What is a Tax File Number?

Your tax file number (TFN) is an unique number that helps you manage your tax and super. If you need a TFN, or you don't know what your TFN is, contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Everyone gets their own TFN and it's yours for life.

When do you need a tax file number?

• If you work or receive a Centrelink benefits you will need a TFN.
• When you start a job you need to give your employer your TFN by completing a ‘Tax file number declaration’ form. Your employer will provide this form to you.

How does paying tax work?

• Your employer will usually deduct tax from each pay and send it to the ATO on your behalf.
• This is called Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding.
• You can see the amount of tax that has been taken out by your employer on your pay slip.
• Your employer will also give you a payment summary at the end of the financial year (30 June). It shows how much you earned and how much tax you paid in that year.
• You must submit a tax return to the ATO by 31 October if:
  • any tax was taken from your pay or
  • you earned more than $18,200 in a financial year.
• If you don’t submit a tax return, you may face a penalty.
• After you complete your tax return, the ATO will determine if you:
  • will get a tax refund or
  • need to pay a tax bill.