Secure Your Tax File Number

ATO Media release 2008/09

Protect your tax file number and keep your details safe

The Tax Office is reminding people to keep their tax file number (TFN) as safe as they would a passport or bank account details.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston said identity crime is a genuine threat and TFNs can be used by perpetrators to commit fraud, not only against the Tax Office but also against other organisations and individuals.

“Identity crime is serious and can have a big impact on people caught up in it. In some instances this can take years to resolve,” Mr Cranston said.

“People are increasingly being asked to provide their TFN when it isn’t needed and we have seen instances of bogus job advertisements on the internet and in newspapers that ask for all sorts of personal details including TFNs.

“It’s important to remember that only certain people can ask for your TFN, and these are most commonly the Tax Office, Centrelink, your super fund, your bank or financial institution and of course your employer, but only once you have started working for them.

“You should only provide your TFN once you have been engaged by an employer; you don’t have to provide it to potential employers.

“By keeping your TFN and personal details safe you lessen the chance they will be used as part of fraudulent and criminal activity.”

Anyone who believes their TFN has been stolen or misused should contact the Tax Office immediately on 1800 060 062 for help. The Tax Office treats all reports seriously.

Tips to keep your TFN safe

Make your personal details, including your TFN, safer by:

  • not carrying them in your purse, wallet or storing them in your mobile phone
  • shredding or destroying documents containing identity details before disposing of them
  • installing up-to-date anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a personal firewall on your computer, and regularly scanning your machine for infection
  • if using a tax agent, making sure they are registered by checking on the Tax Agents Board website.
  • only providing your identity details to trusted or reliable organisations.

 

Only certain people can ask for your TFN, the most common being:

  • the Tax Office when discussing your tax records
  • your employer once you have started work
  • your bank or other financial institution
  • your tax agent
  • Centrelink, and
  • your superannuation fund.

This information is for guidance only and is not intended as specific advice to any reader. Professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The publisher accepts no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person or organisation as a result of action or the refrain of action as a consequence of the contents of this publication.