Tax File Number Declaration

What is this form?

The Tax File Number (TFN) Declaration is an ATO form that you must complete when starting a new job. It tells your employer how much tax to withhold from your pay based on your tax circumstances.

Who needs this form?

You need to complete a TFN Declaration whenever you start a new job in Australia. Your employer requires this form to set up your payroll and withhold the correct amount of tax from your wages. Students, part-time workers, and full-time employees all need to submit this form to their employer.

Tips for filling it out

• Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your official documents
• Provide your TFN if you have one - you can find it on your income tax notice of assessment or myGov account
• Select your residency status for tax purposes (Australian resident or foreign resident)
• Indicate if you are claiming the tax-free threshold from this employer (tick this box if it is your only job)
• Sign and date the form - unsigned forms are not valid and your employer cannot process them

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the TFN field blank when you actually have one - while you can still work without providing it, your employer will withhold tax at the highest marginal rate plus the Medicare levy
• Forgetting to sign the form - an unsigned TFN declaration is invalid and will delay your payroll setup
• Claiming the tax-free threshold on multiple jobs simultaneously - this can result in a tax debt when you lodge your annual return

Frequently asked questions