Working Holiday Maker Tax Calculator

Calculate your Australian tax as a Working Holiday Maker on a 417 or 462 visa. See the backpacker tax rates, Medicare levy, take-home pay breakdown, and how your tax compares to what an Australian resident would pay.

01 —INPUTS
This calculator is for Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclass 417 and 462) only. Australian residents should use our Income Tax Calculator.

Your gross annual salary or wages before tax

Employers must register with the ATO to withhold at WHM rates

02 —RESULTS

Enter your annual income to see your WHM tax breakdown

Edit inputs ↑

How Working Holiday Maker Tax Works

Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) in Australia on subclass 417 or 462 visas are taxed under a special regime. Unlike Australian residents who enjoy an $18,200 tax-free threshold, WHMs pay tax from the very first dollar of income at a flat rate of 15% on the first $45,000.

This means that on lower incomes (roughly under $45,000), WHMs typically pay more tax than residents. However, the gap narrows at higher incomes because the resident marginal rates climb steeply above the tax-free threshold.

Your employer must be registered with the ATO as a WHM employer. If they are not registered, they must withhold at a flat 32.5% on all income — significantly more than the standard 15% rate. Always check your employer's registration status.

WHM Tax Rates by Year

2025-26

  • $0 – $45,000: 15%
  • $45,001 – $135,000: 30%
  • $135,001 – $190,000: 37%
  • $190,001+: 45%

2024-25

  • $0 – $45,000: 15%
  • $45,001 – $120,000: 32.5%
  • $120,001 – $180,000: 37%
  • $180,001+: 45%

Plus 2% Medicare levy on total income in both years.

Claiming Super When You Leave

When you permanently leave Australia, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) to reclaim your accumulated super. For WHMs, the DASP tax rate is 65% on the taxable component (up from 35% for non-WHMs), so be aware that you will not receive the full balance.

You can apply for a DASP once your visa has expired or been cancelled and you have left Australia. Applications are made through the ATO or your super fund directly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Working Holiday Maker (backpacker) tax rate?
Working Holiday Makers on 417 or 462 visas are taxed at a flat 15% on the first $45,000 of income, with no tax-free threshold. Above $45,000, the rates increase through higher brackets (30%/32.5%, 37%, and 45%) depending on the tax year. This is different from Australian residents who get an $18,200 tax-free threshold.
Do I pay Medicare levy as a Working Holiday Maker?
Yes. Working Holiday Makers pay the standard 2% Medicare levy on their total taxable income, the same as Australian residents. However, WHMs are generally not liable for the Medicare Levy Surcharge as they are typically not eligible for Medicare benefits and should have travel insurance.
What happens if my employer is not registered with the ATO?
If your employer is not registered as a Working Holiday Maker employer with the ATO, they must withhold tax at the flat rate of 32.5% on every dollar you earn — no matter how much you make. This is significantly higher than the standard WHM 15% rate on the first $45,000. You should ask your employer to register to avoid this penalty.
What is the difference between a 417 and 462 visa?
Both visas allow you to work and holiday in Australia and are taxed at the same WHM rates. The 417 (Working Holiday) visa is for passport holders from countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan. The 462 (Work and Holiday) visa is for passport holders from countries like the USA, China, Indonesia, and Argentina. The tax treatment is identical for both.
Do I get superannuation as a Working Holiday Maker?
Yes. Your employer must pay Superannuation Guarantee on top of your salary — 12% in 2025-26 (11.5% in 2024-25). When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your super back through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP), though it will be taxed at 65% for WHMs (or 35% for the tax-free component).
Can I claim the tax-free threshold as a Working Holiday Maker?
No. Working Holiday Makers cannot claim the $18,200 tax-free threshold. You are taxed from the first dollar at 15% (if your employer is registered). This is the key difference between WHM tax rates and resident tax rates.
Do I need to lodge a tax return as a Working Holiday Maker?
Yes. If you earned any income in Australia during the financial year, you should lodge a tax return. You may be entitled to a refund if too much tax was withheld, or if you have allowable deductions. The financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, and returns are due by 31 October (or later if using a registered tax agent).

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Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26

This calculator uses official ATO Working Holiday Maker tax rates for 2024-25 and 2025-26. It assumes all income is from wages/salary earned while on a 417 or 462 visa. The calculator does not cover income from other sources, the Medicare Levy Surcharge, HELP repayments, or DASP tax calculations. Always lodge a tax return and consult a registered tax agent for your specific circumstances.

Last updated 28 April 2026 Tax year 2025-26

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

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

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