Australian Tax File Number

To ensure that you are taxed at the correct rate whilst working in Australia, you need to apply for a Tax File Number. An Australian Tax File Number (TFN) represents your registration with the Australian Taxation Office; it is a nine digit number issued to identify your tax records. It's one of your most important forms of identification in Australia.

It is not compulsory to have a TFN however if you do not have one, you can be charged 48.5% of any money that you earn and you may be unable to claim any benefits that you are entitled to. Generally anyone earning money in Australia should have a TFN; this includes migrants and those visiting Australia on a temporary visa with the suitable work rights.

It is a requirement in Australia that employers withhold tax from your pay and send this amount to the Tax Office. Anyone visiting Australia on a 417 or 457 visa are considered to be non-residents and are therefore subject to the non-resident tax rates:

Non-resident Tax rates 2009-10

Taxable income	Tax on this income
$0 - $35,000	29c for each $1
$35,001 - $80,000	$10,150 plus 30c for each $1 over $35,000
$80,001 - $180,000	$23,650 plus 38c for each $1 over $80,000
$180,001 and over	$61,650 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Are you struggling to calculate your tax? Have a look at the ATO's easy tax calculator

1^st Contact can obtain your Tax File Number for you, which is included in the Kickstart Australia Package.