How Do I Find My Tax File Number? Call 13 28 61
A Tax File Number (TFN) is a nine-digit number issued to you as a personal reference number used for tax and superannuation purposes. It is a unique number. It is also used if you are receiving government benefits, lodging an online tax return and applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN). For example, you will need it when filing a tax return. Once you have a tax file number, you have it for life no matter what changes happen in your life. So how do you keep track of it, and find it when it has become lost in the plethora of papers in your home or office?
Where Should I Look for My TFN?
If you are at home, in your office, or another place of work, the first place you can look to find quickly your TFN is an income tax notice of assessment received from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). It will be displayed on the top right-hand corner of the assessment. Other documents that should display your TFN include payslips and superannuation statements. These documents, however, are not always readily available, and you may need to find your TFN when you are out and about. If you do not have a TFN, you will need to fill out a tax file number application.
Finding your TFN Online
In 2013, the government introduced myGov, a one-stop shop for many key government services including the ATO, Centrelink, Australian JobSearch, Medicare and My Health Record. If you run a business, you can also connect your ABN to your MyGov account, to access online government services for business. Importantly, you can view your TFN through your myGov account, so once you are registered, you will have this information at your fingertips no matter where you are.
Call 13 28 61 to Find Your TFN
Your TFN is an important number, and you will need it when filing a tax return. If it falls into the wrong hands, it can be used by other individuals for identity fraud. This is why you should never keep it on a piece of paper in your wallet or save it on your mobile phone. Even sending it via text message or writing it on an online form is not 100% secure. It may seem archaic, but the safest way to provide your TFN to an employer is by completing a TFN declaration form.
Yes, if you have a myGov account and have connected your account with the Australian Tax Office, you can locate your TFN online. Your TFN will be located inside the My Profile > Personal Details menu.
When you lodge your tax return, the Australian Tax Office will issue you with a Taxation Notice of Assessment. On this form, you will find your Tax File Number. Your TFN may also be located on your ATO Payment Summary.
You can find out what your TFN is by calling the Australian Tax Office on 13 28 61 during business hours or contacting your accountant if you have one.
While a TFN is not compulsory, you need one to avoid paying more tax than necessary. A TFN also assists you with lodging tax returns. Without a TFN, tax will be deducted from your income at the maximum rate.
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