Can I Get a Tax File Number on a Partner Visa?

Who issues a tax file number to partner visa holders?

A tax file number is issued to partner visa holders by the Australian Taxation Office, which decides who can receive one under tax law. The Department of Home Affairs has no role in issuing it. Most people who are in Australia on a visa that permits work can apply online using their passport, and the Australian Taxation Office checks visa details electronically. Our article on partner visa conditions explains the work rights attached to each stage.

Can I get a tax file number while on a bridging visa?

An onshore partner visa applicant can generally get a tax file number while on a bridging visa, provided the bridging visa allows work. Many applicants already have a tax file number from an earlier student or work visa, and they keep the same number for life. They should not apply for a second one. Our article on partner visa bridging visa work rights explains when a bridging visa permits work.

When can a Subclass 309 holder get a tax file number?

A Subclass 309 holder can generally apply for a tax file number once in Australia on the granted visa, because the Subclass 309 carries work rights. An applicant waiting overseas for the Subclass 309 does not need one, and a visitor visa held during a short visit before the grant usually does not permit work. Our page on the Subclass 309 visa explains the offshore stage.

Do tax returns matter in a partner visa application?

Tax returns matter in a partner visa application because they are government records of the couple's relationship status and address. A tax return that lists the partner as a spouse, or records the same address, supports the financial aspects of the relationship and the nature of the household. A return that says the person has no spouse, while the couple claims to have lived together for years, creates an inconsistency the Department may raise. Our article on partner visa financial evidence explains how these records are read.

What if our tax records do not match the partner visa application?

Where tax records do not match the partner visa application, the couple should identify the error, correct it with the Australian Taxation Office where appropriate and explain it honestly in the application. A simple error, such as forgetting to add spouse details, is usually explainable. Leaving it unexplained can lead to an adverse information letter, as described in our article on a partner visa section 57 letter. Consistent records across tax, Centrelink and banking are one of the simplest ways to avoid questions, as our article on partner visa conflicting statements explains.

Do I need a tax file number to apply for a partner visa?

A tax file number is not needed to apply for a partner visa, because it is not a criterion of the Subclass 820, Subclass 801, Subclass 309 or Subclass 100. Tax documents are useful only as evidence of the relationship, and an applicant who has never worked in Australia will simply rely on other financial and household evidence.

How does My Migration Lawyers check tax and financial records?

My Migration Lawyers checks tax and financial records by comparing what each partner has told the Australian Taxation Office, banks and other agencies about their relationship and address with what the partner visa application will say. Where the records conflict, the firm advises on correction and prepares an explanation before lodgement. The firm does not give tax advice, but makes sure the records the Department will see support the application. Couples can speak with our partner visa lawyers.