Methodology

Where our figures come from

All tax thresholds, rates and figures are held in a single, centralised tax-year configuration and verified against official sources - primarily the Australian Taxation Office and the Fair Work Ombudsman. We use the 2026-27 financial year (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027). Our calculators read only from this central config, so there are no stray hard-coded values across the site.

How income tax is calculated

We apply the published marginal tax brackets for residents, foreign residents and working holiday makers, then apply the Low Income Tax Offset for residents. The Medicare levy (2%) is added for residents, with low-income reductions, and the Medicare levy surcharge is estimated for higher earners without private hospital cover.

HELP/STSL repayments

We apply the ATO's marginal repayment system (introduced 2025-26). For 2026-27 that is: nil up to $69,528, 15c per dollar to $129,717, $9,028 plus 17c per dollar to $186,050, and 10% of total repayment income above that. Our results match the ATO's published worked examples.

Superannuation

We use the legislated 12% Super Guarantee, and correctly separate "including super" from "plus super". The maximum contribution base ($270,830 for 2026-27 - now annual under Payday Super) is applied as a cap.

Why our estimate can differ from your payroll

PAYG withholding uses ATO withholding schedules with rounding applied per pay, so a per-pay figure can differ from an annualised estimate by a few dollars. Allowances, offsets, salary packaging, deductions and your employer's payroll settings can all change the result. Migration and cost-of-living figures are indicative estimates using simplified foreign tax models and approximate currency rates.

Keeping it current

When a new financial year begins or official figures change, we update the central tax-year config and the "last checked" date. Every calculator shows its sources and a disclaimer.

Important

These are estimates and general information only - not tax, legal, financial or migration advice. Always confirm with official sources or a qualified professional.