Your Tax File Number is urgent, not optional
A Tax File Number (TFN) is Australia's equivalent of an IRD or SSN. Without one, the ATO requires your employer to withhold tax at 45% (plus Medicare levy where relevant) from every dollar you earn — the top marginal rate — regardless of how little you make. Figures here are indicative; always confirm current rates on ato.gov.au.
Applying for your TFN
You can apply as soon as you've arrived in Australia — you cannot apply from overseas.
- 1
Wait until you're physically in Australia
The ATO's online TFN application for foreign passport holders only works once you've entered the country and your visa is active in their system — usually within a few days of arrival.
- 2
Apply online at ato.gov.au
Use the 'Apply for a TFN — foreign passport holders' service, linked with your passport and visa details. It's free; no agent is needed.
- 3
Receive it by post
Your TFN arrives at your Australian address within about 28 days, though it's often faster. Keep the letter — you'll need the number often.
- 4
Give it to your employer immediately
On your Tax File Number Declaration form (now usually done online via the ATO or your employer's payroll system), so 45% withholding never applies to you.
- 5
Set up a myGov account and link the ATO
This is where you'll lodge your tax return, check your income statement, and manage your details each year.
The tax-free threshold and resident status
Most international students who live and study in Australia for more than half the year are treated as Australian residents for tax purposes — this is a different test to your visa residency status.
| Annual income (A$) | Tax rate (residents, indicative) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 18,200 | 0% (tax-free threshold) |
| 18,201 – 45,000 | 16% |
| 45,001 – 135,000 | 30% |
| 135,001 – 190,000 | 37% |
| Above 190,000 | 45% |
Being a resident for tax purposes is generally good news for students: it unlocks the tax-free threshold and lower brackets. It's assessed on facts like your length of stay, accommodation and intentions — not your visa subclass — so check the ATO's residency tool if you're unsure, especially in your first and last years.
Superannuation — money you may not realise is yours
Superannuation (or 'super') is a compulsory retirement contribution most employers must pay on top of your wage.
If you earn above the eligibility threshold in a pay period, your employer must pay roughly 11–12% of your wage (check the current Superannuation Guarantee rate) into a super fund of your choice — it's additional to your pay, not deducted from it. Choose a low-fee industry fund if your employer doesn't nominate one, and consolidate multiple accounts if you switch jobs, since each separate account quietly charges its own fees.
Claim your Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)
Reading your payslip
Check every payslip against your employment contract — errors are easy to fix in week one and hard to fix six months later.
| Payslip line | What to check |
|---|---|
| TFN | Should be listed as provided, not 'no TFN' |
| Hourly rate | Matches your Fair Work award/contract — check the Fair Work Ombudsman pay calculator |
| Tax withheld | Roughly matches the resident tax table for your total annual pace of income |
| Superannuation | Listed separately and being paid into a fund, not absorbed into your wage |
| Hours worked | Matches your own log — important given your visa's work-hour condition |
Lodging your tax return
The Australian financial year runs 1 July – 30 June; you lodge your return after 1 July for the year just finished.
- 1
Log into myGov and link the ATO service
Most of your income and super data pre-fills automatically from your employer's reports by mid-July.
- 2
Lodge yourself via myTax, free of charge
For a simple part-time student income, this usually takes 20–30 minutes.
- 3
Claim eligible deductions
Work-related expenses like uniforms, protective equipment, some union fees, and self-education directly connected to your current job (not your degree itself) may be deductible — keep receipts.
- 4
Expect a refund if you overpaid
Many students with the tax-free threshold and correct TFN end up with a refund of several hundred dollars, paid directly to your bank account within about 2 weeks of lodging.
Deadlines and getting help
The ATO will never call demanding instant payment
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