Tax File Number
Administered by: Australian Taxation Office
When is this licence required?
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and organisations. All businesses need a TFN, but other tax registrations depend on the type of business you're running.
The type of TFN your business will need will depend on your business structure:
- If you're going to operate as a sole trader, your individual TFN is used for both your business and personal dealings. If you don't have an individual TFN, you will need to apply for one.
- If you're going to operate your business through a partnership, company, trust or another type of business structure, it will need a separate TFN.
Most businesses can apply for a TFN when they apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
How much does this licence cost?
| Task | Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | Application | - | No fees are required |
How often do you need to apply for this licence?
Ongoing
Are there any specific application requirements?
| Task | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial | Where applicable the following may be needed:
|
What forms provide more information?
| Task | Forms |
|---|---|
| Initial | Apply for a TFN - Individual |
| Initial | Apply for a TFN - Companies and Other Organisations |
What legislation specifies this licence?
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Australian Government)
Income Tax Assessment (1997 Act) Regulations 2021 (Australian Government)
Who can you talk to for more information?
Business Enquiries
Australian Taxation Office
| Phone | 13 28 66 |
| Business website | Australian Taxation Office |
More Information
The Small Business Development Corporation does not provide legal advice. The materials present on the SBDC website are provided voluntarily as a service to our clients and do not constitute legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought when appropriate.
The information and advice provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of release on the internet. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed within the website and that they should verify all relevant representations, statements and information.
By accessing information at or through this site each user waives and releases the SBDC, the State of Western Australia, and their respective officers, employees, and agents to the full extent permitted by law from any and all claims (including claims in negligence) relating to the usage of the material made available through the website, including in regards to any omission and/or errors. In no event shall the SBDC, the State of Western Australia, or its respective officers, employees or agents be liable for any incident or consequential damages resulting from use of, or reliance on the material.