How Australian Income Tax Works
Australia's income tax is federal-only — states do not levy income tax. The tax-free threshold is $18,200. The Stage 3 tax cuts effective 1 July 2024 lowered the 19% rate to 16%, reduced the 32.5% rate to 30%, and extended the 30% bracket up to $135,000. A Medicare Levy of 2% applies on top.
| Rate | Income |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0–$18,200 |
| 16% | $18,201–$45,000 |
| 30% | $45,001–$135,000 |
| 37% | $135,001–$190,000 |
| 45% | Over $190,000 |
- →Medicare Levy: 2% on top of income tax (reduced below ~$26,000)
- →Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): up to $700 tax reduction, phases out between $37,500 and $66,667
- →Medicare Levy Surcharge: 1–1.5% extra if income exceeds $97,000 and no private hospital cover
- →HECS-HELP: compulsory repayments of 1–10% if you have a study debt (income-dependent)
- →Superannuation: employer pays 11.5% on top of your salary from July 2024 — not deducted from your pay
- →Lodge via myTax through myGov by October 31 — most data is pre-filled automatically