Working Holiday Tax in Australia: TFN, 15% Rate & DASP

6 days ago

2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Starting work on a Working Holiday visa? A few minutes on tax now can save you money later. Here are the basics from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

1. Get a Tax File Number (TFN)

You can apply for a TFN online for free once you have your visa. You don't legally have to have one, but without it you pay more tax: if you haven't given your employer your TFN within 28 days of starting, they must withhold 45% of your pay. Only apply through the official ATO website.

2. Working holiday maker tax rates (2026–27)

If your employer is registered with the ATO as a working holiday maker employer, tax is withheld at these rates (from 1 July 2026):

$0 – $45,000: 15%
$45,001 – $135,000: 30%
$135,001 – $190,000: 37%
$190,001 and over: 45%

If your employer is not registered, they must withhold at the higher foreign resident rates. It's worth asking your employer whether they are registered.

3. Check your income and lodge if needed

Complete a TFN declaration when you start a new job.
Check your income statement in myGov to see what you earned and the tax withheld.
The ATO's working holiday maker page explains when you need to lodge a tax return. The tax year runs from 1 July to 30 June, and you can lodge early if you leave Australia before 30 June.

4. Your super and DASP

Registered WHM employers must also pay superannuation (super) for you. When you leave Australia permanently, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). For working holiday makers, DASP is taxed at 65%.

Watch out for scams

Never share your TFN, passport or bank details in comments or with people who contact you out of the blue. The ATO won't ask you to pay a debt with gift cards or crypto.

More WHM guides: How to check your visa with VEVO · The 4-month study rule.

Important: This is general information only, not tax, legal or migration advice. Tax rules change — check ato.gov.au or speak to a registered tax agent about your situation. We International Education & Visa is an education agency working with registered migration partners, and is not a tax agent.