This is an educational estimate using common PAYG assumptions. It does not replace ATO payroll tables or professional tax advice.
How this Australia PAYG tax calculator works
PAYG (Pay As You Go) withholding is the tax your employer takes from each pay and sends to the ATO on your behalf. This calculator estimates your annual income tax, optional Medicare levy, optional HELP/HECS repayment, and then converts that into a per-pay withholding amount based on your pay cycle.
It is designed for employees who want a quick estimate before payday, while comparing job offers, or while deciding if they should request extra tax withheld.
Resident tax rates used (estimate basis)
The calculator uses the common resident marginal rates from 1 July 2024 onward:
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | Nil |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16% of amount over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 + 30% of amount over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,288 + 37% of amount over $135,000 |
| $190,001+ | $51,638 + 45% of amount over $190,000 |
Non-resident and HELP repayment calculations are simplified for planning purposes.
Step-by-step: using the calculator correctly
- Enter your annual gross income (before tax).
- Add any pre-tax deductions such as salary sacrifice.
- Choose your tax residency and pay frequency.
- Tick options for tax-free threshold, Medicare levy, and HELP/HECS if relevant.
- Optionally add extra withholding if you want to reduce the risk of a tax bill later.
- Click Calculate PAYG to view annual and per-pay estimates.
Why your real payslip might be different
- Payroll software may use exact ATO withholding schedules, not simple annual averaging.
- Tax offsets (for example, low income tax offset effects) are not always applied in simple calculators.
- Reportable fringe benefits, bonuses, overtime, and commissions can change withholding.
- Medicare levy reductions and surcharge rules can depend on personal/family circumstances.
- HELP rates and thresholds can be updated each financial year.
Example scenario
Suppose your annual income is $85,000, you are an Australian resident, you claim the tax-free threshold, and you are paid fortnightly. The calculator estimates annual tax components, then divides total withholding by 26 pays. This gives you a practical estimate of how much tax might come out of each paycheck.
If you also have a HELP debt, ticking the HELP box applies an additional repayment percentage to taxable income. You can then instantly see the difference in your net pay.
Tips to avoid an end-of-year tax surprise
- Recalculate whenever your salary changes.
- Check withholding after any bonus or overtime-heavy period.
- Consider a small extra withholding amount per pay if you have multiple income sources.
- Keep records of deductible expenses and salary packaging details.
- Review your estimate again near June before tax return time.
FAQ
Does this calculator include superannuation?
No. Superannuation contributions paid by your employer are separate from your take-home PAYG withholding. Use this tool for income tax withholding estimation only.
Can I use this for weekly, fortnightly, or monthly pay?
Yes. Choose your pay frequency and the calculator converts annual totals into per-pay figures.
Is this an official ATO calculator?
No. It is an educational estimator to help with planning and budgeting. For final payroll or return figures, use official ATO resources or a registered tax professional.
Final note
A good PAYG estimate can make budgeting easier, especially when comparing salary packages or planning savings goals. Use this page regularly as your income changes so you stay in control of your cash flow all year.