon.


I'm writing to you to ask for your assistance on how I can have access to my TFN and know it's number again, as unfortunately I no longer have any records/documentation of it anymore.


I am able to provide personal documents for identification purposes if needed, such as:

- Photo of my previous Passport (upon applying for TFN)

- Photo of my previous Australian Student Visa with Work Permit

- any further supporting documents to make this request possible.


I thank you very much in advance for your attention and kind support, greatly appreciated.


I look forward to your reply.


Thanks...

2,703 views
4 replies
2,703 views
4 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
15 Mar 2023

Hi @fisilia,


The link I gave you mentions that you'd need to phone us if you can't get your TFN any other way.


As mentioned, it may be easier when you are back within Australia, as it may be difficult if you are overseas. We may be limited with what information you have on your records previously for us to access your account. We can sometimes verify documents. But if you only have a passport, it cannot be verified if you are not in the country. The way we verify documents is through the 'Document verification system'. It's done online, verifying with the departments that issued the documents.


When you can access your account, we can make a request for copies of tax documents we would have for you.

All replies

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
10 Mar 2023

Hi @fisilia,


That's great to hear!


If you no longer have any documents that have your TFN on them. We have some great information on how you can recover your lost TFN. The process may be easier when you return to Australia. Sometimes we may need to verify documents and if you are not in Australia at the time; it can be difficult.

fisilia(Initiate)Initiate
13 Mar 2023

Hi @DanielleATO

Thank you for your responding to my queries.


I have gone through the link you referred to me on the Lost & Stolen TFN section. However, I cannot find anything that resembles my situation nor found a solution to it. Is there a specific link that you can refer to me, that is similar to my case?


And for the case of verifying my documents, can it be done thru soft copies? As for me going there directly to Australia is not feasible at the moment.


One of the reason for me to retrieve my old TFN back, is besides to get ready for employment soon, I also need it for the purpose of applying an Australian 491 visa. I have already applied for it years ago, and now is at the final stage. And now the Dept of Home Affairs is asking for a proof of residency during my stay in Australia back then, and I was hoping my TFN files/records/documentation that shows my address can be one of the docs that is needed to show and proof my residence.


Anything that can be done in my case? Any enlightment?


Thanks in advance, cheers...

Most helpful reply

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
15 Mar 2023

Hi @fisilia,


The link I gave you mentions that you'd need to phone us if you can't get your TFN any other way.


As mentioned, it may be easier when you are back within Australia, as it may be difficult if you are overseas. We may be limited with what information you have on your records previously for us to access your account. We can sometimes verify documents. But if you only have a passport, it cannot be verified if you are not in the country. The way we verify documents is through the 'Document verification system'. It's done online, verifying with the departments that issued the documents.


When you can access your account, we can make a request for copies of tax documents we would have for you.

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How do I have access / recover my old TFN and its number, as I don't have any records of it anymore? | ATO Community