Tax file number (TFN)
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique, personal reference number used in the Australian Government’s tax and superannuation systems. Your TFN remains the same throughout your lifetime and is one of the most important forms of identification in Australia.
It’s important to keep your TFN secure from identity theft. You could face financial problems if someone commits fraud or some other crime using your identity. Only use your TFN for tax purposes. Don’t use it to identify yourself to anyone other than your bank or employer.
If you believe someone has used your TFN illegally, notify the Australian Tax Office immediately. You can phone them on 1800 467 033 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Who needs to provide a TFN?
You need to provide a TFN only if you’re taking out a government HELP loan (such as HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or SA-HELP).
When you sign up for a HELP loan during enrolment, you’ll be asked to provide your TFN.
CSP students not taking a HELP loan
If you’re in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and intend to pay your fees upfront, you may still want to provide your TFN just in case you’re unable to pay. This will safeguard you from losing your place.
If you don’t have a TFN
If you don’t already have a TFN and need to provide one, apply as soon as possible – well before your fees are due, and before 11.59pm (Melbourne time) on your first census date. It can take up to four weeks to receive your TFN, depending on your application method.
In the meantime, you can still enrol. Find out how to enrol without a TFN.
How to apply for a TFN
How you apply depends on your circumstances and your residency status – all the details are on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
If you have an Australian passport, it’s best to apply with myGovID – that way you should receive your TFN straight away.
If you don’t have an Australian passport, you can apply through Australia Post:
- Complete the ATO online form (and print the application summary).
- Book an interview at an Australia Post retail outlet (make sure you do this within 30 days of submitting the form).
- Attend your interview (don’t forget to bring your application summary and original proof of identity documents). While you’re there, you’ll need to sign your application.
Once the ATO receives your application, you should receive your TFN within 28 days.
Enrolling without your TFN
Even if you intend to take a HELP loan, you can still enrol without your TFN and provide it later.
During the enrolment process
In Step 3 of the enrolment process, you need to select a payment option. Without a TFN, you can only select Upfront payment. Do this for now so you can finish enrolling by the offer expiry date.
This is done in the Web Enrolment System (WES).
After enrolling, apply for your TFN right away online at the ATO website.
Waiting for your TFN
If your fees are soon due or your first census date is approaching and you haven’t received your TFN, you need to provide Monash with proof of your TFN application. Otherwise you risk having:
- a block put on your account for late payment of fees
- your enrolment cancelled if you haven’t paid by 11.59pm (Melbourne time) on the census date.
Providing proof of application
If you applied through Australia Post, use the application summary (which includes your reference number) and receipt as proof of application.
If you applied by post or through a Service Australia centre, ask the ATO to give you a Certification of Application for a TFN and a receipt.
Email your proof to Monash Connect using the enquiry form, or take your documentation to Monash Connect, ensuring you write your student ID number on each document.
Once you have your TFN
Once you receive your TFN from the tax office, update your HECS-HELP form. In the Web Enrolment System (WES):
- go to the CSP HECS-HELP section and complete the fields
- enter your TFN (section 8A)
- change your payment option to deferred (section 11).
To avoid a block being placed on your account for non-payment of fees, you must update this form by the due date on your fees statement.
Keep your tax file number secure and private – never provide your TFN by email.
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