Eligibility to apply
Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age. It is free to apply for a TFN.
Use the online application process through:
- Online TFN using a Digital ID, such as myIDExternal Link – if you're an Australian citizen, 15 years old or older and have an Australian passport
- Australia post – if you're able to attend an interview at a participating Australia Post retail outlet and present your current original identity documents.
If you can't apply online, you can apply by post using the paper Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432) form.
However, if you don't have enough identity documents for these application processes, you will need to apply by post using the paper Tax file number – application or enquiry for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589) form. You'll need to ask a referee who has known you for 12 months or more to complete the proof of identity reference on page 7 of the form.
How to apply by post
If you don't have enough identity documents to apply for a TFN through other application processes, you can apply by post using the paper form.
To get a copy of the paper form (Tax file number – application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589)), you can:
- order online or by phone through the ATO Publication Ordering Service
- phone the Indigenous helpline 13 10 30.
Proof of identity
If you can't provide enough documents that prove your identity, you will need to provide referee details on page 7 of the NAT 1589 form to confirm your identity. This must be an authorised referee, examples include:
- a council chairperson
- a community manager
- a school principal
- a minister of religion
- a doctor
- a senior nursing sister
- an authorised government officer, such as a
- police officer
- Services Australia agent
- nurse.
The referee must not be a family member.
You can lodge this form by post using the address on the form or at a Services Australia centreExternal Link, if you're a Services Australia customer.