Working Holiday Visa Tax Calculator
Calculate Australian tax for working holiday makers (visa 417/462). 15% from the first dollar to $45k, then 30% to $135k.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available ATO data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the WHM tax rate from 2025-26?
Does the 2021 Addy High Court decision affect me?
Why do employers withhold at 32.5%?
Do WHMs pay Medicare Levy?
What is Working Holiday Visa Tax?
Australian income tax calculator for Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclass 417 and 462). WHMs pay 15% on the first $45,000 (no tax-free threshold), then resident-equivalent rates above. Compares to standard resident tax rates for context.
How this calculator works
Enter your annual Australian-sourced income. The calculator applies the WHM tax brackets: 15% from $0-$45,000, 30% from $45,000-$135,000, 37% from $135,000-$190,000, 45% above. For comparison it also computes what an Australian resident would pay (with the $18,200 tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare Levy above $27,222), and shows the difference.
Why WHMs Pay More Tax
The 15% rate from $1 means no tax-free threshold (residents get $18,200 tax-free). On $45,000 income: WHM pays $6,750 vs resident pays ~$1,238 (after LITO offset) — a $5,500+ difference. Above $45,000 the brackets converge with resident rates, so the WHM disadvantage is most pronounced for low-to-middle earners. WHM rates were introduced 1 January 2017 to discourage backpackers from claiming SG and other benefits.
Employer Withholding
If your employer is registered with the ATO as a WHM employer, they withhold at the WHM rates (15% from $1). If they're NOT registered, they must withhold at the higher 'foreign resident' rate of 32.5% from the first dollar. ALWAYS check before starting work — ask your employer to show their WHM registration confirmation. You'd reclaim any overwithholding via your tax return at the end of the financial year.
Addy v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] HCA 34
In November 2021, the High Court ruled the WHM rates breached the non-discrimination clause of the UK-Australia tax treaty for British WHMs. By extension, nationals of countries with similar non-discrimination treaty clauses MAY be entitled to resident tax rates: UK, USA, Germany, Finland, Chile, Japan, Norway, Turkey, Israel. Each case requires individual analysis — get tax advice. Claims made via amended assessment for past years may yield refunds of $5,500+.
Medicare Levy Exemption
Working Holiday Makers are generally NOT eligible for Medicare and don't pay the 2% Medicare Levy or Medicare Levy Surcharge. WHMs from Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries (UK, NZ, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Slovenia, Malta, Ireland) get limited Medicare access for medically necessary treatment but still don't pay the levy. Other WHMs need full private health insurance — typically $80-$150/month for OVHC.
Other WHM Tax Rules
WHMs cannot claim: tax-free threshold, LITO/SAPTO, FHSS scheme. Can claim: standard work-related deductions (uniforms, tools, education), travel between work sites (NOT home-to-work), most other deductions available to residents. Super contributions ARE made by employers as normal — claim them via DASP after departure (subject to 65% withholding). Filing required if income exceeds the $0 threshold (yes, even $1).
Updated for the 2025-26 financial year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026).
Official Sources
All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the ATO and official Australian government sources.