Compromised TFN: What You Need to Know

Your Tax File Number (TFN) is a critical personal identifier used for tax and superannuation purposes in Australia. It’s essential for managing your taxes, applying for jobs, and accessing various government services. Since your TFN is issued for life, it’s important to keep it secure to prevent identity theft and fraud. If your TFN is compromised, however, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will not issue a new one. Therefore, safeguarding your TFN is crucial to avoid serious financial and personal risks.

What is a Compromised TFN?

A compromised TFN occurs when your personal number is exposed to unauthorised access, often due to scams, data breaches, or identity theft. This puts your personal and financial information at risk, and it is essential to understand how your TFN could be compromised and how to protect yourself.

How Can My TFN Be Compromised?

There are several ways your TFN can be exposed:

• Phishing Scams: Scammers often impersonate the ATO through fake emails or text messages designed to trick you into revealing your TFN and other personal details. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication before providing sensitive information.
• Data Breaches: If a company or organisation where you’ve shared your TFN experiences a data breach, your personal information might be exposed. Ensure you only share your TFN with secure, trusted platforms.
• Identity Theft: Criminals may steal your TFN, along with other personal details, to commit fraud or gain unauthorised access to your financial accounts. Stay vigilant and protect your information.

How Do I Know if My TFN Has Been Exposed?

There are several signs that your TFN might have been compromised:

• You start receiving unexpected tax bills or notifications from the ATO.
• There is an unexplained delay in your tax refund, or you find out a tax return has been filed under your name without your consent.
• 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, act quickly by following these steps:

1. Report the incident to the ATO using their TFN hotline or online reporting tool to start the process of securing your information.
2. Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for unauthorised activity. Promptly report any suspicious transactions.
3. Change passwords for all of your online accounts, especially those containing sensitive information. Consider setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
4. Contact credit reporting agencies to place a freeze on your credit file. This can help prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your consent.
5. Be cautious of emails, phone calls, or messages that request your TFN or other personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of the request before sharing any details.

What Changes Should I Expect When Dealing with a Compromised TFN?

When you report a compromised TFN, you might face some changes in how you interact with the ATO:

• You may not be able to use the ATO’s online channels or myGov services.
• Pre-fill data may no longer be available for your tax returns.
• The ATO may implement additional checks for your tax returns or other forms, causing potential delays in processing.
• Business activity statements may not be automatically issued. You’ll need to contact the ATO for each lodgement.
• Your digital identity may be suspended while the ATO investigates the compromise.

How Do I Lodge My Tax Return with a Compromised TFN?

If your TFN is compromised, you must call the ATO Client Identity Support Centre at 1800 467 033 each time you lodge your tax return. The ATO will grant a 48-hour window for you and your tax agent to access your details in their system. This process will continue every time you lodge a return.

Once extra security is placed on your account, it remains in effect permanently, and you’ll need to contact the ATO to lift these measures whenever you need access.

How Can I Safeguard My TFN Against Future Compromise?

To prevent your TFN from being compromised again, take the following protective measures:

• Only share your TFN when necessary and avoid sharing it via unsecured channels like email or text.
• Be cautious of scams that impersonate the ATO. If you receive suspicious communications asking for your TFN or other sensitive details, do not respond. Always verify the source before taking any action.
• Keep an eye on your financial statements for unfamiliar or suspicious transactions. Report any anomalies to your bank or the ATO immediately.

At Roy A McDonald Pty Ltd we prioritise the security of your TFN and personal information.  Our team ensures that all your personal data is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality, giving you peace of mind that your TFN is in safe hands.  If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to book a complimentary initial consultation with one of our experienced tax professionals.

Source: ato