🇦🇺 Guides · FY 2026–27
Australian tax guides
Plain-English explanations of how Australian income tax, take-home pay, super and tax returns work, each with worked examples using the 2026-27 rates.
By Borja Pérez · Figures are FY 2026-27 · General information only, not tax advice
The basics
How the system works before you look at your own numbers.
- How Australian Income Tax WorksThe tax-free threshold, marginal brackets, LITO, the Medicare levy, super, HECS-HELP and residency, with worked examples for 2026-27.
- Marginal vs Effective Tax RateWhy a pay rise never drops your take-home pay, with the real rate on each extra dollar from $40k to $200k.
- Medicare Levy & SurchargeThe 2% levy, the low-income thresholds, who pays the surcharge and how private hospital cover can save you money.
Your pay
What lands in your bank account and why.
- How to Read Your PayslipGross, tax withheld, net pay, super and year-to-date figures, with a worked $90,000 example.
- Salary Sacrifice ExplainedHow sacrificing into super saves tax, the 15% contributions rate vs your marginal rate, the concessional cap and the HECS trap.
- Tax on a Second JobWhy a second job is taxed harder, how the tax-free threshold works and how to avoid a surprise bill.
Tax time
Lodging your return and claiming what you are entitled to.
Working holiday makers
A separate set of rules for visa holders.