Apply For Tax File Number (TFN):

A Tax File Number is a unique number that is issued to individuals and organizations to help administer tax and other Australian Government systems. TFN is issued during lifetime, even if there is some change in circumstances such as name or residency status; TFN should be kept secure at all times and advise Australian Taxation office to change name or address so all details can be updated.

Being a student you are not allowed to work without a Work visa and TFN. If you intend to earn money in Australia you will generally be required to have a TFN. Whenever you get a job, your employer/boss will ask you to fill a form requiring details like passport number, date of birth, TFN and some other information. Without TFN your form won’t be accepted, so it’s better for you to get it as soon as possible.

The purpose of TFN is that all the tax you pay is associated with your unique number; so in June/July you will get back your tax. In the first year you will get 100% of tax returned to your account. Like if you have paid $2000 as tax while working in first year then exactly $2000 will be returned. But for the second year the return ratio decreases to half. Still if you want to get more then I suggest you to contact a Tax agent, who will charge some fee but will ensure that you may get maximum return.

How To Apply For TFN:

It is very easy to apply for Tax File Number; all you need is a computer, an internet connection and a browser.

Click on the link below, a page will be open; then click on the link ‘Apply for tax file number’ and another page will open. Read all the instruction carefully and provide required information. Once submitted you will get a mail to you home address provided in form containing your TFN. Make sure you keep that mail in safe location as it is an identification of your address which you can use for various purposes.

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/38760.htm