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📋
They're Asking For My TFN?
Your Tax File Number — what it is, why they want it, and what happens if you don't give it.
😰 The "Oh No" Moment
You just got a job. You're filling out paperwork. And they ask for your Tax File Number (TFN). You're thinking... what is that? Do I have one? Should I give it to them? Is this a scam?
Deep breath. This is completely normal and we'll sort it out.
📝 What's a TFN?
Your Tax File Number is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Think of it like a tax ID — it's how the government tracks your income and tax.
You get one TFN for life. It doesn't change if you move, change jobs, or change your name. Once you have it, you have it forever.
💡 Quick facts:
• It's 9 digits (like 123 456 789)
• It's free to get
• You only need to apply once, ever
• It's issued by the ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
• Anyone can apply — there's no minimum age
🤔 Why Does My Employer Want It?
Your employer is legally required to withhold tax from your pay and send it to the ATO. Your TFN tells them how much tax to take out.
It's not dodgy. It's not optional. Every employer in Australia asks for this. If they don't ask, that's actually more suspicious.
🚨 The TFN Trap — Why This Matters
Here's the thing most teens don't know:
⚠️ If you don't give your employer your TFN within 28 days, they MUST withhold tax at the highest rate: 47%.
That means almost HALF your pay goes to tax. On a $500 paycheck, you'd lose $235 instead of maybe $20-30.
You eventually get it back when you do your tax return, but that could be months away. Why wait?
🚀 How to Get Your TFN
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1
Go to the ATO website
Visit ato.gov.au and search "apply for TFN" — or go to a local post office with ID
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2
Prove your identity
You'll need documents like your birth certificate, passport, or Medicare card. If you're under 16, a parent or guardian will need to apply on your behalf
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3
Fill in the application
It's a simple online form — takes about 10 minutes
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4
Wait for your TFN
It arrives by mail in about 28 days (yes, actual mail). Sometimes faster online
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5
Give it to your employer
Fill in the TFN declaration form they gave you and hand it back. Done!
💡 Pro tip: Apply for your TFN BEFORE you start a job. That way you've got it ready when they ask. Don't wait until you're already working and losing money to extra tax.
✅ TFN Safety Rules
✅ DO give your TFN to:
• Your employer (on the TFN declaration form)
• Your bank (for interest on savings)
• Your super fund
• The ATO (obviously)
• Centrelink (if applicable)
❌ NEVER give your TFN to:
• Random people online
• Someone who calls or texts claiming to be the ATO
• Social media or job listing forms
• Anyone who pressures you to share it immediately
• Friends (even if they ask nicely)
🚨 The ATO will NEVER: Call you threatening arrest, ask for payment via gift cards or crypto, send you a text with a link to "verify" your TFN, or ask for your TFN via email. If someone does this — it's a scam.
😬 Already Working Without a TFN?
Don't panic. Here's what to do:
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1
Apply for your TFN right now
Go to ato.gov.au today — seriously, do it now
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2
Tell your employer you've applied
They know the process. You have 28 days from starting
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3
Give them your TFN when it arrives
They'll adjust your tax withholding going forward
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4
Get the extra tax back
When you do your tax return, you'll get back any tax that was over-withheld. It's not lost, just delayed
✅ Your TFN Checklist
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Apply for TFN at ato.gov.au (or local post office)
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Gather ID documents (birth certificate, passport, or Medicare)
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Complete the online application
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Write down your TFN somewhere safe when it arrives
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Give your TFN to your employer (TFN declaration form)
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Give your TFN to your bank
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Give your TFN to your super fund
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. For specific guidance about your Tax File Number, visit the Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au) or consult a qualified tax professional.