Starting a job
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Introduction
In this activity, students develop an understanding of the steps they need to take when they start a job and why these steps are important. They apply this knowledge by completing an application for a tax file number (TFN) using a simulated online tool and other necessary forms for a hypothetical job.
Achievement standard
By the end of Year 8, students explain how markets influence the allocation of resources to the production of goods and services. They explain ways that businesses adapt to opportunities in markets and respond to the work environment. They describe the importance of Australia’s taxation system and its effect on decision-making by individuals and businesses. Students explain why individuals and/or businesses budget and plan.
Students develop a range of questions to investigate an economic and business issue. They locate, select and organise relevant information and data. They interpret information and data to identify economic and business issues and trends, and describe economic cause-and-effect relationships. They develop a response to an economic and business issue. They identify and evaluate potential costs and benefits. Students use economic and business knowledge, concepts, terms and research findings to create descriptions and explanations.
Content descriptions
Economics and Business Knowledge and Understanding
The importance of Australia’s system of taxation and how this system affects decision-making by individuals and businesses. (AC9HE8K04)
Economics and Business Skills
Develop questions to investigate a contemporary economic and business issue. (AC9HE8S01)
Locate, select and organise information and data from a range of sources. (AC9HE8S02)
Create descriptions and explanations, using economic and business knowledge, concepts and terms, and referencing information and data from sources. (AC9HE8S05)
Teacher resources
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Starting a job
Getting a Tax File Number: Tim’s tale
Student learning resources
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TFN application (simulated online application)
Starting a job
ATO online services simulator
Completing a TFN declaration
Other resources you might like
Suggested activity sequence
This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group. This activity may not be suitable for students who already have a job.
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Elicit students’ prior knowledge about starting a job. Get them to write all they know on an entry card or in their notebooks.
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Play: Getting a Tax File Number: Tim’s tale (long version). This video explains why it is important to have a TFN before you start a job.
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Discuss the implications of not having a tax file number.
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Display the visualiser and work through each slide.
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Students complete the worksheet which will require them to complete a:
- TFN application (simulated online application)
- TFN declaration (simulated online)
- Standard choice form
Note: If there are students in the class who already have a job, pair them with students who don’t so they can act as a buddy.
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When students have completed their forms, as a class, discuss the tax responsibilities students have when they enter the workforce.
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Invite students to reflect on what they have learned, through using exit cards or by completing a reflection pyramid.
Optional
You may have students who work during school holidays for more than 30 hours a week. Invite those students to complete the optional activity on the worksheet in relation to a superannuation standard choice form.
Notes for teaching students offline and to diverse audiences
Teachers can use additional ATO resources and services to support students who don’t have access to information technology hardware, or the internet, or who are members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Tax file number application and declaration forms
If your students are unable to apply online using myGovID or attend a tax file number application interview at a participating Australia Post retail outlet or Services Australia Centre, they may need to complete one of the following paper forms:
- Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432)
- Tax file number declaration (NAT 3092)
You can get a copy of these forms by either:
- ordering online
- phoning 1300 720 092 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can get a copy of a paper Tax file number – application for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (NAT 1589) form by either:
- ordering online
- contacting the ATO Indigenous helpline 13 10 30.
For more information on services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people visit: ato.gov.au/general/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-people
Culturally and linguistically diverse audiences
The ATO has information in languages other than English to help people from non-English speaking backgrounds understand tax and superannuation in Australia and offers a Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.