Tax Refund Calculator

From 1 July 2026 onward, once your employer has finalised your income statement (usually mid-late July). The deadline for self-lodgement is 31 October 2026, 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.

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, the withheld amount can exceed your actual tax liability — leading to a refund.

You may owe tax if you have multiple jobs without claiming the tax-free threshold on each, untaxed investment income, capital gains, or if PAYG under-withheld. The ATO will give you payment options once you lodge.

The $1,000 instant work-related expense deduction applies from 2026-27 — you'll see it on returns lodged from July 2027. This calculator is for the 2025-26 year, so you still need to enter your actual deductions.

It's an estimate that covers the main pieces: income tax, Medicare levy, MLS, HECS. It excludes capital gains, investment income, rental losses, tax offsets (LITO, etc.), and other specific items. For complex situations, use a registered tax agent.