Discovering that your Tax File Number (TFN) has been compromised can be a stressful and confusing experience. At Walshs, we are here to help you navigate the situation and protect your financial and personal information.
How do I know if my TFN has been compromised and what should I do?
You may begin receiving unsolicited tax bills and notifications related to taxes from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Should this occur, it is crucial to contact the ATO promptly on 13 28 61.
If you are represented by a tax agent, they are typically the first to be notified and will promptly inform you if such correspondence arises. Where possible, they will also liaise with the ATO on your behalf.
What will Walshs do if they discover my TFN has been compromised?
- Contact you & verify details
We will notify you immediately, confirm personal details, verify your bank details, and confirm your records match the ATO’s.
- Alert the ATO
We will alert the ATO who will then unlock your ATO account. From this point your account will only be able to be unlocked via a phone call to the ATO for 48 hours at a time.
What can I expect to happen after a TFN breach?
- Delays in your tax return
The ATO will need extra time to verify your return due to enhanced security measures. Refunds, pre-fill data, and BAS information won’t be issued automatically, and unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for how long this will take.
- Stricter security for your ATO account
Your digital identity may be temporarily suspended and, in this case, accessing your ATO portal will require additional verification which can only be complete by calling the ATO directly. Unfortunately, Walshs cannot complete this step on your behalf.
- Risk of refund misdirection
In worst-case scenarios, scammers may redirect your tax refund into their own account.
How do I get my account back to normal?
- Verify your identity
Call the ATO to re-establish your identity, which will unlock your profile for 48 hours. To remove the lock permanently, you’ll need to speak to the ‘Client Identity Support Team’. They’ll assess your situation and decide if this is possible—each case is reviewed individually.
- Note that ATO improvements are on the way
With the recent surge in TFN breaches, the ATO is working on new processes to restore affected accounts more efficiently.
Can I get my refund back if it’s misdirected?
If your refund is misdirected due to fraud, recovery is possible. However, the ATO’s investigation process typically takes 28 business days and may be longer during peak periods.
How do TFN’s get compromised?
- Phishing Scams: Beware of fake emails or messages designed to trick you into handing over personal details.
- Data Breaches: Hacking incidents can expose sensitive information, including your TFN.
- Unsecured Communication: Sharing your TFN via email or other unprotected platforms makes it vulnerable to theft.
What can I do to protect my TFN?
- Lock down sensitive documents
Always password-protect documents containing your TFN before sharing them—even with your tax agent.
- Be Scam-Savvy & Stay Alert
Never click on suspicious links or share personal information over the phone or email unless you’re certain it’s secure. Regularly check your bank accounts and ATO records for any unusual activity.
We understand this can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. Our team will keep you informed every step of the way with clear, timely updates. Rest assured, we’ll do everything possible to make the process as smooth and stress-free as we can for you.
If you’re concerned about a compromised TFN or need guidance navigating this process, reach out to our team. At Walshs, we’re here to provide expert advice and support to get you back on track. Contact us on 07 3221 5677 or Book a Meeting here.
By: Lucy Gaul | Walshs Wealth Health Client Service Manager
