Individual’s TFN and TFN information are protected by multiple legislative frameworks, including but not limited to:

• Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015 (TFN Rule);
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act);
• Australian Privacy Principles;
• Taxation Administration Act 1953.
• TFN information must only be used or disclosed by TFN recipients, including tax agents and accountants, for a purpose authorized by taxation law, personal assistance law or superannuation law.

Actions recommended for protecting client’s TFN information include:

• Deleting the TFN from pdfs or emails before forwarding;
• Password-protecting pdfs;
• Uploading to practice portal with secure client log on;
• Completing a proof of identity check if client asks for TN on the phone;
• Removing TFN before printing;
• Blocking out TFN before scanning.

If this sounds like something you would like to know more, please contact us. We are here to help.