How to Find Your Tax File Number When You Can't Remember It

The onboarding form for a new job has a box for your tax file number, and the last time you needed it you were 15 and filling in paperwork for a supermarket job. Maybe the number went on a form someone else kept, or into a notes app on a phone you no longer have.

If you've had a TFN before, you still have one. It's yours for life, through job changes, a new name or a move interstate, so there's nothing to apply for. You're only looking for a number the ATO already has on record, and there are a few places it's likely to be. If a client or delivery app is asking for a business number instead, whether you need an ABN is a separate question.

Look in the ATO app or ATO online services first

The quickest way is to look it up online with the ATO, the Australian Taxation Office. You can use the ATO app, or ATO online services through myGov, the government sign-in that also holds Centrelink and Medicare.

In myGov, sign in and choose Australian Taxation Office under Linked services.

That only works once the ATO is linked to your myGov account. If Australian Taxation Office isn't under Linked services, the next section covers linking it.

Link the ATO to myGov if it isn't there yet

Linking may ask for the number you're missing. Try your papers below, or call 13 28 61 for help. The ATO's linking page walks through each step.

Linking asks questions based on what the ATO knows about you, so a recent payslip, super statement or tax letter can help. If there's too little on your record, the phone team can help you finish linking.

The ATO won't accept myGov's secret-question sign-in.

Check the papers that carry your TFN

If you'd rather not link myGov today, the number is often printed on paperwork you already have.

Your super fund is often the easiest of these to reach, because funds usually keep your statements in their app or member website. If you can't find your fund either, our guide to finding lost super helps with that first. If a registered tax agent has done your tax return, you can also ask them for your TFN.

Phone the ATO if you still can't find it

The ATO's self-help line on 13 28 65 can retrieve your existing TFN. It's automated, you choose options with the keypad and it runs 24 hours a day, every day. Because you don't have your TFN to identify you, it may ask for other details.

To talk to someone, call the individuals line on 13 28 61 between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Before discussing your record, they'll ask questions based on what the ATO holds about you, such as details from letters it has sent, past tax returns, refunds or your employment and super. They may also ask about an identity document, like your driver licence, Medicare card or passport, so it's worth having one with you. Mondays are the busiest day to call.

Give it to payroll, then plan the pay

Once you have the number, it goes on the TFN declaration your new employer gives you. If you're still searching when the form is due, you can mark the box that says you're enquiring about your TFN and give payroll the number within 28 days. Our guide to starting your first job goes through the rest of that form.

Keep it to the people who need it

A TFN is a key part of your identity, and someone with your name, date of birth and TFN has much of what they need to pretend to be you. That's why it's worth knowing who can genuinely ask for it.

Scammers often pretend to be the ATO, by email, text, phone and social media. If a message about your tax doesn't feel right, don't reply or tap its link. You can check with the ATO on 1800 008 540 instead.

If you think it's been stolen

If your TFN has been lost, stolen or someone you didn't authorise has it, tell the ATO as soon as you can. Its Client Identity Support Centre is on 1800 467 033, 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. They can help you re-establish your identity and may watch your tax record for unusual activity. Our guide to what to do if you've been scammed covers the bank and other accounts that may need a call too.

Once you've found the number, keep it somewhere private you'll be able to find again, such as a password manager. Next time a form asks for it, it'll take seconds instead of an afternoon.

A note from us

We are building Clova, a budgeting app for the pay that follows the paperwork.