Tax File Number (TFN)

Before you start part-time work, apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) – a unique identity number issued to you by the Australian Tax Office.

When you earn money from a part-time job you are required to pay Australian taxes. At the end of each financial year (June), you claim back the income tax from the ATO using a tax return form. This is a simple process and students receive a tax refund cheque from the Australian Tax Office within 10 days of lodging their tax return.

Your employer and your bank (if you open a bank account) will ask you for your Tax File Number. It is not compulsory to have a TFN but without a TFN you may pay more tax than necessary on your income from your job or on the interest on savings in your bank account.

You can only apply for a TFN when you arrive in Australia. Your International Student Coordinator at your TAFE college can assist you with applying for a Tax File Number.

More information
Service	Website	Telephone	Here you can...
Australian Tax Office	www.ato.gov.au	ATO Infoline 132861 (8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday)	Find information about Australian taxes Apply online for an individual tax file number