Are You Required to Lodge a Tax Return?
If you earned any income in Australia during the financial year (July 1 – June 30), you must lodge a tax return by October 31. Even if you don't expect a refund, not lodging is a compliance issue.
How to Lodge
- myTax (via myGov): Free, official ATO platform. Set up myGov at my.gov.au, link to your ATO account, and pre-fill your tax return from employer records and bank data.
- Tax agent: For AUD 75–150, a registered tax agent (find them via TPB register) lodges for you. Worth it if you have multiple employers or side income.
Typical Refund for Students
If you earned AUD 15,000–30,000 for the year, expect a refund of AUD 500–2,500 depending on how much tax was withheld. Use the ATO's tax withheld calculator to estimate.
Deductions You Can Claim
- Work-related expenses (uniform, tools, professional membership) — must be directly related to your work
- Study expenses ONLY if the course directly relates to your CURRENT job (not future career)
- Charitable donations over AUD 2 to DGR organisations
Residency Status for Tax Purposes
Most international students studying for more than 6 months are "tax residents" for Australian purposes — meaning you pay lower tax rates than a non-resident and have the AUD 18,200 tax-free threshold.
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