Should you ever share your TFN with friends or family?

Sharing your Tax File Number (TFN) with friends or family is not advisable because it significantly increases the risk of identity theft. Your TFN is a unique identifier that allows the government to track your financial activities and tax obligations, and if someone else has access to it, they could potentially misuse it for fraudulent purposes.

Identity theft can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss and damage to one's credit history, which can take a significant amount of time to rectify. By keeping your TFN confidential, you ensure that your personal and financial information remains secure.

In some contexts, providing your TFN may seem beneficial, such as for tax-related purposes, but these situations should be handled with utmost caution and only with trusted parties, typically under formal arrangements. It's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with sharing sensitive personal information like your TFN and to prioritize privacy and security to protect against potential identity theft.