My Experience Applying for My 14-Year-Old Child
If you are planning to work in Australia, one of the first things you may hear about is a TFN.
TFN stands for Tax File Number. It is a personal reference number used for tax and superannuation in Australia. You may need it when you start a job, lodge a tax return, deal with the Australian Taxation Office, or manage your superannuation.
When I first heard about TFN, it sounded like another complicated government process. But once you understand who needs it and where to apply, it is actually quite straightforward.
This guide is written for people who are new to working in Australia, including international students, temporary visa holders, working holiday makers, and new migrants.
Please note that this article is for general information only. TFN rules and application steps can change, so always check the official Australian Taxation Office website before applying.
https://share.google/mYyifUwqQslmrDcpR
TFN stands for Tax File Number, and it’s a personal identification number used for tax purposes in Australia.
You’ll need it when you get paid, when you lodge your tax return, and when your records are managed with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office).
Because of that, it’s a good idea to apply for it before you start working. The ATO also clearly states that applying for a TFN is free.
A lot of people are confused at first and ask things like:
- “Do I really need this?”
- “Is there a fee to apply?”
- “Can students or working holiday visa holders apply?”
But once you break it down, it’s actually not that complicated.
So here’s a simple guide to what TFN is, why you need it, who can apply, and how to get one.
Why do you need a TFN?
A TFN is your personal tax number in Australia.
Employers use it to process your salary, and you’ll also need it when you lodge your tax return or deal with anything related to the ATO.
Technically, you can start working without one, but it can make your tax situation more complicated.
That’s why most people apply for it before starting a job.
How much does it cost?
This is the easy part.
Applying for a TFN is completely free.
There’s no government fee involved, so if anyone tells you otherwise, be careful.
Who can apply?
Whether you can apply depends on your residency and visa status.
According to the ATO:
- Australian residents can apply at any age
- Australian citizens aged 15 or older with a Strong Digital ID (myID) can apply online and get it quickly
- Permanent residents and temporary visa holders can apply if they are in Australia with a valid visa and work rights
So if you’re on a student visa, working holiday visa, or any visa with work rights, you can usually apply without any issues.
My Experience: Applying for a TFN for My 14-Year-Old Child
As a mum, I recently had to apply for a TFN for my 14-year-old child.
At first, I thought it might be something I could finish completely online. These days, so many Australian government services are connected to myGov or Digital ID, so I expected the process to be simple and fully digital.
But because my child was 14, it was not quite the same as applying as an adult.
According to the ATO, Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age, and applying is free. However, the fastest online option using Digital ID generally requires the applicant to be at least 15 years old and have a Strong identity strength.
That was the part that mattered for us.
Because my child was under 15, we needed to complete the application process and then go to a participating Australia Post office for identity verification.
Before going to the post office, I made sure we had the application reference and original identity documents ready. I also brought my own ID just in case, because when it comes to children’s documents, I always feel it is better to bring a little more than not enough.
At Australia Post, the process felt more like an identity check than a tax appointment. The staff checked the details and documents, and the visit itself was not difficult. The most important thing was making sure we had the right documents and went to a post office that could handle the service.
For my child, it was also a small but useful life experience. It was not just about getting a TFN. It was a chance to understand that personal information, identity documents, work, tax, and money are all connected as teenagers become more independent.
Looking back, I am glad we organised it early. A TFN is one of those things that may not feel urgent until your child suddenly needs it for a part-time job, bank account, superannuation, or tax form.
If your child is around 14 and starting to prepare for casual work or more financial independence, I think it is worth checking the ATO instructions and getting the process started early.
How to apply for a TFN
The process depends on your situation.
1) Australian citizens with a Strong Digital ID (myID)
This is the fastest option.
You need:
- To be at least 15 years old
- A Strong identity strength Digital ID (myID)
If you meet these conditions, you can apply online and usually receive your TFN almost instantly.
2) Australian residents without Digital ID
If you can’t use myID, there are other options.
You can apply through:
- Australia Post
- Services Australia centres
- Or by submitting a paper application
So having a Digital ID is helpful, but not mandatory.
3) Visa holders (working holiday, student visa, etc.)
If you’re a foreign passport holder, permanent migrant, or temporary visitor, there’s a separate online application process.
You must be in Australia with a valid visa, such as:
- A permanent visa
- A visa with work rights
- A student visa
- Any visa that allows you to stay in Australia
This is the most common pathway for working holiday makers and students.
What do you need to prepare?
When applying online, you’ll generally need:
- Passport details
- Visa information
- An Australian address
- Email and contact details
Depending on your situation, additional identity checks may be required, so it’s best to follow the instructions on the ATO website carefully.
How long does it take?
This depends on how you apply.
- Australian citizens with Strong Digital ID → often receive it immediately
- Visa holders → can take up to around 28 days
If you don’t receive your TFN within that timeframe, you should contact the ATO.
So if you’re on a visa, it’s better to apply early and give yourself some time.
Applying for a TFN is one of the first steps when starting life and work in Australia.
It’s free, relatively simple, and essential for managing your income and taxes properly.
Especially if you’re on a working holiday or student visa, it’s something you should organise early so you don’t run into issues later.
*Official sources checked: Australian Taxation Office and myGov. Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age, and children can apply themselves once they turn 13. Parents can apply for a TFN for their child at any age. TFN application is free.
