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Obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN) for newly arrived refugee customer 005-02050010

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This document explains the process to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a newly arrived refugee customer. The process differs depending on whether a refugee customer is claiming an income support payment (ISP) or Family Tax Benefit (FTB).

TFN and new claims

Customers who live in Australia and their partners must give a valid TFN to get a Centrelink payment.

An exemption from providing TFN may be granted in limited circumstances.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is not payable without a TFN. This requirement impacts newly arrived refugees and can cause delays in their access to FTB payments and services.

In limited circumstances a customer may be exempted from providing their partner's TFN details.
See Provision of Tax File Number for family assistance and Paid Parental Leave scheme payments.

Privacy requirements

To ensure this process meets privacy and other requirements of both agencies, a TFN application must be lodged online in the name of the customer through the ATO Online Individual Auto Registration (IAR) tool. If the customer has a Department of Home Affairs issued ImmiCard, see Process for coding information.

Resources has links to:

  • ATO Online Individual auto registration (IAR) tool
  • Australian Taxation Office website

Refugee, Humanitarian and Permanent Protection Visa sub-classes

Temporary Protection, Humanitarian, Safe Haven and Return Pending Visas

Provision of Tax File Number for family assistance and Paid Parental Leave scheme payments

Requesting a Tax File Number (TFN)