Tax Refund Estimator (Australia)

Find out how much you could get back from the ATO. Enter your income and deductions to estimate your tax refund for 2025-26.

Gross Annual Income

Your total salary before tax (from payslip or Payment Summary)

I know my exact tax withheld

Enter your income to estimate your refund

How your tax refund is calculated

Your tax refund is the difference between the tax you've already paid (withheld from your pay throughout the year) and the tax you actually owe based on your taxable income.

Taxable income = Gross income − Deductions

If your employer withheld more tax than you owe (common if you have deductions), you get a refund. If they withheld less, you'll owe money.

Common deductions that increase your refund

Most workers can claim these deductions:

Work from home – $0.70 per hour using the fixed rate method, or claim actual expenses. Calculate your WFH deduction
Car and travel – Cents-per-km method (88c/km up to 5,000km) or logbook method for work-related travel
Uniform and clothing – Occupation-specific clothing, protective gear, or clothing with your employer's logo
Self-education – Courses, seminars, and study materials directly related to your current job
Tools and equipment – Items under $300 can be claimed in full; items over $300 are depreciated

Tip: You must have spent the money yourself, it must relate to earning your income, and you need records to prove it.

FAQ

When will I get my tax refund?

If you lodge online through myTax, most refunds are processed within 2 weeks. Paper returns take 10-12 weeks. The ATO may take longer if they need to verify information.

Why is my refund different from last year?

Your refund depends on your income, deductions, and tax withheld. A pay rise, fewer deductions, or a second job can reduce your refund. More deductions or a lower income can increase it.

What if I owe money instead of getting a refund?

If you owe tax, pay by the due date on your notice of assessment. If you can't pay in full, contact the ATO to set up a payment plan — they're usually flexible if you're proactive.

What deductions can I claim?

You can claim work-related expenses that you paid for yourself and that relate directly to earning your income. Common claims include work from home costs, car expenses, uniforms, and self-education. You need records for claims over $300 total, or any individual expense over $10.

Do I need my Payment Summary to use this calculator?

No. The calculator estimates your tax withheld based on standard PAYG rates. For a more accurate result, tick "I know my exact tax withheld" and enter the amount from your Payment Summary (available in myGov from July each year).

Key Terms

Income Tax: Tax paid on your taxable income in Australia. Uses progressive tax brackets where higher income is taxed at higher rates. The tax-free threshold is $18,200 for Australian residents.
Medicare Levy: A 2% levy on taxable income to help fund Australia's public health system. Low-income earners may pay a reduced rate or be exempt.
Marginal Tax Rate: The tax rate applied to the last dollar of income earned. In Australia's progressive system, only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate.
Work From Home Deductions: Tax deductions for expenses incurred working from home. The ATO offers a fixed rate of 70 cents per hour, or you can calculate actual costs for electricity, internet, and equipment.
Salary Sacrifice: An arrangement to redirect pre-tax salary into superannuation or other benefits. Reduces taxable income and can lower tax paid, but contributions count toward the $30,000 concessional cap.

Last reviewed: February 2026 Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.