Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
BingotheDingo(Newbie)Newbie
18 Dec 2024

Hi team,


I'm an Australian Citizen who has been living overseas for quite some time. Looking to move back and get a TFN prior to moving back for job reasons.


I do not have another Australian ID outside my passport to qualify under the "Australian Citizens applying with an Australian Passport" and I'm residing abroad currently.


Do I apply as a "foreigner living outside of Australia"? Does this have any issue since I'm an Australian citizen so the system might reject me and tell me to apply as an Australian citizen with a passport or if this method works - Do I have to make any updates upon return to Australia (IE any TFN differences citizens vs non-citizens?)


Is there anyway around this or get back to Australia first and get the IDs then apply ?


There is also the chance I had a TFN from when I was younger - how would I go about checking that first considering my situation above?


Appreciate the help in advance !

222 views
1 replies
222 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

BroncosvRabbits(Devotee)Devotee
18 Dec 2024

Hi @hatch312,


If you ever worked and paid tax in Australia in your life, then yes, you most likely already have a TFN.


A TFN isn't biased to citizens or non-citizens, it's just a number generated from an application for one.


It depends how quickly you need to know your TFN as to how you'd apply. If you need it before returning then you already know the answer (plus don't forget to tick that you already have one so it'll just be a re-issue and not a re-application).


If you can wait until you get your Aussie documents, then do it that way, it's really up to you.


If you already have one, it'll get re-issued, if you don't it'll get assessed as a new application. 😊

All replies

Most helpful reply

BroncosvRabbits(Devotee)Devotee
18 Dec 2024

Hi @hatch312,


If you ever worked and paid tax in Australia in your life, then yes, you most likely already have a TFN.


A TFN isn't biased to citizens or non-citizens, it's just a number generated from an application for one.


It depends how quickly you need to know your TFN as to how you'd apply. If you need it before returning then you already know the answer (plus don't forget to tick that you already have one so it'll just be a re-issue and not a re-application).


If you can wait until you get your Aussie documents, then do it that way, it's really up to you.


If you already have one, it'll get re-issued, if you don't it'll get assessed as a new application. 😊

Featured articles

Setting up an ATO payment plan

5 Nov 2025 · 6 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. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    28 likes

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    27 likes

  4. mi_guv_eye_d

    (Master)

    27 likes

  5. taxfriend

    (Superuser)

    27 likes

Top contributors

  1. BroncosvRabbits

    (Devotee)

    303contributions

  2. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    219contributions

  3. mi_guv_eye_d

    (Master)

    175contributions

  4. YEP

    (Devotee)

    129contributions

  5. taxfriend

    (Superuser)

    129contributions

Loading
TFN Application as an Australian Overseas. | ATO Community