Compromised TFN: What You Need to Know

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is your personal identifier used for tax and superannuation purposes and is an important part of your identity in Australia. It is essential for managing taxes, applying for jobs, and accessing government services so it’s important you keep it secure. Because it's issued for life, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) won’t issue a new one if it’s compromised. This makes protecting your TFN crucial to prevent identity theft and fraud.  
 

What is a compromised TFN? 

A compromised TFN occurs when scammers or data breaches expose your number to unauthorised access. This puts your personal and financial information at risk. Understanding these threats and knowing how to safeguard yourself is essential. 
 

How can my TFN be compromised? 

Your TFN can be exposed in several ways: 

• Phishing Scams: Fraudsters might impersonate the ATO through fake emails or messages to trick you into revealing your TFN and personal details. Always verify the authenticity of any communication before sharing sensitive information. 
• Data breaches: If an organisation where you’ve shared your TFN suffers a data breach, your information might be exposed. Ensure you use secure methods for sharing your TFN. For example, H&R Block provides a secure portal for safely submitting personal information. 
• Identity theft: Criminals may steal your TFN along with other personal details to commit fraud or access your financial accounts. Stay vigilant to protect your information. 

How do I know if my TFN has been exposed? 

Signs that your TFN may be compromised include: 

• You start receiving tax bills or notifications from the ATO that you weren’t expecting. 
• There is an unexplained delay in your tax refund, or you discover that a return has been filed under your name without your knowledge. 
• Irregularities or unexpected transactions appear in your superannuation accounts. 

What should I do if I think my TFN is compromised? 

If you suspect your TFN has been compromised, follow these steps promptly: 

1. Contact the ATO: Report the incident to the ATO by calling their dedicated TFN hotline or using their online reporting tool.  
2. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for any unauthorised activity. 
3. Update your passwords: Change your passwords for all your online accounts, especially those that contain sensitive information. Set up two factor authentication where possible for an added layer of security. 
4. Consider a credit freeze: Contact credit reporting agencies to place a freeze on your credit file, preventing anyone from opening new accounts in your name. 
5. Stay vigilant: Be cautious of suspicious emails, calls, or messages asking for your TFN or personal information. Verify the request’s legitimacy before sharing any details. 

What changes should I expect when dealing with a compromised TFN? 

Reporting a compromised TFN to the ATO may lead to changes in how you interact with them: 

• you may not be able to use the ATO’s online channels or myGov 
• pre-fill data may not be available 
• the ATO may need to make extra checks for tax returns and other forms that could delay processing 
• the ATO can prevent business activity statements from issuing automatically. You will need to contact the ATO before each lodgment so they can generate these statements 
• your digital identity may be suspended while the ATO investigate if there has been a compromise. 

H&R Block is here to assist you. Our team of Tax Experts can guide you through reporting your compromised TFN and answer any questions you have about the process. 

How do I lodge my tax return with a compromised TFN? 

If your TFN is compromised, you will need to call the ATO Client Identity Support Centre at 1800 467 033 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday (AEST) each time you lodge your tax return. The ATO will provide a 48-hour window for you and your tax agent to access your details on ATO systems. This process will continue each time you lodge your return. 

Once extra security is placed on your account, it remains in place permanently. You will need to contact the ATO to lift these security measures each time you need access to your information. Although this process can be cumbersome and might cause delays, working with H&R Block Tax Experts can help manage it effectively and reduce stress. 

How can I safeguard my TFN against future compromise? 

To protect your TFN and personal information, follow these preventive measures: 

• Keep Your TFN Confidential: Only share your TFN when absolutely necessary. Avoid sharing it through unsecured channels. 
• Be Wary of Scams: Be cautious of scams that impersonate the ATO through phone calls, emails, or text messages. If you receive suspicious communication, do not respond. 
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your financial statements for unfamiliar transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution or the ATO immediately. 

At H&R Block, we prioritise the security of your TFN and personal information. Our Tax Experts ensures your data is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality, so you can trust that your TFN is in safe hands. If you have any questions or need assistance, book an appointment online with your nearest H&R Block office or call us on 13 23 25 today.