Tax Refund Calculator

Choose 2025-26 if you're estimating your refund for the year ending 30 June 2026 (lodge from 1 July 2026). Choose 2026-27 to preview the year after, when the new 15% tax bracket, WATO offset, and $1,000 instant deduction take effect.

From the 2026-27 income year, you can claim a flat $1,000 of work-related expenses without receipts. Use the "Apply $1,000 instant deduction" button to model this. If your actual expenses are higher than $1,000, itemise instead.

A new non-refundable offset worth up to $250, applying from 1 July 2026 (so visible on 2026-27 tax returns). Over 13 million working Australians benefit. The offset taper used here is an approximation — the ATO's final formula may differ slightly.

The Low Income Tax Offset — a refundable offset of up to $700 for low-income earners. Full benefit for incomes up to $37,500, then tapered out by $66,667. Applied automatically in both years.

From 1 July onward, once your employer has finalised your Income Statement (usually mid-late July). The deadline for self-lodgement is 31 October, or later if you use a registered tax agent.

On your final payslip for the financial year, or on your Income Statement in myGov (linked to the ATO) once your employer has finalised it. The figure is "PAYG withholding" or "tax withheld".

Things like work-from-home costs, work clothing/uniforms, tools, professional memberships, education directly related to your job, and a portion of your phone/internet if used for work. You generally need receipts for claims over $300. From 2026-27, you can claim a flat $1,000 without receipts.

Employers withhold tax assuming you earn the same amount every pay period, all year. If you earned less than expected, took unpaid leave, or have deductions and offsets, the withheld amount can exceed your actual tax liability — leading to a refund.

It covers income tax, Medicare levy, MLS, HECS, LITO, and (for 2026-27) WATO. It excludes investment income, capital gains, rental property, spouse/family rebates, SAPTO, and other specific items. For complex situations, use a registered tax agent.