How much tax refund will I get in Australia?

Your tax refund depends on your income, how much tax your employer withheld (PAYG), and your eligible deductions. If your employer withheld more tax than you actually owe (after deductions reduce your taxable income), the ATO refunds the difference. The average Australian tax refund is around $2,500-$3,500.

What deductions can I claim on my tax return?

Common deductions include: work from home expenses ($0.70 per hour fixed rate), work-related car travel ($0.88 per km up to 5,000 km), uniform and laundry costs, tools and equipment under $300, self-education expenses related to your current job, union and professional association fees, and work-related phone and internet costs. You must have records to support your claims.

How do I claim work from home on tax?

From 2023-24 onwards, the ATO's fixed-rate method lets you claim $0.70 per hour worked from home. This covers electricity, internet, phone, stationery, and computer consumables. You need a record of actual hours worked from home (such as a timesheet, roster, or diary). Multiply your total WFH hours by $0.70 to get your deduction.

When do I get my tax refund?

If you lodge via myTax, most refunds are processed within 2 weeks. If you lodge through a tax agent, processing can take up to 30 days. The ATO holds early lodgements (before mid-August) until employer income statements are finalised. Lodge after your income statement shows 'Tax ready' in myGov for fastest processing.

Do I need receipts for tax deductions?

Generally yes — you must be able to substantiate your claims. However, you can claim up to $300 in total work-related deductions without receipts (but you still need to show how you calculated the amount). For laundry of eligible work clothing, you can claim up to $150 without written evidence. For WFH, you need a record of hours, not individual expense receipts.

Tax Refund Calculator

Estimate your 2025-26 Australian tax refund (or amount owing) based on your income, PAYG tax withheld, and work-related deductions. Includes WFH, car, uniform, and self-education deductions.

Last verified: 21 May 2026

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Gross income (before tax)*

Your total salary/wages before tax for the 2025-26 financial year.

Tax withheld (PAYG)*

Total tax your employer withheld — find this on your payment summary or income statement in myGov.

Work-Related Deductions

Work from home hours

hrs

Total hours worked from home this FY. ATO fixed rate: $0.70/hr. You need a record of hours.

Work-related car travel

Work-related kilometres (not commuting). Cents-per-km method: $0.88/km, capped at 5,000 km.

Uniform & laundry

Cost of occupation-specific clothing, protective gear, or laundry. Up to $150 without receipts for laundry.

Tools & equipment

Items costing $300 or less can be claimed immediately. Over $300 must be depreciated.

Self-education expenses

Courses, textbooks, and training directly related to your current job (not a new career).

Union & professional fees

Union membership fees, professional association fees, and working-with-children checks.

Other deductions

Phone/internet (work %), travel, seminars, journals, and any other work-related expenses.

Private health insurance

Yes

Hospital cover held all year

May attract Medicare Levy Surcharge if income > $93,000

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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