How to get a Tax File Number (TFN)

Written By Cristy Houghton

What it is:

A unique number from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You need one to be paid legally. Free.

Who can apply:

Anyone living in Australia. You can apply from age 13, but practically most people get one when they start their first paid job (often around 15–16).

How to apply:

  • Easiest way: apply online through the ATO website.  Takes about 20 minutes. You'll need ID.

  • If you're under 16: you might need to apply through Australia Post or with a parent's help (rules change — check the ATO site).

  • It takes about 28 days to arrive in the mail. Apply ahead of when you need it.

Important: Don't give your TFN to anyone except an employer paying you, the ATO, or your bank for interest. Never give it out over a random phone call or in an email you didn't expect.

Cristy Houghton

Cristy's unique career has taken her from country NSW to the city lights of Clarendon Street South Melbourne and back again. With an early career in radio as a copywriter and creative strategist, she is now a Jill of all trades as a graphic designer, website builder, blog writer, video editor, social media manager, marketing strategist and more. 

In fact, give her any task and this chick will figure out how to do it! Go on, we dare you!

No, really, we DARE you!!

Cristy has won two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) for Best Ad and Best Sales Promotion, and even has an 'Employee of the Year' certificate with her name on it.

Cristy and her husband James have traveled extensively through Russia, China and South East Asia, and have two fur-babies, Sooty (cat) and Panda (puppy). Cristy loves drinking coffee, meeting people to drink coffee, coffee tasting and coffee flavoured cocktails. She also enjoys road trips, TED Talks and watching cat videos on youtube.

http://www.embarketing.com.au
Previous

How to do well in an interview
Next

How to open a bank account