HELP / HECS

HELP Debt Income Threshold Calculator

Find your HELP/HECS compulsory repayment rate and annual repayment amount based on your income. See the full 2025-26 repayment threshold table.

2025-26 Thresholds 1%–10% Rate Scale Repayment Income
01INPUTS

Your repayment income: taxable income + reportable fringe benefits + net investment losses.

02RESULTS
Repayment rate3.5%
Annual repayment2,625.00

2025-26 HELP Repayment Thresholds

Income RangeRepayment Rate
$0 – $54,4340.0%
$54,435 – $62,8501.0%
$62,851 – $66,6202.0%
$66,621 – $70,6182.5%
$70,619 – $74,8553.0%
$74,856 – $79,3463.5%
$79,347 – $84,1074.0%
$84,108 – $89,1544.5%
$89,155 – $94,5035.0%
$94,504 – $100,1745.5%
$100,175 – $106,1856.0%
$106,186 – $112,5566.5%
$112,557 – $119,3097.0%
$119,310 – $126,4677.5%
$126,468 – $134,0568.0%
$134,057 – $142,1008.5%
$142,101 – $150,6269.0%
$150,627 – $159,6639.5%
$159,664+10.0%

Below $0, no repayment is required.

How it works

Compulsory HELP repayments are based on your repayment income — your taxable income plus any reportable fringe benefits amounts and net investment losses. The repayment is calculated as a percentage of your total income and is withheld through the PAYG system by your employer.

Below the minimum threshold, no repayment is required. Above the threshold, the repayment rate increases progressively with income. Use this calculator to see where you sit and check the full table of thresholds below.

For a full payoff timeline including voluntary payments and indexation, use the HELP debt repayment calculator.

Common questions
What is the HELP repayment threshold for 2025-26?
The compulsory repayment threshold for 2025-26 starts at around $54,435. If your repayment income is below this amount, you are not required to make any compulsory HELP repayments. The repayment rate starts at 1% and increases in steps up to 10% for the highest income bracket.
How is the HELP repayment rate determined?
Your repayment rate is based on your repayment income, which includes your taxable income, reportable fringe benefits amounts, and net investment losses. The rate is applied to your total repayment income, not just the amount above the threshold. For example, if you earn $75,000 and are in the 4% bracket, you repay $3,000 for that year regardless of your HELP balance.
Does my spouse's income count toward the HELP repayment threshold?
No. HELP repayments are based on your individual repayment income, not household or combined income. Your spouse's income does not affect your repayment rate. However, if you have a HELP debt and earn above the threshold, your employer will withhold additional tax through the PAYG system to cover the expected repayment.

Last updated 24 May 2026 Tax year 2025-26

Data sources: ATO (ato.gov.au), Services Australia

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

Reviewed by AusTax Tools Editorial Desk

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