Do students need to lodge?
If your employer withheld tax from your pay, you'll usually want to lodge a return — it's how you claim any of that tax back. Even under the tax-free threshold, lodging (or telling the ATO you don't need to) is how you get refunded tax that was taken out.
Australian residents for tax purposes generally don't pay tax on the first $18,200 they earn, so students who worked part of the year often see tax come back.
Working holiday maker tax rates
If you're on a 417 or 462 visa, working-holiday-maker tax rates apply. These start from the first dollar you earn (there's no tax-free threshold at the standard resident rate), with a set rate applying up to a threshold and higher rates above it.
Because the rules differ from ordinary residents, getting your return reviewed matters — the right treatment affects how much you get back. Check current working-holiday rates on the ATO website, as they can change year to year.
Residency for tax is not the same as your visa
"Resident for tax purposes" is a separate test from your immigration status, and it has a big impact on your rates, thresholds and offsets. Many travellers get this wrong on a self-lodged return.
A quick review sorts out which basis applies to you before anything is lodged, so your return is right the first time.
What you may be able to claim
Even short-term and casual workers have deductions available when the expense relates to earning their income:
- Compulsory uniforms, protective gear and their laundry
- Tools and equipment you bought for the job
- Travel between jobs or work sites (not your commute)
- Self-education directly tied to your current work
Getting your super back when you leave
If you worked in Australia on a temporary visa and then leave permanently, you may be able to claim your superannuation back through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). It's separate from your tax return but worth knowing about before you go.
A consultant can point you in the right direction on both your final return and your super.
Get your estimate — free, no upfront cost
Start online in minutes. A registered tax agent reviews your return before you approve.
Frequently asked
I only worked a few months — do I still lodge?
If tax was withheld from your pay, lodging is how you claim it back. Part-year workers are among the most likely to be owed a refund.
Can I claim my tax back when I leave Australia?
You can lodge your return for the period you worked, and you may also be able to claim your super via a DASP after you leave. Your consultant can explain what applies to your situation.
How do I know if I'm a resident for tax purposes?
It depends on your circumstances, not just your visa. When you start online, this is one of the first things reviewed so your return uses the correct basis.
Do backpackers get the tax-free threshold?
Working-holiday-maker rates generally apply instead of the standard resident tax-free threshold. Getting the treatment right is exactly why a registered-agent review helps.
This guide is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account, so it isn't tax advice. CFM Group is a referral service that connects you with an independent registered Australian tax agent who reviews and lodges your return. Always confirm your own situation with the ATO or your tax agent.