Estimate your tax refund
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How an Australian tax refund works
A tax refund is generally the difference between the tax already paid or withheld during the financial year and the final amount of tax assessed on your taxable income. Employers usually withhold tax from salary and wages using the information you provide on your tax file number declaration. Those regular deductions are estimates paid toward your annual tax bill, not a final calculation of what you owe.
When you lodge a tax return, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) works out your taxable income, applies the relevant tax rules and offsets, and accounts for tax withheld and other credits. If the credits are greater than the amount assessed, you may receive a refund. If they are lower, you may have a tax amount payable. A refund calculator can offer an early estimate, but it cannot see your ATO account, all income sources or personal tax circumstances.
Why a refund might be due
A refund can arise for several reasons. You might have worked for only part of the year, changed jobs, or had tax withheld as though you would earn the same amount all year. Your final taxable income may therefore be lower than the annualised amount used for withholding. Eligible deductions and tax offsets may also reduce the final assessment.
Examples of expenses people often ask about include work-related costs, charitable gifts and the cost of managing investments. Each deduction has eligibility and record-keeping rules. An expense is not deductible merely because it feels work-related: it generally needs a direct connection to earning assessable income, and private portions are not claimable. Keep evidence and check the ATO guidance before claiming.
What changes the estimate?
Your total income matters, not just the salary from one employer. Bank interest, investment income, government payments, a second job and other assessable income may change the result. The estimate also depends on the financial year, residency status, tax offsets, the Medicare levy and whether you have a HELP or other study-loan repayment obligation.
The calculator above uses annual income and an amount of tax withheld from a payment summary or income statement. It provides a simplified estimate and does not calculate every deduction, offset, private health adjustment, family circumstance or ATO account credit. An estimate showing a refund is not confirmation that the ATO will issue that amount.
How to lodge your return
Most individuals can lodge online through myGov after linking their account to ATO online services. The ATO may pre-fill information from employers, banks, government agencies and health funds. Pre-fill is useful, but you remain responsible for checking that the details are complete and correct. Wait until income and other information is ready before lodging.
Review the return carefully, add any eligible deductions with supporting records, enter your bank account details and keep a copy of the lodged return. You can also use a registered tax agent. Confirm their registration on the Tax Practitioners Board register and discuss fees, documents and your own lodgement due date before engaging them.
Before relying on a refund estimate
Use the estimate to plan, not as a promise of a refund. It does not include every aspect of the ATO assessment and is not connected to your ATO account. The ATO may adjust a return, ask for supporting documents, apply a tax debt or other amount, or use information that was not included in this estimate.
For the closest estimate, use the correct financial year, include all income, and compare the tax withheld figure against your final income statement. If you have complex income, residency changes, investment losses, business income or a large deduction, get tailored advice from a registered tax agent. Start with the main calculator for a broader take-home-pay estimate.
What happens after you lodge?
After you lodge, the ATO processes your return and issues a notice of assessment. The notice explains the final result, including any refund or amount payable. Processing time can vary with the time of year, the details in your return and whether the ATO needs to check something. Follow updates in myGov rather than relying on a calculator to predict a payment date.
If the ATO asks for information, respond by the date shown and keep copies of the records you provide. If you disagree with an assessment, read the notice and the ATO review options carefully. A registered tax agent can help you understand the next step, but cannot guarantee the outcome or timing of an ATO decision.
Frequently asked questions
When will I get my 2026 tax refund?
Processing times vary. After lodging, check the ATO online services or myGov for the status and any messages about your return.
Does a tax refund calculator guarantee my refund?
No. It is an estimate based on the details entered and cannot account for your complete tax record, all offsets, debts or ATO adjustments.
What tax withheld amount should I enter?
Use the tax withheld total from your final income statement or payment summary for the relevant financial year.