Find out how much you could get back from the ATO. Toggle between the 2025-26 tax year (16% second bracket) and 2026-27 (announced 15% second bracket). Includes LITO, Medicare Levy + MLS, HELP/HECS, and occupation-aware deduction prompts.
PAYG vs liabilityDeductions promptsMedicare levy + MLS
01 —INPUTS
2026-27 uses the announced 15% second-bracket rate; threshold-indexed items (MLS, LITO, HELP) carry 2025-26 values until post-budget confirmation.
Step 1 · Your income
Total salary/wages before tax. From your payslip YTD gross or Payment Summary.
Step 2 · Your work
Used only to surface typical deductions for your role — no auto-fill.
Step 3 · Your deductions
Records required for each item; see the ATO D1–D15 deduction categories.
Step 4 · Your situation
Enter your gross income to see your estimated refund.
How your refund is calculated
Your tax refund is the difference between the tax already paid (withheld from your pay throughout the year) and the tax you actually owe based on your taxable income.
Core relationship
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.
→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.
Substantiation rule
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).
Tax Accuracy & Sources
Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26
EOFY refund estimator for 2025-26 resident individuals. Applies LITO ($700 max, taper to $0 at $66,667), Medicare Levy (2%), Medicare Levy Surcharge (single thresholds $101k/$118k/$158k at 1%/1.25%/1.5%; family base $202k + $1,500/dep after first), HELP/HECS 2025-26 thresholds (min $67k, mid $125k, flat 10% above $179,286), and occupation-aware deduction prompts. Does not model private health rebate, investment income, offsets beyond LITO, or prior-year amounts.