The ATO runs almost everything online, but a few processes still accept fax – for example private ruling applications. Others don't: individual TFN applications from overseas must be posted with original documents. Check your letter or the SendFaxFast ATO directory page, then fax your PDF online at sendfaxfast.com with +61, from US$2.49 per fax.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Individuals, businesses, not-for-profits and advisers dealing with the ATO |
| Fax accepted for | Selected processes, e.g. private ruling applications |
| Not by fax | Individual TFN applications from outside Australia (post, originals required) |
| Where to find the number | Your ATO letter, the form, or sendfaxfast.com/fax-number/ (checked 4 October 2026) |
| Cost with SendFaxFast | US$2.49 (1–5 pages), US$3.49 (6–20), US$4.99 (21–40), from US$6.24 (41–100) |
Does the ATO still accept faxes?
For most people, no fax is needed. Individuals use ATO online services through myGov, and businesses and tax agents use the ATO's online services for business and agents. But fax hasn't disappeared completely. Some ATO forms and teams still name a fax number, and ATO letters sometimes ask you to fax documents back.
Private ruling applications
The ATO accepts private ruling applications by fax. According to the ATO page linked in our directory, this applies to small and medium businesses, private entities and not-for-profit organisations. The fax number, together with the official ato.gov.au source, is on our ATO directory page.
Tips:
- Use the current application form and complete every section.
- Attach all documents the form asks for in one PDF.
- Note your TFN or ABN and a contact phone number on the cover page.
TFN applications from overseas: post only
If you live outside Australia and need an individual tax file number (TFN), you cannot fax the application. The ATO requires original documents or certified copies of your ID by post. Faxing will only cost time.
Other Australian agencies
People who search for "ATO fax" often need a different agency:
- Services Australia lists fax numbers for Centrelink International Services and for Child Support (from outside Australia). Medicare lists no fax number – use email, mail or online.
- Home Affairs (visas and citizenship) has no general fax number; use ImmiAccount.
How to prepare an ATO fax
- Cover page first. Your ATO letter, or a free cover sheet with "Attention", your name, TFN or ABN, phone number and page count.
- Reference on every page. Name plus TFN/ABN or the reference number from your letter.
- Signatures in place. Check declarations and dates.
- One PDF, in order. A clear phone photo (JPG/PNG) also works. Avoid grey or coloured backgrounds – SendFaxFast removes grey backgrounds automatically, but a clean scan is best.
Fax the ATO online, step by step
- Get the number from your letter or the ATO directory page.
- Open sendfaxfast.com on your phone or computer and upload the document.
- Choose +61 and enter the number without the leading 0 – (02) becomes +61 2.
- Optional: schedule the fax for business hours. Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne run on AEST, or AEDT during daylight saving.
- Pay once by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. No account, no subscription.
- Keep the delivery report from your email together with a copy of the pages.
Faxing the ATO from overseas
Many expats and foreign businesses need to contact the ATO. With SendFaxFast you don't dial an international access code – just choose +61 and enter the number without the 0. The price is the same from the US, Canada, New Zealand or anywhere else. Mind the time difference: a fax sent on a US afternoon arrives in the Australian early morning, so scheduling helps.
What it costs
| Pages | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–5 pages | $2.49 |
| 6–20 pages | $3.49 |
| 21–40 pages | $4.99 |
| 41–100 pages | from $6.24 |
Charged in US dollars; your card issuer converts to AUD. One-time payment. No subscription required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ATO fax number?
There is no general ATO fax number for everyday tax matters. Specific processes such as private ruling applications have their own fax number – see our ATO directory page at sendfaxfast.com/fax-number/ or your ATO letter.
Can I fax my tax return to the ATO?
No. Individuals lodge online through myGov or with a registered tax agent, or by paper where the ATO allows it.
Can I fax a TFN application?
Not for individuals living outside Australia. The ATO requires original or certified documents by post.
Can I fax the ATO from overseas?
Yes, where the ATO accepts fax. Enter +61 and the number without the leading 0 at sendfaxfast.com.
How do I prove the ATO received my fax?
Keep the SendFaxFast delivery report from your email, plus the pages you sent. For important matters, also check your ATO online account or call.