Last reviewed
Tax and super
A tax file number is free, and you should quote it to your employer or more tax is withheld from your pay. Super is paid by your employer into a fund, on top of your wage, when you are an employee. If you later leave on a temporary visa you may be able to claim it as a departing Australia superannuation payment, which is taxed and claimed after you have left.
Tax file number
How do you get a tax file number?
Applying for a tax file number is free, and the right form depends on your residency and visa. Anyone who charges you to get a TFN is not the Tax Office.
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Apply for a tax file numberThe Tax Office’s starting page. Applying is free. The right form depends on your residency and visa. (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026TFN for permanent migrants and temporary visitorsThe application path for people in Australia on a visa with work rights, including many students. (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Tax in Australia: what you need to knowWork rights, the TFN, and why you should have one before your first pay. (opens in a new tab)
ABN and leaving
When do you need an ABN, and what happens when you leave?
Not every worker needs an Australian business number, and an ABN comes with obligations. When you leave, the Tax Office explains lodging a return, including from overseas, and the outline of a departing super claim.
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Registering for an ABNWho is entitled to an Australian business number, and the obligations that come with one. Not every worker needs an ABN. (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Foreign and temporary residentsHow tax residency is decided, and what that means when you lodge or when you leave. (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Returning to your home countryLodging a tax return when you leave, including from overseas, and the outline of a departing super claim. (opens in a new tab)
Super
What happens to super when a temporary visa ends?
A departing Australia superannuation payment is for after a temporary visa ends, and the payment is taxed. MoneySmart's guide to choosing a fund is general information, not a product recommendation.
- Australian Taxation OfficeChecked 24 Oct 2026Departing Australia superannuation paymentWho can claim super after a temporary visa ends, when you can apply, and how the payment is taxed. (opens in a new tab)
- MoneySmartChecked 24 Oct 2026Choosing a super fundMoneySmart on fees, investment options, and insurance inside super. It is a guide, not a product recommendation. (opens in a new tab)
Sources
The answers above use these official pages. If a page and Life in Australia disagree, follow the official page.
- Apply for a tax file number (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- TFN for permanent migrants and temporary visitors (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Tax in Australia: what you need to know (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Registering for an ABN (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Foreign and temporary residents (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Returning to your home country (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Departing Australia superannuation payment (opens in a new tab) — Australian Taxation Office
- Choosing a super fund (opens in a new tab) — MoneySmart