stuartsummers1980

Back in 2005 I acquired a TFN number while on a WHV but (oh the folly of youth) spent the whole time sunbathing and didn't do a days work. Now in my more mature early 30's my wife and I are emigrating on August 12th and such a care free life will not be possible alas! Anyway, does anybody know if the TFN I had then would still be the same? If it is God knows what it is?! Or do I need to apply for a new one once the 176 visa is validated once we land in Aus?

liliho

I also did WHV in 2003 and was issued with a non-resident TFN. I kept the original letter and it says you only need one TFN, regardless of changing circumstances.

Not sure of this applies to changes is residency status; guess I'll find out in July when I go back (457 visa).

Pollyana

Once you have a TFN then its yours for life, you keep the same one. There's a link somewhere on the ATO website for how to find out what it is if you've forgotten

renth

I've got the one they gave me when I was here on a working holiday visa in the late 80's, when they brought TFNs in. It's a really low number.

NickyC

TFNs have actually been around since the 1930s. The TFN system was enhanced in the late 80s to become a pseudo ID number when the Australia Card plan was dumped - but they existed before then.

I've had the same TFN since 1979 and my OH has had his since 1968.

renth

Ah, OK. When I was here in the late 80's all of a sudden all us backpackers had to get a tax file number, maybe they changed the law that employers had to get your TFN as opposed to giving you tax stamps, like they did when I first arrived.

papilon

I also was here in the late 80's on a WHV, i came back 3 years ago, went to the tax office and got set up with an ABN as i would be working self employed and thought nothing more of it, did my first year tax returns, 2nd year tax returns, then suddenly recieved a bill from the ATO for unpaid tax for the 3 years previous to my return to Australia, strange i thought, how can i owe tax when i wasn't even in the country. Called them up and worked out what had happened was my original TFN was still active and was the one i was now using, the computers picked up i had not paid any tax since 1990 and started to back tax me not sure how long they would have kept going back if i had of paid but was glad to hear the women say not to worry and she would delete the bills and everything was sorted.

JAJ

A TFN should be for life, however if records are completely lost (both yours and ATO's) then you might end up with a new one.

pumpkin blossom

Yes. I ended up with a brand new tax file number. I was first here in 1999 , under my maiden name. It seems they couldn't find it, even though I gave them my previous name and I got a new one.