What You Can (Legally) Claim in Australia

So, you’ve secured a job in Australia — welcome aboard! But then comes your first payslip, and a good chunk of your earnings is taken out for… tax? Don’t worry — you’re not alone, and yes, you can get some of that money back.

In this guide, Supertax breaks down how taxation works for foreign workers in Australia — including exactly what you can claim, how residency status affects you, and how to potentially get a tax refund. Let’s simplify things.

🧾 First, Understand How You’re Taxed

There are two main tax statuses for foreign workers:

1. Resident for Tax Purposes

• You get the tax-free threshold and pay tax at lower progressive rates.
• Applies if you’re staying long-term or meet residency conditions (not just visa-based).

2. Non-Resident for Tax Purposes

• You pay tax from the first dollar you earn — no tax-free threshold.
• Flat rates apply, common for Working Holiday Makers (417/462) and short-term visitors.

🔍 Pro Tip: Your visa doesn’t automatically determine your tax status. It’s about how long you stay, where you live, and your lifestyle. Use the ATO’s tax residency tool to confirm.

🛂 How Your Visa Affects Tax Rates

🌍 NDA Countries: Tax Fairly Like Locals

If you’re from a country with a Non-Discrimination Article (NDA) in their tax treaty with Australia, and you meet residency conditions, you get equal tax treatment as Australians.

✅ Countries with NDA protection:

Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, Finland, South Africa, Turkey, Chile

That means:

• Full tax-free threshold
• Progressive tax rates
• Claim all standard deductions

👉 More details: ATO Tax Treaty Guide

💰 What You Can Claim as a Foreign Worker

Even if you’re here temporarily, the ATO allows legitimate work-related deductions. Here’s what you can claim:

✔️ Work-Related Expenses

• Tools, equipment, PPE (like steel-capped boots or gloves)
• Uniforms with logos
• Phone bills (if work-related)
• Union & membership fees

✔️ Travel Between Worksites

• Driving from one job site to another (same day)
• 🚫 Not your regular commute from home to work

✔️ Self-Education

• Job-specific training (e.g. RSA, White Card, barista courses)

🚫 What You Can’t Claim

• Flights to Australia
• Rent or accommodation unless 100% work-mandated
• Visa application or migration agent fees

💸 Can You Get a Tax Refund?

Yes — even as a foreign worker, you might get a refund if:

• You earned under $45,000 on a working holiday visa
• You were taxed incorrectly as a non-resident
• You’re eligible to claim deductions

Permanent residents and long-term visa holders get full tax benefits, including:

• Tax-free threshold
• Medicare levy (if applicable)
• Full deduction rights

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Claiming rent/accommodation without work requirement
❌ Assuming your visa automatically makes you a resident
❌ Not lodging a tax return (you must if you earned income!)
❌ Ignoring deductions — many miss out on $$

📲 Lodge Easily — With Supertax

We help you:

Identify claims you didn’t know you were entitled to

Maximise your refund

Avoid common compliance mistakes

💼 Start Your Tax Return Today

Let’s take the stress out of tax time. Whether you’re on a working holiday, student visa, or just starting out — Supertax helps foreign workers across Australia claim smarter and stay compliant.

📞 Call us: 03 7074 8818
📧 Email: info@mysupertax.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.mysupertax.com.au

Supertax – Where Expertise Meets Every Worker.