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Conversely, in Australia there is the Tax File Number... that's about as close to a SSN as you'll get. The TFN is definitely personal. Unless you're dealing wit

Conversely, in Australia there is the Tax File Number... that's about as close to a SSN as you'll get. The TFN is definitely personal. Unless you're dealing with finances in some way, it's illegal (I believe) to even ask for your TFN. Banks, employers and so on can ask for it (it makes processing your taxes easier) but I don't believe it's a requirement to even give it to them. As far as I know, the only organisation that you're required to give it to is the tax office itself. Interestingly, by virtue of this number being so 'secretive' it really is usable as an identifier only to the tax office... which, I daresay, helps to reduce 'identity theft' based around that number.

Turing_Machine 14y ago
That was how the SSAN was supposed to be used here -- only for tax-related things, such as banks and employers. Unfortunately it didn't stay that way.
chimeracoder 14y ago
> As far as I know, the only organisation that you're required to give it to is the tax office itself. Interestingly, by virtue of this number being so 'secretive' it really is usable as an identifier only to the tax office. Amusingly, the IRS doesn't actually ask you for your SSN as your identifier when you need to do basic things (like replace your social security card). I know of someone who was prepared to give it to them, and the agent actually scolded him, "Your social security number isn't an identifier".