Australia Income Tax Return Calculator
Estimate your annual tax, Medicare levy, and likely refund (or amount payable) using current individual tax rates. This tool is designed for quick planning and budgeting.
Important: This is a general estimate only. It does not include every surcharge, levy, or offset (for example, HELP/HECS repayments, Medicare Levy Surcharge, SAPTO, family circumstances, and private health loading adjustments). Always confirm final figures with the ATO or a registered tax professional.
How this Australian tax return calculator helps
If you want a fast estimate of your possible tax refund in Australia, this calculator gives you a practical starting point. Enter your annual income, subtract eligible deductions, add tax already withheld, and the tool estimates whether you may receive a refund or need to pay extra at tax time.
It is useful for employees, contractors, and side-hustlers who want a quick planning number before lodging a return through myGov or a tax agent.
What the calculator includes
- Estimated taxable income (gross income minus deductions)
- Individual income tax based on current resident or foreign resident rates
- Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) estimate for eligible residents
- Medicare levy estimate for residents (with low-income phase-in)
- Refund or amount owing based on PAYG withholding and offsets entered
2025–26 Australian income tax brackets (residents)
| Taxable income | Tax on this income |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | Nil |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 + 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,288 + 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001 and over | $51,638 + 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
Foreign resident rates (used by calculator)
- 0 – $135,000: 30%
- $135,001 – $190,000: 37%
- Over $190,000: 45%
How to use it correctly
1) Enter realistic annual income
Use your total income for the financial year (salary, wages, and other taxable earnings). If your income changed during the year, estimate conservatively.
2) Add deductions you can substantiate
Only enter deductions you can support with records. Typical examples include:
- Work-related expenses
- Self-education expenses (where eligible)
- Tax agent fees
- Donations to deductible gift recipients
3) Enter PAYG tax withheld from your payslips
This is critical for refund accuracy. Your Income Statement in myGov or your payment summary can help.
4) Add other offsets if you know them
If you are expecting tax offsets or credits not already reflected, include them to improve your estimate.
Why your final ATO result may be different
- HELP/HECS compulsory repayments are not included in this calculator
- Medicare Levy Surcharge depends on private health cover and family status
- Offsets such as SAPTO and other special offsets are not fully modelled
- Your residency status or entitlement rules may differ from assumptions
- Rounding, timing, and ATO data matching can shift final figures
Simple example
Suppose your gross income is $90,000, deductions are $5,000, and PAYG withheld is $19,000. Your taxable income becomes $85,000. The calculator estimates tax and levy, then compares total liability against withholding. If withheld tax is higher than estimated liability, the difference is a potential refund.
EOFY checklist before lodging your return
- Download your final income statement in myGov
- Collect receipts and work expense records
- Review bank interest, dividends, and any investment income
- Check private health insurance details (if applicable)
- Confirm deductions are eligible and not reimbursed by your employer
Final word
This income tax return calculator for Australia is best used as a planning tool, not a final assessment. It can help you budget, avoid tax-time surprises, and decide whether to set aside extra cash. For lodging accuracy and compliance, always verify details against current ATO guidance or speak with a registered tax professional.