How to Find My TFN: Quick Guide

It’s the kind of detail you don’t think about until you need it: your Tax File Number (TFN). If you’ve lost track of yours, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) says you can retrieve it online through myGov or on official documents, with phone support as a fallback.

TFN length: 9 digits ·
Issued by: Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ·
Found on: payslips, payment summaries, ATO notices (ATO) ·
Recovery method: myGov or ATO phone support (ATO)

The table below summarises key facts about your TFN, including its format and where to find it.

How do I find my TFN?

Using myGov and ATO online services

Your TFN is available in ATO online services, which you access through your myGov account. Once logged in, select “Australian Taxation Office” and then “Find my TFN.” The ATO confirms this is the fastest method for most people (ATO). You’ll see your 9-digit number immediately.

Finding your TFN on official documents

If you can’t access myGov, check your income tax notice of assessment (if you have lodged a return), payment summaries from your employer, or superannuation statements. The ATO states these documents routinely show your TFN (ATO).

Contacting the ATO by phone

If online and document checks fail, call the ATO. Their Client identity support centre can verify your identity over the phone and provide your TFN. The number is 1800 467 033, available 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday (ATO).

What if I can’t access my ATO account?

Resetting myGov password

If you’re locked out of myGov, use the “Forgot password” link on the myGov sign-in page. You’ll need your email address and a recovery code sent to your mobile. The ATO advises that after resetting, you can re-link your ATO account (ATO).

Linking a new myGov account to ATO

Creating a fresh myGov account and linking it to ATO is possible if you remember your TFN and personal details. The ATO website provides a step-by-step linking process (ATO).

Using a Basic Digital ID to access ATO

If you don’t have a myGov account, you can use a Basic Digital ID as an alternative access method. This identity verification service is accepted by the ATO for certain online services (ATO).

If you don’t have a myGov account

Without a myGov account, your options narrow to paper documents, phone support, or an in-person visit. The ATO’s paper form NAT 1432 can be ordered online or by calling 1300 720 092 (ATO).

What is an ATO reference number?

Difference between ATO reference number and TFN

An ATO reference number is not your TFN. It’s a separate identifier used for payment or correspondence purposes. The ATO typically includes it in letters and statements, but it cannot replace your tax file number (ATO).

Where to find your ATO reference number

You’ll see your ATO reference number on any official ATO correspondence—like a notice of assessment or statement of account. It’s usually a different format from the 9-digit TFN (ATO).

How do I recover my ATO account?

Recovering access to ATO online services

Start by logging into myGov. If your ATO account is locked, use the “Trouble logging in” link. The ATO may require identity verification through a two-factor code sent to your registered phone (ATO).

Verifying identity for account recovery

To unlock your account, the ATO will ask for personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, and sometimes your TFN itself. Having a valid proof-of-identity document speeds up the process (ATO).

If you cannot recover online

When online recovery fails, call the ATO’s Client identity support centre at 1800 467 033. They can manually verify your identity and restore access or provide your TFN directly. In extreme cases, you may need to visit a service centre in person (ATO).

How to log into ATO without TFN?

Using Basic Digital ID

Basic Digital ID is a government-issued identity credential that can replace the need for a TFN during login. The ATO accepts it as an alternative access method (ATO).

Using myGov with another credential

If you have a myGov account but forgot your TFN, you can still log in using your email and password. Once inside, the ATO displays your TFN without requiring it as a login credential (ATO).

Alternative verification methods for ATO online

The ATO may allow login using a combination of your name, date of birth, and address history. If all else fails, the paper form NAT 1432 remains a fallback (ATO).

Step-by-Step: Find Your TFN

1. Log into myGov and access ATO online services. Select “Find my TFN.” (ATO)
2. If you can’t log in, check official documents: payslips, payment summaries, notice of assessment, super statements. (ATO)
3. If still missing, call ATO Client identity support centre on 1800 467 033. Have ID ready. (ATO)
4. As a last resort, complete paper form NAT 1432 and mail with certified copies of ID. (ATO)

“Find your tax file number online with ATO online services.”

— ATO official website

“Select Australian Taxation Office (ATO) then select Find my TFN.”

— myGov support page

For anyone in Australia who has lost their tax file number, the choice is clear: start online via myGov for the quickest result, or fall back on phone and paper if needed. Delaying recovery can mean missed refunds or stalled super contributions.

For a more comprehensive walkthrough, see the detailed ATO and myGov steps for recovering your tax file number.

Frequently asked questions