Learn what a TFN is, who needs one, how it differs from an ABN, and how to find or apply for yours.
Summary
- A TFN identifies you (or your entity) for tax and superannuation purposes. It isn't legally mandatory, but without one you'll pay more tax and face friction working, banking, or lodging returns.
- A TFN and an ABN serve different purposes — sole traders usually need both, since business income is reported under your personal TFN.
- TFNs are issued directly by the ATO, generally by mail within 28 days, and each person or entity is only ever issued one TFN for life.
- Honcho can sometimes assist with a TFN application for certain individuals, but eligibility depends on your circumstances and requires a specialist conversation first.
Prerequisites
- Eligibility — you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary visa holder who is allowed to work in Australia.
- Valid identity documents — the exact requirements depend on your visa status and whether you're currently in Australia.
- None required to look up an existing TFN — just access to your tax documents, myGov account, or the ability to verify your identity with the ATO.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Find Your Existing TFN
If you already have a TFN but can't locate it, work through these methods in order:
- Check your documents — your TFN is usually listed on your tax return or notice of assessment.
- Check with your employer — your TFN may appear on your income statement.
- Check with your bank — your online banking account may display your TFN.
- Log in to your myGov account — if it's linked to the ATO, you may be able to view your TFN online.
- Contact the ATO directly — call 132 861 for assistance after identity verification.
If you still can't locate it, Honcho may still be able to proceed with your application — but note that ATO processing times may be delayed by up to 28 days if a TFN isn't provided.
TFN vs. ABN — Do I Need Both?
A TFN is not the same as an ABN:
- A TFN is used for tax and income reporting.
- An ABN is used to identify a business or entity.
If you're a sole trader, you usually need both, since your business income is linked to you personally.
TFN for Businesses & Entities
When is a TFN issued for a business or entity?
For most business entities — companies, trusts, and partnerships — a TFN is issued after the ABN is registered. Once the ABN is successfully registered, the ATO automatically issues a TFN for the entity and sends it by mail.
Sole traders are an exception: they generally use their personal TFN rather than being issued a separate TFN for the business.
Do I need a TFN to register a business name?
No — a TFN is not required to register a business name. However, a TFN is usually required if you are:
- Operating as a sole trader
- Lodging tax returns
- Dealing with PAYG tax or superannuation
Do I need a TFN to apply for an ABN?
In most cases, you do not need to provide your TFN to submit an ABN application, as long as you already have a TFN registered with the ATO.
When applying for an ABN as a sole trader:
- You must have a TFN on record with the ATO
- It is not always required to be provided during the application itself
- Many ABN applications can be lodged and completed successfully without entering the TFN
In some cases, the ATO may later request the TFN to verify identity or confirm eligibility. If this happens, Honcho will contact you directly to request it so the application can proceed.
Important notes:
- Not providing a TFN upfront does not automatically delay or stop an ABN application.
- A TFN is still required to exist with the ATO, even if it isn't requested at the time of lodgement.
- The requirement depends on the ATO's verification checks and your individual circumstances.
Applying for a TFN
Who can apply for a TFN?
You can apply for a TFN if you are:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A temporary visa holder who is allowed to work in Australia
How do I apply for a TFN?
TFNs are issued directly by the Australian Taxation Office. The application process depends on your circumstances, such as:
- Whether you're currently in Australia
- Your visa type
- Your identity documents
Can Honcho help me apply for a TFN?
TFNs are issued directly by the ATO. For certain individuals, Honcho can assist with the application process — but as eligibility depends on your circumstances, a conversation with a business specialist is required to confirm whether we can help. If you'd like to explore this, we can arrange a call with a specialist to discuss your situation and guide you through next steps.
How long does it take to receive a TFN?
Once approved, TFNs are usually issued within 28 days. They're generally sent by mail, not email.
Will I receive a TFN certificate?
No — the ATO does not issue a formal TFN certificate. Your TFN is provided in a letter, which should be kept securely for your records.
Losing or Duplicating a TFN
What happens if I lose my TFN?
You do not need to apply for a new one. Each person or entity is issued a single TFN, which stays the same for life and can be retrieved through the ATO using identity checks.
Can I have more than one TFN?
No — each individual or entity can only ever have one TFN.
Troubleshooting
- I can't find my TFN and need it soon.
- Why this happens: You may have misplaced the ATO's original letter, or never had a copy on hand.
- What to do: Work through the methods in Step-by-Step Instructions above (tax documents, employer, bank, myGov, or calling the ATO on 132 861 after identity verification). If you still can't locate it in time, Honcho may still be able to proceed with your application — though ATO processing can be delayed by up to 28 days without one.
- My ABN application didn't ask for my TFN.
- Why this happens: Many ABN applications can be lodged and completed without entering a TFN, as long as one already exists on record with the ATO.
- What to do: No action is needed unless the ATO later requests it to verify your identity or eligibility. If that happens, Honcho will contact you directly to request it so the application can proceed.
- I lost my TFN letter and think I need to apply for a new one.
- Why this happens: TFNs are issued once for life and are never reissued — there's no "replacement number" to request.
- What to do: Retrieve your existing TFN using the methods in Step-by-Step Instructions above, or contact the ATO on 132 861 for identity-verified retrieval. Don't apply for a new TFN.