Documents & money

TFN, bank account and superannuation

Three practical essentials for starting work in Australia: a TFN, a bank account for your wages and superannuation.

By KangaRoute 7 min read
Guide image TFN, bank account and superannuation

To start working in Australia you need three very concrete things: a Tax File Number, an Australian bank account and minimal superannuation management. They are not bureaucratic details: they are what allows the employer to pay you correctly, withhold the right taxes and pay any super contributions.

In short

As soon as you arrive, prioritize:

  • open or activate an Australian bank account;
  • apply for a TFN through the official ATO channel;
  • save BSB and account number;
  • understand where your superannuation will end;
  • keep emails, receipts and login data.

These operations are not difficult, but must be done carefully. Data errors can slow down payments, TFNs or contributions.

TFN: what it is and when to request it

The TFN is your Australian tax number. The ATO defines this as a personal reference in the tax and superannuation system. It's yours forever - it doesn't change if you change jobs, cities or leave Australia.

If you are a temporary visitor with a valid work rights visa, you can apply online when you are in Australia. The application is free. The ATO indicates that the TFN is generally sent within 28 days, so don't wait until your first contract to think about it.

For the request prepare:

  • passport;
  • visa details;
  • Australian address;
  • accessible email;
  • phone number, if available.

Don't pay third party sites to get your TFN. If a page asks you for money to "do the TFN", stop and use the official ATO website.

Why the TFN matters for work

When you start a job, the employer will ask you for a TFN declaration. It is used to calculate how much tax to withhold from your pay. If you don't provide the TFN, you may pay more taxes than necessary.

The TFN is sensitive data. You give it to:

  • ATO;
  • employer;
  • bank;
  • super funds;
  • legitimate government services.

Don't chat it to unknown people or put it in unverified forms.

Australian bank account

The bank account is used to receive your salary and manage daily expenses. In Australia you will often be asked:

  • BSB;
  • account number;
  • account name.

When choosing a bank, look at:

  • cost of withdrawals;
  • mobile app;
  • branches in the area you arrive in;
  • ease of blocking the card;
  • possibility of opening an account without unnecessary costs.

Moneysmart recommends comparing transaction accounts by looking at fees, debit cards, ATMs and possible overdraft fees. For a working holiday, a simple account with few costs is often the best choice.

Superannuation: the basis

Superannuation is the Australian pension system. If you are an employee and eligible, your employer makes contributions into your super fund on top of your pay.

The ATO indicates that, in general, employees are eligible for super guarantees even if they are casual, part-time, full-time or temporary residents such as backpackers, with some exceptions. From 2025-26 the super guarantee rate indicated by the ATO is 12% of ordinary time earnings.

When you start a job, you might:

  • choose your super fund;
  • use a super fund predefined by the employer;
  • have an already "stapled" fund if you have already worked in Australia.

The practical advice is: as soon as you have the TFN, consider opening your own super account and always use that when you change jobs. So you have a single fund, a single member number and you know where the contributions end up.

If you don't choose a fund, the employer can use your stapled fund if one already exists, or a default fund. If you change employer often and don't check this part, you risk finding yourself with more funds, more fees and a lot of confusion when you have to recover the money.

Examples of funds/sites where you can find out about or open a super, only as examples and not as financial advice:

  • AustralianSuper;
  • Hostplus;
  • REST Super.

Before choosing, compare costs, automatic insurance, apps, ease of management from abroad and data to be communicated to the employer, such as USI and member number.

At the end of the experience, if you leave Australia, the visa has expired or canceled and you do not have another active Australian visa, in some cases you can request super via DASP, i.e. Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. Don't wait until the last minute - the ATO recommends gathering your information before you leave, as it can be more difficult to access your email, Australian phone, myGov and bank afterwards.

What to keep

Keep in a safe folder:

  • TFN, when it arrives;
  • receipt of the TFN request;
  • bank account details;
  • name of the super fund;
  • member number;
  • USI of the super fund;
  • payslip with super indicated;
  • access to myGov and ATO, if you use them.

You don't need to become a tax expert on day one, but you do need to know where to find the information when you change jobs.

Common mistakes

The first mistake is postponing the TFN. You can start working even while you wait for it, but you need to manage the statement well and communicate the number as soon as it arrives.

The second mistake is giving incorrect bank details. Check BSB and account number before sending.

The third mistake is ignoring the super. Although you will only get it back when you leave Australia, it is money linked to your job.

The fourth mistake is always using the Italian account. To live and work in Australia, a local account makes almost everything easier.

Official sources

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