Tax Return Calculator Australia
Find out if you'll get money back or owe the ATO when you lodge your tax return. Enter your income, the tax already withheld, and your deductions to estimate your refund.
Uses 2025–26 Australian tax rates. This is an estimate only — your actual refund may differ.
Your total income for the financial year
From your PAYG payment summary or income statement
Work expenses, donations, self-education, etc.
Enter your income and tax withheld to estimate your refund
How your tax return works
Throughout the year, your employer withholds tax from your pay based on how much they expect you'll owe. When you lodge your tax return, the ATO calculates your actual tax liability and compares it to what was withheld:
- Refund — If more was withheld than you owe, you get the difference back
- Amount owing — If less was withheld than you owe, you need to pay the difference
What affects your refund?
Deductions
Deductions reduce your taxable income, which reduces your tax liability. Common deductions include:
- Work-related expenses — uniforms, tools, travel between work sites
- Working from home — 70c per hour or actual expenses
- Self-education — courses related to your current job
- Donations — to registered charities ($2 or more)
- Income protection insurance — premiums you pay
Tip: You can claim up to $300 in work expenses without receipts, but you must have actually spent the money. For claims over $300, you need records.
Multiple income sources
If you had multiple jobs, investment income, or other income sources, you may not have had enough tax withheld. Each payer withholds tax as if they're your only income source, which can lead to under-withholding.
Tax offsets
Tax offsets (like LMITO, now ended, or private health insurance rebate) reduce your tax payable directly. This calculator doesn't include offsets — your actual refund may be higher if you're eligible.
Common reasons for a tax bill
- Multiple jobs without adjusting PAYG withholding
- Investment income (dividends, interest, rent) with no tax withheld
- Capital gains from selling shares or property
- Employer under-withheld tax (incorrect TFN declaration)
- HELP debt repayments not withheld during the year
When to lodge your tax return
- Self-lodging: By 31 October following the end of the financial year
- Using a tax agent: Extended deadlines apply (often until May the following year)
- Lodge early: Wait until mid-August for employer data to be pre-filled in myTax
FAQ
How is a tax refund calculated?
Your refund is the difference between the tax withheld during the year (shown on your income statement) and your actual tax liability based on your taxable income. If you withheld more than you owe, you get a refund.
What deductions can I claim?
You can claim expenses that are directly related to earning your income. This includes work-related travel, uniforms, tools, self-education, and home office expenses. You must have records to support claims over $300.
Why do I owe tax instead of getting a refund?
Common reasons include having multiple jobs (each employer withholds tax as if they're your only income), investment income without tax withheld, or your employer under-withholding based on incorrect information.
When will I get my refund?
Most refunds are processed within 2 weeks if you lodge online through myTax. Paper returns take longer. If the ATO needs to review your return (common for large deductions or unusual claims), it may take additional time.
What if I can't pay my tax bill?
The ATO offers payment plans for people who can't pay their tax bill in full. Contact them early to avoid penalties. Interest applies to overdue amounts.
Tax Accuracy & Sources
Estimates refund or amount owing from income, withholding, and deductions entered. It does not cover all offsets, private rulings, or full return complexity.
Uses 2025-26 ATO rates.