First job checklist: what every Australian teen needs

TFN, super fund, bank account, payslip basics, and the awkward stuff like asking for a roster — everything to set up before day one.

A teen's first job is a tiny earthquake. Do these six things in the week before they start, and most of the admin disappears.

1. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)

Free from the ATO. Without one, their employer must withhold tax at the top marginal rate — about 47%. Apply at least two weeks before payday.

2. Open a transaction account in their name

Most big banks open teen accounts from age 12 or 14 with a parent present. Avoid accounts with monthly fees.

3. Choose a super fund (yes, already)

If they earn over $450 in a month or work more than 30 hours a week as an under-18, super is paid. If they don't choose, their employer picks. A low-fee balanced option is fine to start.

4. Save the first payslip

Take a photo. Walk through gross, tax, super, net together. Use PocketGrow's payslip explainer (Premium Plus) if you want a side-by-side template.

5. Agree a save-rate before payday lands

10% to Save jar, 5% to Give, the rest to Spend is a workable starting split. Decided after the money lands, it never happens.

6. Roster, breaks, super-stapling — the awkward asks

Practise the script: 'Hi, just wanting to confirm my roster for next week and let you know my super fund details.' Better said now than in month three.