Working holiday makers are taxed differently to Australian residents and the rules have changed significantly over recent years following several ATO rulings. Getting your return right is important, and getting it wrong can mean paying more tax than you owe, or getting a refund you're not entitled to. We specialise in working holiday maker returns and will make sure yours is lodged correctly.
Working holiday maker tax rates: Since 1 January 2017, working holiday makers (417 and 462 visa holders) are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on the first $45,000 of income earned in Australia, regardless of residency status. Income above $45,000 is taxed at regular resident rates. This is different to what many backpackers expect and different to what some employers may have withheld.
What we help you with
- Lodgement of your Australian individual tax return
- Checking you've been taxed at the correct working holiday maker rate (15%)
- Claiming all deductions you're entitled to, work clothing, tools, travel for work
- Superannuation, claiming your super back when you leave Australia (DASP)
- Multiple employer income reconciliation
- Resolving ATO issues if your employer withheld the wrong amount of tax
- Returns for those who may have worked in both regional and non-regional areas
What to bring
- Passport and visa details
- Tax file number (TFN)
- Payment summaries or income statements from all employers
- Bank account details for your refund
- Records of any work-related expenses
- Superannuation fund details (if claiming DASP)
Superannuation, getting your super back
If you worked in Australia on a working holiday visa, your employer was required to make superannuation contributions on your behalf. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim this back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.
- DASP is taxed at 65% for working holiday makers, but it's still worth claiming
- You must have left Australia (or be about to leave) to claim
- Claims are made online through the ATO, we can guide you through the process
- You'll need your super fund details and tax return lodgement details
Can't come into an office? We offer phone and video appointments for working holiday makers who have already left the Rockingham or Bunbury area. Just let us know when you book and we'll arrange a remote appointment.