Hello
I’m writing to make sure I have my tax affairs in order while I’m in Australia.
I’m from Denmark and have kept my address at my mother’s place in Denmark, where I lived before I left. I’m in Australia on a working holiday visa from February until around mid-January. I’m an au pair with an Australian family with two children, who consider me part of the family.
I have contacted the Danish tax authorities to ask about my tax situation. The Danish tax authorities say that I am fully liable for tax in Denmark. However, I need to clarify whether I also have to pay tax in Australia. I have some shares on a Scandinavian stock trading platform. Because of my stay in Australia, this stock platform keeps telling me that I need to provide my Australian TFN.
Do I need to apply for a TFN while I’m an au pair?
I understood it like I don’t need to apply for a TFN, since my “job” as an au pair isn’t a regular job, but rather a cultural exchange where I’m part of the family. Additionally, I receive room and board, as well as an allowance from the family. The family has defined the money as an allowance.
I hope you can answer my question
24 views
1 replies
Author: JayATO(Community Support)Community Support 27 May 2026
Hi @Sign9745,
Yes, you need to apply for a tax file number (TFN) while you're in Australia on a working holiday visa. Foreign residents should consider obtaining a TFN if they're authorised by the Department of Immigration to work in Australia temporarily.
The allowance you receive as an au pair is assessable income, even though it may be described as pocket money or an allowance by the family. You will also need to calculate the market value of room and board. A payment is still assessable income when it is in the form of good or services. When you work in Australia on a working holiday visa, you need a TFN to ensure the correct amount of tax is applied to your income.
You'll also need your Australian TFN for your Scandinavian stock trading platform. If you earn income with an Australian source, including investment income, you may need to lodge an Australian tax return and pay tax on that income.
Your TFN is your personal reference number in the Australian tax system. It's free to apply, and you should get your TFN before starting work, or soon after starting work, otherwise you'll pay more tax. The application can take up to 28 days to process.
You can apply for your TFN online as a foreign passport holder with a valid working holiday visa. It might be helpful to show our article on tax and super obligations for employees to you the family you are working for.
