How to notify the ATO of a death

Trying to maximise your deductions may be the main challenge faced by Australian taxpayers, but it certainly isn't the only one.

Among other tax-related tasks perhaps the two most basic occur at the opposite ends of the life cycle - getting a tax file number (TFN) and notifying the tax office of a person's death.

Due to the need, in the first case, to provide proof of identity and, in the second, proof of death, the process can't be finalised online.

But while this is still the case, a new arrangement with Australia Post means it is now possible for most people to complete the process more quickly and easily by presenting the required proof at 460 of Australia Post's network of post offices.

Which post offices are included? This is easy to check since anyone filling out an online application for a TFN or notifying the tax office that someone has died is provided with a convenient link that will identify a post office near you where you can complete the process.

If you want to apply online for a tax file number, simply go to the tax office web site (www.ato.gov.au), click on the "Individuals" tab and then type "getting a TFN" in the search box on the top right-hand side of the page.

The executor of an estate goes through the same process when notifying the tax office of a person's death, except that they need to type "notification of a deceased person" in the search box.

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