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To apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as a working holiday maker, you submit an online application directly to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The application is free, takes around 10 minutes to complete, and your TFN arrives by post within 28 days.
Who processes your TFN application?
TFN applications for foreign passport holders are processed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). After approval, your TFN is sent to you by post within 28 days, often sooner during quiet processing periods.
What you need before you apply
To complete your TFN application, you need:
- Your passport (number, date of birth, and visa details)
- A valid Australian residential address where the ATO can post your TFN letter
- A valid email address to receive application confirmations
If you have not yet found permanent accommodation, a hostel address works fine, as long as you are confident you will still be there when the letter arrives. You will receive two emails from the ATO: one confirming receipt of your application and another when it has been processed.
How the TFN application process works step by step
Once you submit your application, the ATO sends a reference number by email confirming the application is in progress. Keep this reference number, as it is the easiest way to follow up if anything goes wrong.
Your TFN itself arrives as a letter posted to your Australian address within 28 days. Store this letter somewhere safe. The ATO can help you retrieve a forgotten TFN later, but it is much easier to keep the original on hand.
Can you start work before your TFN arrives?
Yes. You can start working before your TFN arrives, but inform your employer that your application is in progress and show them the ATO confirmation email if you can. Technically, employers are required to withhold tax at 45% until they have your TFN on file, but some accept the confirmation email and apply a lower rate.
Any excess tax withheld during the waiting period can be recovered when you lodge your tax return at the end of the financial year.
What to do once your TFN arrives
When your TFN letter arrives:
- Complete a Tax File Number Declaration form for each employer you work for
- Return the form to your employer promptly
- Confirm the correct 15% working holiday maker tax rate is applied on your next payslip
Each employer needs their own Tax File Number Declaration form. Providing your TFN to one employer does not automatically share it with others.