How Do I Find My Tax File Number?
Learn the systematic approach to finding your TFN. We cover the most efficient ways to retrieve your number and how to prepare for official verification.
A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique personal reference number for Australia’s taxation and superannuation systems, issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). A TFN is yours for life and remains the same even if you change your name, job, or address. Keeping this number secure is important, as it is a key piece of information for managing your financial affairs with the government.
Check Your Personal Records and Online Accounts
The most direct way to find your TFN is by reviewing documents you may already have. An income tax notice of assessment, sent by the ATO after you lodge a tax return, will display the number. Payslips from your current or previous employers also often include your TFN.
Your superannuation fund communications, like annual statements, are another source. If you have linked your myGov account to the ATO’s online services, you can log in to find your TFN in your profile details. The ATO app also provides access to this information.
Information Needed for an ATO Enquiry
If you cannot locate your TFN through personal records, you must contact the ATO directly. The ATO will not disclose a TFN without first verifying your identity over the phone, so you must gather specific information beforehand. To prove your identity, be prepared to provide several pieces of information.
- Your full name, date of birth, and the address the ATO has on file for you
- Details from documents they have issued, such as a previous notice of assessment
- Your bank account details, specifically the account number and BSB used for a tax refund
- Details from your superannuation account, including the fund’s name and your member number
Contacting the ATO to Find Your TFN
Once you have collected all your identifying information, you can phone the ATO to request your TFN. The general enquiry line for individuals is 13 28 61, and it operates from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
During the call, the ATO representative will guide you through a verification process using the information you have prepared. After you have been successfully identified, the representative can provide you with your TFN.
Assistance from a Registered Tax Agent
An alternative method for finding your TFN is to contact a registered tax agent. If you use an agent to prepare and lodge your tax returns, they will have your TFN on file as part of your client records.
To retrieve your TFN, simply contact your tax agent and make the request. They will have their own procedures for verifying your identity before looking up your TFN through the secure Tax Agent Portal and providing it to you.