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12.3.3 Tax File Number for Data Matching
Legal basis for collecting tax file number
The VEA provides the legal basis for collecting tax file numbers.
Requirement to provide Tax file number
It is a requirement that a pensioner and his or her partner provide their tax file numbers, in writing, when required by the Secretary. Pensioners are advised of the purpose for collection of the tax file numbers. Payment of pension is not to be made if a pensioner does not comply with this requirement. In special circumstances pensioners are exempted or excluded from supplying tax file number.
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Use of tax file number in data matching
Matching between each agency and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is based on the pensioner's personal details and tax file number. Cases are reported for an agency to investigate where:
- the tax file number is invalid,
- identity discrepancies exist between an agency and ATO (ie. name or date of birth),
- income discrepancies exist between an agency and ATO when comparing taxable income declared to ATO with that held by the agency, and
- payment discrepancies exist between an agency and ATO. More ?
Failure to provide tax file number
Although it is not an offence to refuse to give a tax file number, the law is quite clear that grant of a pension will be denied or pension payment will be stopped if a pensioner chooses not to provide this information when asked. (unless an exemption or exclusion is obtained)
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Exclusion/Exemption list
Data Matching Program
Exclusion/Exemption list
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
A TFN is a number issued by the Australian Taxation Office to individuals, partnerships, trusts or companies. Each taxpayer has unique TFN which must be declared when you:
- loge a tax return,
- apply for certain income assistance or support payments,
- make or receive payments under Prescribed or Reportable Payment System,
- start or change jobs,
- have savings accounts or investments that earn income, or
- study at a tertiary institution under the HECS Scheme.
A TFN is a number issued by the Australian Taxation Office to individuals, partnerships, trusts or companies. Each taxpayer has unique TFN which must be declared when you:
- loge a tax return,
- apply for certain income assistance or support payments,
- make or receive payments under Prescribed or Reportable Payment System,
- start or change jobs,
- have savings accounts or investments that earn income, or
- study at a tertiary institution under the HECS Scheme.
A TFN is a number issued by the Australian Taxation Office to individuals, partnerships, trusts or companies. Each taxpayer has unique TFN which must be declared when you:
- loge a tax return,
- apply for certain income assistance or support payments,
- make or receive payments under Prescribed or Reportable Payment System,
- start or change jobs,
- have savings accounts or investments that earn income, or
- study at a tertiary institution under the HECS Scheme.