Australia Tax File Number (TFN) & Superannuation for Newcomers (2025)

2 November 2025 • Updated for 2025–26

Get your TFN early and make sure your super is paid at the correct rate.

New to Australia? This guide explains how to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN), how superannuation works in 2025–26, and what to do to avoid unnecessary withholding and fees. It also covers stapled funds, contribution caps, and DASP for temporary residents who leave Australia.

1. TFN basics
2. How to apply for a TFN (2025)
3. Give your TFN to a bank or payer
4. Superannuation basics in 2025–26
5. Choosing or finding your super fund
6. Contribution caps and simple strategies
7. Leaving Australia: DASP
8. FAQs

TFN Basics

• TFN is your personal tax identifier. Keep it private.
• Free to apply. Most newcomers can apply online after arrival.
• You need a TFN to work, file a tax return, and to prevent higher withholding on bank interest and super.

Use myGov to access ATO services and to find your TFN later.

How to Apply for a TFN (2025)

1. Check your category:
   • Permanent migrants & temporary visitors in Australia with work rights: apply online via the ATO’s Individual Auto Registration (IAR) form.
   • Australian residents without access to online verification: use the ATO paper form (NAT 1432 or NAT 1589 in special cases).
2. Prepare documents: passport, Australian address, mobile number, and visa details.
3. Apply: complete the online form. It’s free. Keep your receipt/reference.
4. Track and receive: link the ATO in myGov to view TFN-related messages. You can later find your TFN in myGov if you forget it.

Scam alert: The TFN is free. Do not pay third parties. Only use official ATO or myGov channels.

Give Your TFN to a Bank or Payer

If a bank doesn’t have your TFN, it withholds tax from your interest at the highest marginal rate. You can claim a credit when you lodge your tax return, but you’ll have avoidable cash drag during the year. Add your TFN to new bank accounts, investment platforms, and super funds to avoid unnecessary withholding and delays.

Provide your TFN to banks and super funds to prevent extra withholding.

Superannuation Basics in 2025–26

• Your employer must pay Super Guarantee (SG) at 12% of ordinary time earnings for paydays on or after 1 July 2025.
• SG is paid to your chosen fund. If you don’t choose, your employer must pay to your stapled super fund found via the ATO.
• Large salaries hit a quarterly SG earnings cap called the maximum super contribution base.
• Quote your TFN to the fund to ensure contributions are accepted and correctly taxed.

Check your payslip. Your SG should be 12% from 1 July 2025.

Choosing or Finding Your Super Fund

1. If you already worked in Australia, you likely have a stapled fund. Your employer must request its details from the ATO if you don’t nominate a fund.
2. If you’re new, compare fees, long-term performance, investment options, insurance, and mobile app features. Consider consolidating old accounts to avoid duplicate fees and insurance.
3. Give your fund choice on the employer’s form. Add your TFN to the fund profile.

Contribution Caps and Simple Strategies

Know the annual caps before making extra contributions.

Cap (2025–26)	Amount	Examples	Notes
Concessional (before-tax)	$30,000	Employer SG, salary sacrifice, personal deductible	Carry forward unused cap for 5 years if TSB < $500k
Non-concessional (after-tax)	$120,000	Personal after-tax contributions	Bring-forward up to $360,000 if eligible; nil if TSB ≥ $2m

• Timing tip: Salary sacrifice earlier in the year to smooth cash flow.
• Audit yearly: Check contributions against caps before 30 June.

Track your SG and salary sacrifice in your fund’s app.

Leaving Australia: DASP for Temporary Residents

If you’re a temporary resident who has left Australia and your visa has ceased, you can usually claim your super back as a Departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP). The fund applies DASP tax rates to the taxable components. Working Holiday Maker visas face higher DASP tax than other visas.

FAQs

How fast will I get my TFN?

Processing times vary. Apply online with complete ID to avoid delays. You can later find your TFN in myGov once issued.

What if my employer pays less than 12% SG after 1 July 2025?

Raise it with payroll. The legal minimum is 12% of ordinary time earnings. If underpaid, the employer may owe the Super Guarantee Charge.

Do I have to choose a super fund?

No. If you don’t choose, your employer must pay to your stapled fund held on record by the ATO. You can choose a different fund anytime.

What happens if my bank doesn’t have my TFN?

They withhold from your interest at the highest marginal rate. You can claim a credit at tax time, but avoid the cash hit by providing your TFN.

Can international students contribute extra to super?

Yes, but watch caps. Concessional cap is $30k; non-concessional cap is $120k in 2025–26. You can’t access super early except in limited cases.