Apply for your TFN online with the ATO after you arrive in Australia. It is free, you need your passport and an Australian address, and it usually arrives by post within 28 days. Without one, your employer must take 45% tax.
Last checked: 25 October 2026
How to apply
- Arrive in Australia. You must be in the country with a visa that allows you to work.
- Go to the ATO website and choose the TFN application for foreign passport holders and temporary visitors.
- Enter your passport details and an Australian postal address where you can get mail.
- Your TFN is posted to you, usually within 28 days.
No fixed address?
Your TFN is sent by post, so you need somewhere reliable to receive it. A hostel can work if you are staying a while. Our mail holding service gives you a fixed Sydney address for your TFN letter, bank cards and other mail while you travel.
Do not pay for a TFN
The ATO application is free. Some websites charge to apply on your behalf, but they cannot make it faster.
Keep it safe
Only give your TFN to your employer, bank, super fund and the ATO. Never put it on your CV or share it in a job application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a TFN before I arrive in Australia?
No. Working holiday makers must be in Australia to apply for a TFN.
How long does a TFN take?
Usually up to 28 days. You can start work before it arrives, and you have 28 days from applying to give it to your employer.
Is a Tax File Number free?
Yes. Applying through the ATO is free.
Official sources: ATO: apply for a TFN. Rules change, so always check the official source before you apply or sign anything.
