Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN)

If you’re moving to Australia from New Zealand, one of the most important tasks to tick off once you arrive is getting your Tax File Number (TFN). This should be the first thing you do when you arrive in Australia!

Your TFN is your unique number in Australia’s tax and superannuation system. You’ll need it for working, lodging tax returns, and even earning interest from your bank account. It’s free to apply, and once you have one, it’s yours for life, even if you change jobs, move interstate, or leave and return to Australia years later.

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for your TFN as a Kiwi, including the step-by-step process and insider tips.

Editor’s note: I only recently discovered that as New Zealanders moving to Australia, we can apply for a TFN using the Individual Auto-Registration (IAR) system, we don’t need to use the same application process as Australian citizens.

The main difference is that with the IAR system, you need one less form of ID, which is honestly a game changer! I used to have to tell people to change their NZ driver’s licence to an Australian one just so they could meet the ID requirements for a TFN, but not anymore. Yay!

Do New Zealanders Need a TFN?

Yes, if you plan to work in Australia, you’ll need a TFN.

Without one, your employer is required to withhold tax at the highest rate, which means you’ll take home less pay until your TFN is provided.

You’ll also need a TFN for:

• Lodging your annual Australian tax return
• Opening a bank account that earns interest
• Receiving superannuation (retirement savings)
• Dealing with government agencies like Centrelink or Medicare

While not legally compulsory, having a TFN makes life in Australia much simpler and ensures you’re taxed correctly from day one.

Can New Zealanders Apply for a TFN Online?

Yes, and it’s very straightforward.

As a New Zealander, you don’t need to apply for a visa before arrival. When you enter Australia with your NZ passport, you’re automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV – subclass 444).
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, which means you’re eligible to apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Official ATO link: TFN application for permanent migrants and temporary visitors.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your TFN

You must be physically in Australia before applying online. The system verifies your visa and identity using your NZ passport and Department of Home Affairs data. If you haven’t processed through border control into Australia, you won’t have your electronic SCV.

Step 1: Get settled and gather details

You’ll need:

• Your New Zealand passport
• An Australian residential address (the TFN letter will be mailed here)
• A valid email and phone number
• Your date of birth and full legal name as shown in your passport
• Any previous TFN if you’ve lived or worked in Australia before

If you’ve already opened an Australian bank account, use that address for consistency.

Step 2: Apply online via the ATO website

Visit the ATO’s online TFN application form for foreign passport holders and temporary visitors: Apply for a TFN – Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors.

Follow the on-screen prompts and complete the form carefully.

Make sure every detail matches your passport exactly; even a small spelling or spacing difference can cause verification errors.

Once you’ve submitted the application, you’ll receive a reference number. Keep this safe, you may need it if you contact the ATO to check progress.

Step 3: Wait for your TFN to arrive

The ATO will post your TFN to your Australian address within 28 days. In many cases, it arrives within two weeks, but allow the full timeframe before following up.

If it doesn’t arrive after 28 days, you can call the ATO on 13 28 61 (Mon–Fri, Australian time) and provide your reference number to check the status.

If you need help answering any questions

If you’re unsure how to answer any questions or would like to read them in advance, visit the Individual Auto-Registration Help page on the ATO website. It lists all the questions included in the IAR-TFN application and explains how to answer each one.

Common Questions from Kiwis

Can I apply before I move to Australia?

No. You must already be in Australia for your visa to be active in the immigration system. If you apply too early, the ATO won’t be able to verify your visa, and the application will fail.

What address should I use?

You need an Australian postal address, that’s where your TFN letter will be sent. If you’re staying temporarily (e.g., with friends or family), you can use their address. Just make sure they’ll hold your mail safely.

What if I’ve worked in Australia before?

If you previously worked in Australia, your old TFN is still valid, you keep the same number for life.
Do you already have a TFN and need to find the number? Find out how here.

Can I start work before my TFN arrives?

Yes, you can start work while waiting for your TFN. Just let your employer know that you’ve applied and will provide it once received. They’ll use a temporary withholding (higher) rate until your TFN is supplied, or if they are nice, they will wait to pay you until you receive it so you don’t have to pay extra tax.

Handy Tips for a Smooth TFN Application

• Apply early: As soon as you’ve arrived and have a stable address.
• Use your NZ passport: Don’t use a different travel document.
• Be precise: Ensure names, dates, and passport details match exactly.
• Keep your TFN secure: It’s sensitive information — don’t share it unnecessarily.
• Only apply once: Submitting multiple applications can delay processing.

What’s Next After Getting Your TFN?

Once you have your TFN:

• Give it to your employer or agency.
• Update your bank and superannuation account details.
• Keep your TFN letter in a safe place; it’s an important lifelong document.
• And that’s it, your tax identity in Australia is now sorted!

Useful Links

• Apply for a TFN – ATO official page
• Verify your visa and work rights – VEVO
• ATO Contact details

You might also be interested in…

The below posts might interest you:

• Australian Tax
• Moving to Australia Process
• Money – What You Need to Know

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