Australian Pay and Tax Guides
Clear, plain-English explainers on how your pay is taxed in Australia. Learn how the brackets, the Medicare levy, superannuation and study loans fit together, then use our calculators to see your own numbers.
Every Guide, by Topic
Twenty-one plain-English guides for the 2026-27 financial year. Start with how income tax works, check the tax brackets 2026-27, then put a number on it with the take-home pay calculator or the HECS-HELP repayment calculator.
Income tax
How Income Tax Works
The full system in one read: brackets, offsets, Medicare and a $90,000 worked example.
Tax Brackets 2026-27
Every rate and threshold, including the 15% first rate and LITO interaction.
Tax-Free Threshold
The $18,200, how to claim it, and the one-job rule for second payers.
Marginal vs Average Rate
Why a pay rise never loses you money, with the maths shown.
PAYG Withholding
Why payday tax is an estimate and how refunds happen.
State Income Tax
Why every state pays identical income tax, and what actually differs.
Pay basics
How to Read a Payslip
Every required line explained, from gross to STSL to super.
Why Net Differs From Gross
The full deduction stack on a $90,000 salary.
Minimum Wage Australia
The $26.44 national minimum from 1 July 2026 and what it takes home.
Superannuation and packaging
Super Guarantee
The 12%, ordinary time earnings, and Payday Super from 1 July 2026.
Salary Sacrifice
Pre-tax super, the $32,500 cap, and what you actually save.
Salary Packaging
Packaging beyond super, and where FBT limits it.
Novated Lease
Car packaging, the EV exemption, and the questions to ask first.
HECS-HELP and Medicare
How HECS-HELP Works
The 2026-27 marginal system from the $69,528 threshold.
HELP Thresholds 2026-27
Every repayment band, with your repayment at any salary.
Medicare Levy
The 2%, who is exempt, and the low-income phase-in.
Medicare Levy Surcharge
The 2026-27 tiers and how hospital cover avoids them.
Work rules and leave
Prefer to Jump Straight to a Number?
Every guide pairs with a free calculator built on published ATO rates for 2026-27.
Take-Home Pay
Your full net pay after tax, Medicare, HELP and super.
Income Tax
The income tax on your salary for 2026-27.
Medicare Levy
The 2% levy and the low-income reduction.
HECS/HELP Repayment
Your study loan repayment for 2026-27.
Read the First Guide
Start with how Australian income tax works, then check your own pay.
How Income Tax Works