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hunterxh55(Newbie)Newbie
23 Oct 2025

Hello,


During the lodgment period (July to October 2025), I checked my Lodgments and found that I am required to lodge a tax return for the period July 2024 – June 2025. I have now permanently left Australia since mid-2024 and would like to confirm that I have lodged my return online.


In the section “Will you need to lodge an Australian tax return in future years?”, I selected “No (this is my final return)”.


My questions are:

1. Do I need to lodge my return again using the paper tax return form in order to close my TFN? I saw that the processing time for lodgments is 50 business days, as mentioned in the ATO guidance here: Eligibility to lodge an early tax return. https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/how-to-lodge-your-tax-return/lodge-your-tax-return-before-leaving-australia


2. As I have lodged my final return online, will my TFN be automatically closed?


3. In the future, if I return to Australia, do I need to apply for a new TFN, or will my existing TFN be reactivated automatically?


4. When I was living in Australia on a student visa, I submitted Non-lodgment advice forms for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 financial years because I did not work during those periods. Could you please confirm if that was the correct process?


5. Lastly, since I have already completed my final online lodgment, do I need to take any further action, or is everything now completed regarding my TFN?


Thank you very much for your help.

294 views
1 replies
294 views
1 replies

All replies

MPrivate(Superuser)Superuser
24 Oct 2025

Hi,

  1. If you've lodged 2024-2025 online and marked it as your final return - No
  2. No and it doesn't need to be. Final return advises the ATO not to expect any more tax returns for this TFN.
  3. No, your TFN stays with you for life. Keep it safe and use it again if you come back.
  4. Yes, if you had no other income in Australia such as bank interest
  5. If all lodgements are up to date, you have no investment, business or other income from Australia, no further action should be required.

This general advice based on the questions you have asked. You can also contact the ATO by phone, provide your TFN and other details for identification and confirm that nothing is outstanding on the system.

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How to finalise my income tax return and TFN after leaving Australia (non-resident)? | ATO Community