How Do I Find My Tax File Number?

In Short

• Don’t reapply. First check ATO Online via myGov, past Notices of Assessment, tax returns, super statements or your tax agent for your TFN.

• If you still can’t find it, contact the ATO. They won’t give TFNs by phone but can post it after ID checks.

• Never had one? Apply with acceptable ID (allow processing time).

Tips for Businesses

Link myGov to ATO Online and check previous ATO documents before calling. Set a secure process for TFN collection (e.g., TFN declarations), avoid emailing TFNs, and restrict access on shared systems. Train staff on privacy, store records safely, and keep details up to date with the ATO.

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Table of Contents

• What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
• Where Should I Look for My TFN?
• Finding Your TFN Online
• I Have Lost My TFN
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you are an Australian resident or business owner, obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN) is a crucial step in managing your financial and tax affairs. Whether you are receiving government benefits, lodging an online tax return, or applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN), your TFN is essential. This article will guide you through the steps to locate your TFN and ensure it remains secure.

What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a nine-digit number issued to you as a personal reference number for tax and superannuation. It is a unique number. You will also use your TFN 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?

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 is an income tax notice of assessment from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You will find your TFN in the top right-hand corner of the assessment. Other documents that should display your TFN include payslips and superannuation statements. However, these are not always readily available. If you do not have a TFN, you will need to fill out a tax file number application.

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Finding Your TFN Online

MyGov is a one-stop shop for many key government services, including:

• 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.

I Have Lost My TFN

If you simply cannot remember your TFN, you can follow the tips on this page to help you find it again so you can continue using it. You can search in physical documents, look for it on myGov or simply call the ATO or visit their website to achieve this.

However, if you believe your TFN has been lost, stolen or accessed by an unauthorised third party, you should phone the ATO’s Client Identity Support Centre to help you. By calling 1800 467 033, you can access advice, further information and implementation of security measures.

Key Takeaways

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 filling out an online form is not 100% secure. The safest way to provide your TFN to an employer is by completing a TFN declaration form.

Frequently Asked Questions