Getting your Australian TFN (Tax File Number) |
- for travellers on a Working Holiday (either before you leave home or after you arrive) |
Make sure you get your TFN sorted out or you will end up paying a lot more in tax. The Australian Tax File Number is used by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to keep track of your superannuation payments and is similar to the NI number in the UK, the PPS in Ireland or SIN in Canada.
For working holiday makers,you will need to get your TFN as quickly as possible after you arrive in Australia. Employees without a TFN will get taxed at a whopping 46.5% as your employer is required by law to do this.
Reading this page will show you how to get a TFN easily and who you need to provide it to. Read on and avoid extra tax!
What is the easiest way to get a TFN?
What is the easiest way to get a TFN?
There are two options. Apply for it yourself (DIY) or use a travellers company who will arrange your TFN for you. Each has its advantages and disadvantages - read on.
- 1. File for your TFN using a travellers company
[Hassle Factor = Low : Cost Factor = Medium to High]
- 2. File for your own TFN
[Hassle Factor = Medium : Cost Factor = Low]
Get Assistance - Arrange your TFN through a travellers company
Using a well known travellers company for a small fee has two distinct advantages - you do not need an Australian address and they will email your TFN to you. For many working holiday makers who are just about to arrive or who have just arrived and are staying in a hostel while looking for work - this may be the only realistic way to avoid crippling tax charges. One popular travellers company who offers this service is Visa First for a fee of 25 EUR/GBP. You submit your TFN application using your postal address from your home country and one of their team will contact you. You can apply before you arrive in Australia or after you arrive. If required, they can also provide you with a “lodgement receipt”, which may help you if you start work before you receive your TFN. If you have any questions or concerns, Jobaroo is also able to help you sort out this essential number - email: tfn@jobaroo.com
DIY - File for your own TFN for your working holiday
You can apply for a TFN through the Australian Tax Office (ATO). It usually takes about 10-28 days to be issued. Applications can be made for your Australian TFN through the ATO either online or in-person. The main challenge working holiday makers face with applying directly though the ATO is that you need a postal address in Australia (the address you use needs to be secure since they are sending your TFN - which needs to be kept secure). If you have an Australian address and you will be there to receive your number in the next 28 days then “no worries mate”, go ahead and apply. You will also need to provide details including your passport or travel document number, your name and contact details for yourself or your preferred contact person.
When do I have to show my employer my TFN?
You have 28 days to provide this number to your employer, after which they are obligated to withhold tax from your pay at a rate of 46.5%. It is your responsibility to give your TFN to your employer. Since it usually takes at least a couple of weeks to get your TFN after you have applied for it, it’s really best to sort it out ASAP. |
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