Working holiday tax return: how much you get back
Tax, lodging and super, in numbers. Financial year 1 July to 30 June.
Updated 2 November 2026 · 2025-26 and 2026-27 rates
15%
tax from the first dollar, up to $45,000
30%
withheld if your employer isn't registered
45%
withheld until you give your TFN
12%
of your wage paid on top into your super
65%
tax on your super when you claim it
31 Oct
deadline to lodge yourself
Estimate your refund
Default example: an unregistered employer, 30% withheld instead of 15%.
All your wages from 1 July to 30 June (income statement in myGov).
The "tax withheld" on your payslips, all employers added up.
Protective clothing, tools, travel between two workplaces… with receipts.
Your super on these wages
Estimate at the 2025-26 and 2026-27 working holiday maker rates, before super fund fees. Not tax advice: only the ATO's notice of assessment is final.
What you get back, by wage
If your employer withheld 30% instead of 15%:
| Wage | WHM tax | Withheld at 30% | Back to you |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $2,250 | $4,500 | +$2,250 |
| $25,000 | $3,750 | $7,500 | +$3,750 |
| $35,000 | $5,250 | $10,500 | +$5,250 |
| $45,000 | $6,750 | $13,500 | +$6,750 |
| $60,000 | $11,250 | $18,000 | +$6,750 |
Without a TFN it's 45% withheld: you get 30% of your wage back, up to $45,000.
Your TFN is free and arrives within 28 days. How to apply →
Working holiday tax rates
The calendar
30 June
End of the financial year
14 July
Your income is prefilled in myGov
31 October
Deadline to lodge
≈ 2 weeks
Usual time for the refund
Lodge in 4 steps
Create your account at my.gov.au and link it to the ATO with your TFN.
Open myTax: wages and tax withheld are already filled in.
Add your deductions and check every amount.
Lodge. The refund lands in your Australian bank account.
Keep your Australian bank account open until the refund arrives. Compare banks →
Paid under an ABN (delivery…)? No tax was withheld: put 15% aside. Delivery guide →
Claimable or not
Claimable
- Steel-capped boots, gloves, hi-vis vest
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses if you work outdoors
- Tools bought for the job
- Travel between two workplaces
- Tax agent fee (the year after)
Not claimable
- Home → work travel, even to a farm
- Everyday clothes
- RSA or White Card done before you had the job
Your super: $30,000 of wages, how much in your pocket?
- Before you leave: check in myGov that every employer paid your super, and combine your accounts.
- Once you've left and your visa has ended: apply through the ATO's DASP online application.
- The fund has 28 days to pay. After 6 months your super moves to the ATO: you claim it in the same place.
From the UK?
If you're an Australian resident for tax purposes (living and working in one place for months), you can be taxed like an Australian, with $18,200 tax-free. Use a tax agent: the difference can be over $2,000.
Get your tax return ready in the app
Your employers, work days and budget in one place: everything's ready on tax return day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to lodge if I didn't earn much?
Yes, as soon as tax was withheld: it's the only way to get back what was taken in excess. If exactly 15% was withheld and you have nothing to claim, it comes out at zero.
How do I know if my employer was registered?
Look at your payslips: about 15% of tax withheld, they were; about 30%, they weren't. ABN Lookup also shows whether they're registered as an employer of working holiday makers.
How long does the refund take?
Usually under two weeks after lodging online with myTax. Longer on paper or if the ATO checks your return.
Can I lodge from overseas?
Yes, myGov works anywhere. Keep your access (phone number or the myID app) and your Australian account open until the refund arrives. If you leave for good before 30 June, you can ask the ATO to lodge early.
Tax agent or tax back company?
For simple wages, myTax is enough and it's free. A registered tax agent helps if you worked under an ABN, or if you're from the UK. Be wary of companies taking a percentage of your refund.
I'm coming back on another visa, should I claim my DASP?
You can only claim the DASP once your visa has ended and you're outside Australia. On a new temporary visa your super can stay in your account. The 65% applies to the super earned during your working holiday.