Australian Tax Refund Estimator
Estimate whether you may receive a refund or have tax to pay based on your income, deductions, and PAYG tax withheld.
How this AUS tax refund calculator works
This calculator gives you a quick estimate of your Australian income tax outcome for a single financial year. It starts with your gross income, subtracts deductions to estimate taxable income, then applies tax rates based on your selected residency status. After that, it adds Medicare levy (if applicable), subtracts offsets, and compares the result with your PAYG withholding.
The final figure shows one of two outcomes:
- Estimated refund: You may receive money back from the ATO.
- Estimated amount payable: You may owe additional tax at assessment time.
Tax rates used in this estimator
Resident rates (from 1 July 2024)
- 0% for $0 – $18,200
- 16% for $18,201 – $45,000
- 30% for $45,001 – $135,000
- 37% for $135,001 – $190,000
- 45% for $190,001 and over
Non-resident rates (simplified)
- 30% for $0 – $135,000
- 37% for $135,001 – $190,000
- 45% for $190,001 and over
This tool also applies a standard 2% Medicare levy for residents unless you tick the exemption box. Non-residents generally do not pay Medicare levy in this estimator.
What to include in each field
1) Annual gross income
Enter your total assessable income for the year: salary and wages, overtime, bonuses, taxable allowances, and other taxable income streams.
2) Deductible expenses
Enter legitimate deductions you can substantiate. Common examples include:
- Work-related expenses (uniforms, tools, union fees)
- Home office expenses (where eligible)
- Self-education expenses related to your current work
- Tax agent fees and some income protection premiums
3) PAYG tax withheld
Use the tax withheld amount shown on your income statement (STP) or payment summaries. This is the amount already sent to the ATO by your employer.
4) Tax offsets and credits
If you know your offsets, enter them here. Offsets reduce tax liability directly, but in most cases cannot reduce tax below zero.
Why your real tax refund may differ
Online calculators are useful for planning, but your final Notice of Assessment can be different. Reasons include:
- HELP/HECS compulsory repayments
- Medicare levy surcharge and private health insurance adjustments
- Low income thresholds and partial-year residency changes
- Investment income, capital gains, trust distributions, or foreign income
- Government benefit adjustments and reportable fringe benefits
If your tax situation is complex, treat this as a guide only and verify with myTax or a registered tax agent.
Tips to improve your tax outcome legally
- Keep records year-round: save receipts and logbooks as you go.
- Claim correctly: only deductions directly linked to earning income.
- Review withholding: if you constantly owe tax, consider adjusting PAYG withholding.
- Check offsets: ensure eligible tax offsets are included.
- Lodge on time: avoid penalties and reduce stress.
Quick FAQ
Is this calculator official?
No. It is an educational estimator and not an official ATO calculator.
Can this calculator guarantee my refund?
No. Your final result depends on your complete tax return and ATO assessment rules.
Should I enter cents?
Yes. The calculator accepts decimals, so you can enter exact amounts.
What if deductions are higher than income?
The tool floors taxable income at $0 for estimation purposes.
Final word
A good aus tax refund calculator helps you plan cash flow, avoid surprises, and make better decisions before lodgment. Use the estimate as a checkpoint, then confirm your numbers with accurate records and current ATO guidance.