FY2025–26 Tax Refund Calculator
Get an instant estimate based on ATO Stage 3 tax rates. No account required.
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How Is Your Tax Refund Calculated?
Your refund (or tax bill) is the difference between the tax your employer withheld from your pay (PAYG) and your actual tax liability. AusTax AI calculates this using ATO's official FY2026 tax rates, including the Stage 3 tax cuts effective from 1 July 2025.
FY2025–26 Tax Rates (Australian Residents)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | 0% |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16% |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | 30% |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | 37% |
| $190,001+ | 45% |
Above figures apply after the Stage 3 tax cuts (effective 1 July 2024, extended to 2026).
Low Income Tax Offset (LITO)
If your taxable income is $37,500 or less, you receive the full LITO of $700. The offset phases out between $37,501–$45,000 (reducing by 5¢ per $1) and again between $45,001–$66,667 (reducing by 1.5¢ per $1). Above $66,667, no LITO applies.
Medicare Levy & Surcharge (MLS)
Most Australian residents pay a 2% Medicare Levy on taxable income (phased in for incomes below ~$28,011). If you don't hold an eligible private hospital cover and earn above $101,000 (single threshold for FY2025–26), the Medicare Levy Surcharge (1%–1.5%) also applies. Family threshold is $202,000.
HECS/HELP Repayment Thresholds FY2025–26
| Repayment Income | Repayment Rate |
|---|---|
| Below $67,000 | Nil |
| $67,001 – $125,000 | 15c per $1 over $67,000 |
| $125,001 – $179,285 | $8,700 + 17c per $1 over $125,000 |
| $179,286+ | 10% of total repayment income |
Repayment is based on your repayment income (gross income before deductions), not taxable income.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my tax refund?
If you lodge via ATO myTax, most refunds are processed within 2 weeks. Lodge as early as possible after 1 July — the ATO opens tax returns on 1 July each year.
What deductions can I claim to increase my refund?
Common deductions include work-from-home expenses (70¢/hr fixed rate from FY2024–25 onwards, or actual costs), work-related equipment, vehicle use, self-education, union fees, and professional memberships. AusTax AI's AI analysis automatically identifies deductions from your receipts.
Does the calculator include the Stage 3 tax cuts?
Yes. This calculator uses the revised FY2026 rates: 16% on $18,201–$45,000, 30% on $45,001–$135,000, 37% on $135,001–$190,000, and 45% above $190,000.
Is my HECS repayment taken from my refund?
No — HECS repayments are separate from income tax. Your refund is based only on income tax withheld vs. tax owed. HECS is collected by the ATO separately after you lodge your return.
I'm on a working holiday visa — how is my tax different?
Working holiday makers (visa 417/462) are taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 of Australian income, then normal resident rates above that. Check the 'Working Holiday visa' box in the calculator.
How can I get a bigger refund?
Make sure you claim all eligible deductions. Upload your receipts to AusTax AI — our AI reviews them and surfaces work-related deduction categories you might have overlooked. Actual deductions depend on your specific circumstances.
Want to find more deductions?
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