How much tax do working holiday makers pay in Australia?
Short answer
Working holiday makers (417 and 462 visas) pay 15% on taxable income up to $45,000, then 30% up to $135,000, under the ATO's 2025–26 rates. There's no tax-free threshold. When you leave, you can claim your super back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment, but working holiday makers pay 65% tax on it.
Tax is the biggest money question for Working Holiday makers, and it’s simpler than it looks. These are the ATO’s figures.
The rates (2025–26)
“You are a working holiday maker if you have a visa subclass: 417 (Working Holiday), 462 (Work and Holiday).”
ATO, tax rates – working holiday maker
| Taxable income | Tax |
|---|---|
| $0 – $45,000 | 15c for each $1 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $6,750 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $33,750 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001 and over | $54,100 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
So $30,000 of income means about $4,500 in tax. There’s no tax-free threshold for working holiday maker income.
Why your payslip might show more tax
Employers must register with the ATO to withhold at working holiday maker rates. The ATO says that if they haven’t registered, they must withhold at foreign resident rates, which are higher. If your tax looks high, ask your employer whether they’re registered. You’ll get any extra back when you do your tax return.
Tax file number
Get a tax file number (TFN) as soon as you arrive and give it to every employer. Without one, employers must withhold tax at a much higher rate.
Tax returns
The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. For each year you earned income here, you usually lodge a tax return. It works out whether the tax withheld was right, and you get a refund or a bill.
Super, and getting it back
Your employer must pay super on top of your wages into a super fund. When you’ve left Australia and your visa has ended, you can claim it back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). For super earned while on a 417 or 462 visa, the ATO taxes DASP at 65%.
Tax and your 88 days
Tax doesn’t change how your days count, but your payment summaries and tax returns are on Home Affairs’ list of proof for specified work. Keep them with your payslips.
This page is general information from the ATO’s published rates, not tax advice. For your own situation, use the ATO’s calculators or a registered tax agent.
Questions people also ask
Do working holiday makers get the tax-free threshold?
No. Working holiday maker income is taxed at 15% from the first dollar up to $45,000 (2025–26 rates).
Why is my employer taking more than 15%?
Employers have to register with the ATO to withhold at working holiday maker rates. If they haven't, the ATO says they must withhold at foreign resident rates, which are higher.
Can I get my super back?
Yes, after you leave Australia and your visa has ended, through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). For working holiday makers, it's taxed at 65%.
Do I need to do a tax return?
Usually yes, for each Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June) in which you earned income here. It squares up what was withheld with what you owe.
Sources
General information, not immigration advice. Aussie Days is independent and not affiliated with the Australian Government. Always check the official Home Affairs pages before you rely on anything here.
Keep reading
How much does farm work pay, and how do piece rates work?
How much farm work pays in Australia: the Horticulture Award minimum, casual loading, how piece rates must work and the daily minimum wage guarantee.
Visa rulesHow do you apply for a second or third year visa?
How to apply for your second or third Working Holiday visa: steps, AUD 1,000 cost, about 3 months processing, when to apply, bridging visas and what you need.
Types of workHow do you find 88 days work?
Where to find 88 days jobs in Australia, how to check a job counts before you start, and how to avoid scams and underpayment. Farms, mining, hospitality.