Why you need a tax file number (TFN)

A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to individuals and organisations.

Registering for a TFN is an important step when starting your business. You can then give it to:

  • investment bodies responsible for paying interest, dividends and unit trust distributions
  • government bodies, for example the ATO, when applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN) or lodging income tax returns
  • employers (this applies to individuals only).

Apply for the right type of TFN 

There are 2 different types of TFNs. The type you need for your business depends on your business structure.

Sole trader

If you want to operate your business as a sole trader, you can use your individual TFN for both your business and your individual dealings with the ATO.

If you don't have an individual TFN, you will need to apply for one.

Partnerships, companies, trusts and other organisations

If want to operate your business through a partnership, company, trust or another type of organisation, it will need a separate TFN.

You can apply for a business TFN on it's own, or together with an Australian Business Number (ABN) on the Australian Business Register (ABR).

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