Estimate your Australian tax refund or amount owing
Enter your details below to estimate your end-of-year result based on resident tax rates and a simplified Medicare levy calculation.
How this australian tax rebate calculator works
A tax rebate (or refund) is generally the difference between what was withheld from your pay during the year and what you actually owe after your tax return is assessed. If you paid too much through PAYG withholding, you may receive a refund. If you paid too little, you may have an amount owing.
This calculator estimates that result using:
- Your annual income
- Total deductions (work-related plus other deductions)
- Tax withheld by your employer
- Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), where applicable
- An optional Medicare levy estimate
Australian resident income tax rates used
The calculator uses common resident individual tax brackets (Stage 3 structure):
| 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 |
| Over $190,000 | $51,638 + 45% of amount over $190,000 |
Medicare levy assumptions
If selected, this tool applies a simplified Medicare levy model:
- No levy up to a low-income threshold
- A phase-in zone
- 2% for income above the full-threshold level
Real outcomes can vary due to family status, private health cover rules, and Medicare levy surcharge settings.
What counts as tax deductions?
Deductions reduce your taxable income, which can lower total tax payable. Common examples include:
- Work-related expenses (where eligible and substantiated)
- Self-education expenses (where directly related and allowable)
- Donations to deductible gift recipients
- Tax agent fees
Keep records and receipts. The ATO expects claims to be valid, job-related, and not reimbursed by your employer.
Tips to improve refund accuracy
1) Use year-to-date payroll figures
Pull your income and tax withheld amounts directly from your payroll summary or income statement.
2) Separate deductions clearly
Split work-related and other deductions so you can audit your estimate more easily.
3) Don’t forget offsets
Some people are eligible for additional offsets beyond LITO. Add those in the “Other tax offsets/rebates” field.
4) Treat this as a planning guide
This calculator is ideal for budgeting and expectation-setting before lodging your tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official ATO calculator?
No. It is an independent educational tool designed to provide a practical estimate.
Why is my actual refund different?
Differences can occur due to additional income streams, HELP/HECS obligations, private health insurance impacts, levy surcharges, family circumstances, and final ATO assessment rules.
Can I use this for non-residents or companies?
Not accurately. This version is for individual Australian residents and general planning only.
Important disclaimer
This page provides general information, not personal tax advice. For definitive calculations, refer to ATO guidance or speak with a registered tax professional.