Loading
aParent(Newbie)Newbie
14 July 2023

I am trying to apply TFN for my 15 year old son, who is an Australian Citizen.

I have created myGovId and now trying to link to ATO services.

When linking to ATO service, it asks for one of 2 questions, either an address or TFN.

So obviously i will select address option. I have entered the address but it comes back with an error, saying it can not find a matching record.


Now because this is the very first time, my son is going to be in ATO records so how can we link to the ATO from myGov. System will never find a matching record to link the services, because there is none at this stage.


I tried calling ATO numbers but they are of no help as they are very busy and phone never gets picked up.


Other way to link might be with the linking code, but for that i have to all ATO, which is again useless as they are very busy and phone call never get attended.

3,285 views
9 replies
3,285 views
9 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
14 July 2023

Hi @aParent,


It's all a bit confusing! You won't be able to link yet.


Sounds like you're applying for a TFN using the Australian citizens with an Australian passport (beta) option?


So you've got the myGovID sorted which is great, the next step is to click the green button 'Apply online for your TFN' - once you've successfully submitted the application online, your sons myGov will automatically link to ATO online and a letter with his TFN will be sent to his myGov account.


Hope this makes sense? Let us know if you need more help.

All replies

Most helpful reply

RileyATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
14 July 2023

Hi @aParent,


It's all a bit confusing! You won't be able to link yet.


Sounds like you're applying for a TFN using the Australian citizens with an Australian passport (beta) option?


So you've got the myGovID sorted which is great, the next step is to click the green button 'Apply online for your TFN' - once you've successfully submitted the application online, your sons myGov will automatically link to ATO online and a letter with his TFN will be sent to his myGov account.


Hope this makes sense? Let us know if you need more help.

manyquestions(Initiate)Initiate
21 July 2023

Hi - Please could you assist. Even with a TFN for my teenager we cannot link as the requested validations are not in place as these are the first ATO dealings. We cannot get through on the phone to obtain a linking code and therefore cannot submit a tax return (teenager was charged tax when they started working). Using a tax agent to submit the return will wipe out all the tax due back with their fee. How can we lodge a tax return if the phone line just says the ATO will not answer. We can only call outside school hours so time available to call when you are open is limited. Please help with an alternative way to either link or lodge.

waz_OG(Initiate)Initiate
23 July 2023

Have run into the exact same issue, want the two options to verify, but don't have them to supply and ATO just hangs up cos "too busy" NOT good enough ATO. need to automate the linking code process.

Featured articles

How to access myGov and ATO online services while overseas

24 Aug 2025 · 2 min read time

Can’t sign in to myGov to access ATO online services?

2 Dec 2025 · 3 min read time

Linking your myGov account to the ATO

24 Aug 2025 · 3 min read time

Top liked users

  1. BroncosvRabbits

    (Devotee)

    61 likes

  2. mi_guv_eye_d

    (Master)

    36 likes

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    32 likes

  4. taxfriend

    (Superuser)

    27 likes

  5. Peter_Clyne

    (Superuser)

    26 likes

Top contributors

  1. BroncosvRabbits

    (Devotee)

    303contributions

  2. mi_guv_eye_d

    (Master)

    285contributions

  3. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    201contributions

  4. YEP

    (Devotee)

    129contributions

  5. taxfriend

    (Superuser)

    129contributions

Loading
How to get a TFN and link the ATO to myGov for the first time? | ATO Community