HELP/HECS Repayment Calculator
Calculate your compulsory HELP repayment based on your income. See how the new 2025-26 marginal rate system compares to the old flat rate system.
Your taxable income plus any reportable fringe benefits, super contributions, and net investment losses.
Your current HELP/HECS debt. Check myGov for your exact balance.
Enter your repayment income to calculate your HELP repayment.
How HELP Repayments Work
HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) repayments are compulsory once your repayment income exceeds the threshold. Your employer withholds repayments from your pay through the PAYG system if they know about your HELP debt.
What is Repayment Income?
Your repayment income is your:
- Taxable income, plus
- Reportable fringe benefits, plus
- Reportable employer super contributions, plus
- Net investment losses (added back)
This is usually higher than your taxable income if you salary sacrifice or receive fringe benefits.
2025-26 vs 2024-25: What Changed?
Old System (2024-25)
- Flat rate on total income
- Threshold: $54,435
- Rates: 1% to 10%
- Once you cross a threshold, the rate applies to ALL your income
New System (2025-26)
- Marginal rate on income above threshold
- Threshold: $67,000
- Rates: 15% to 17% (on excess)
- You only pay on the amount OVER $67,000
Example: $80,000 Income
20% Debt Reduction (June 2025)
From 1 June 2025, all outstanding HELP, HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, VET Student Loans, and other eligible study debts will receive a 20% reduction.
- This is automatic - you don't need to apply
- The ATO will process the reduction and notify you
- Your reduced balance will appear on your ATO account after 1 June 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed for HELP repayments in 2025-26?
From 2025-26, HELP repayments switched from a flat rate on total income to a marginal rate system. You now only pay on income above $67,000 (up from $54,435). This means lower repayments for most borrowers, especially those earning under $180,000.
What is repayment income for HELP?
Repayment income includes your taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, reportable employer super contributions, and any net investment losses (added back). It's usually higher than your taxable income if you salary sacrifice or have fringe benefits.
Do I have to make HELP repayments?
HELP repayments are compulsory once your repayment income exceeds the threshold ($67,000 for 2025-26). They're automatically withheld from your pay if your employer knows about your HELP debt. You can also make voluntary repayments at any time.
Will my HELP debt get a 20% reduction?
Yes, from 1 June 2025, all outstanding HELP, HECS, VET Student Loans, and other eligible study debts receive a 20% reduction. This is automatic - you don't need to apply. The ATO will notify you via myGov.
Should I make voluntary repayments?
HELP debt is interest-free (it only increases with CPI indexation, which was capped at the lower of CPI or WPI from 2023). In most cases, it's better to invest extra money elsewhere rather than make voluntary repayments, unless you want to reduce your debt before applying for a home loan.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
Applies the 2025-26 HELP marginal repayment framework to the income inputs you enter. It does not calculate actual debt balances, indexation notices, or employer payroll setup.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.