Tax Return Estimator
Find out if you're getting a refund — or owe the ATO
PAYG Summary
Employer ABN
Your employer's ABN appears on your payment summary (income statement). If you had multiple employers, you'll have a separate summary from each.
Payment summary deadline: Your employer must provide your PAYG payment summary (or finalise your income statement in myGov) by 14 July each year.
Pre-fill from ATO: Your income and PAYG withholding amounts may be pre-filled in myTax automatically after 1 August — once your employer has lodged their payroll finalisation. Always review pre-filled amounts before submitting.
Find this on your payment summary (or income statement in myGov). It's the "Tax withheld" box — not your total salary.
Deduction Optimizer
You may be missing these common deductions — scroll up to the Deductions section to add them.
Work from home?
Add hours → 67c/hr deduction
Made a donation?
Gifts to registered DGR charities are deductible
Income protection insurance?
Premiums paid outside super are fully deductible
Used a tax agent last year?
Last year's preparation fees are deductible this year
Studied for work?
Course fees & textbooks related to current employment
Estimated refund
+$4,012
2025-26 · estimate only — lodge via myTax or a registered tax agent
How it's calculated
Tax rates
21.2%
Effective rate
30%
Marginal rate
Common deductions people miss
Work from home
If you worked from home at all, claim 67c/hr. Keep a diary for at least 4 representative weeks.
Union / professional fees
Union dues and professional association memberships are fully deductible.
Work phone & internet
The work-use percentage of your phone and home internet bill.
Tools & equipment
Items under $300 claimed immediately. Over $300 depreciated over their effective life.
Tax agent fees
Last year's tax preparation cost is deductible this year. Roughly $150–$500 for most returns.
Investment expenses
Fees for managing investments, subscriptions for investment tracking, portion of accountant fees.
How does a tax return work in Australia?
Each financial year (1 July – 30 June), your employer withholds an estimated amount of tax from each pay cheque (PAYG withholding). When you lodge your tax return, the ATO reconciles what you actually owe based on your total income and deductions.
If your employer withheld more than you owe, you receive a refund. If they withheld less (common with multiple jobs or investment income), you have an amount owing.
When to lodge your tax return
The deadline to lodge your own tax return is 31 October each year. If you use a registered tax agent, you may have until May the following year.
You can lodge for free through myTax (via myGov) or through a registered tax agent. Most straightforward returns take 15–30 minutes online. The ATO typically processes refunds within 2 weeks of lodgement.