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Zohra(Initiate)Initiate
1 Feb 2024

Hello again,


I had a TFN in 2015 and I lost it. I called ATO services because I need it to receive a payment from a previous employer.


We checked with my previous employer and he doesn’t have my TFN. I wrote to ATO with proof of my identity and asking for my TFN but I have no news since that.


My ex employer told me he can still send me my money but he with hold 45%.


My questions :

  • How long does it take for ATO to respond by mail ? (calling is very very expensive for me).
  • If I accept to receive the money without TFN would it be possible to get my tax back directly with ATO ? I leave in France and dont plan to go back to Australia any time soon.

Thank you for your help,

229 views
3 replies
229 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

TeddyATO(Community Support)Community Support
6 Feb 2024

Hello @Zohra,


Just in case you didn't know we have a list of locations where you are able to locate your TFN. As for how long it takes for us to get your mail it depends on the postal service and not something we can really comment on. We will endeavour to complete your request within 28 days of receiving it. If you receive the money without the TFN and an amount is withheld you would need to lodge a tax return for that financial year to get what you are able to get of that component back.

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Most helpful reply

TeddyATO(Community Support)Community Support
6 Feb 2024

Hello @Zohra,


Just in case you didn't know we have a list of locations where you are able to locate your TFN. As for how long it takes for us to get your mail it depends on the postal service and not something we can really comment on. We will endeavour to complete your request within 28 days of receiving it. If you receive the money without the TFN and an amount is withheld you would need to lodge a tax return for that financial year to get what you are able to get of that component back.

Zohra(Initiate)Initiate
14 Feb 2024

Hi @TeddyATO,


I already checked the linked you sent me. Unfortunately, I can't get back my TFN online. When I called the TFN service they told me to send copies to prove my identity + summary of my request. I sent my mail on the 9th of january. I m a little bit worried because its been in total 8 months that I try to get back my TFN. Could you please tell how can I get help ?

Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
20 Feb 2024

Hi @Zohra


Looks like you’ve doing everything you can, we can't see your account on here and we couldn’t provide any TFN details over our online forum. You can ask a tax agent for help they might be able to access your records on your behalf.

If you still can't find our TFN check out your further options. 

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