How to apply for a tax number when studying in Australia

If you work or buy a lot of goods while studying in Australia, you can get a tax refund. Because you are not an Australian citizen, let's see how to apply for a tax number when studying in Australia.

What's the tax number?

The tax number, the so-called tax file number (TFN), is a set of 9 digits, which is unique. As long as you have income in Australia, you need to pay taxes. Therefore, small partners who want to go to Australia for work and vacation, or study abroad parties who want to work part-time during their study abroad, all need to apply for tax numbers!

How to apply for a tax number?

It is also relatively simple to apply for a tax number. Just go directly to the website of Australian Taxation Bureau (ATO) to apply. You need to meet two conditions:

Must be in Australia;

Must hold a legal visa; (including permanent immigrant visa; A visa with the right to work; Student visa, etc. )

There is no need to submit proof of identity information. ATO will compare your personal information with DIBP records of the Immigration Bureau.

The application process and procedures are also very simple, just provide some basic personal information, and English is also very simple;

The application process takes about 20 minutes, and you will be asked to enter your personal information, such as your passport number, Australian mailing address, name, other names you may use, contact information, etc.

Tip: Please fill in the address correctly, because ATO will send you your TFN, your tax number, within 28 days after receiving your application.

A person can only apply for one tax number TFN. Once you have TFN, you can't apply again. If your situation changes, you can update your personal information on the website.

If in doubt, please consult the nearest tax bureau or call:

Tel: 13286 1

If your English is not very good, you can call the service hotline: 13 1450.

Do I have to get a tax refund?

If you have income in Australia, you probably need a tax refund. As for other situations, you can find out which specific situations do not need tax refund on the ATO website.

When is the tax refund?

July 1–June1is the time for tax refund;

How to refund the tax?

The quickest and easiest way is to log in "My Tax" on the ATO website. You need to set up my Gov account, and then enter ATO from it, and follow the prompts to continue;

You can also do it through a registered tax accountant;

Or apply for tax refund through paper documents;

Or there is a tax assistance program in Australia, where some trained volunteers help low-income people get tax rebates (but certain conditions need to be met);

What do you need for tax refund?

Your tax number;

ID card with photo (such as passport);

Summary of your PAYG annual income. In July, you can ask your employer for a payment summary, which will list your personal information, your income in this financial year and the amount of tax withheld and remitted by your employer to the Australian Taxation Bureau. After you get the payment summary, you can start to apply for tax refund.

What should I do if I need help?

ATO website, which can provide all information and help about taxation;

How long will it take?

It takes about 2 weeks to apply for tax refund online, and about 6 weeks to mail it.