Australian tax guides · 2025-26Tax, in plain English.
Everything behind your 2025-26 return, one question at a time. Every figure uses verified ATO rates, with links to the ATO's own pages so you can check it yourself.
Budget and big decisions
2026 Budget tax changes explainedThe 15% rate, the $1,000 instant deduction, the $250 WATO, and the negative gearing and CGT reforms — what applies when, and what it's worth.Should I sell my property before June 2027?A decision framework for investors weighing the 2027 CGT reform — general information, not advice.My land is being rezoned: what tax applies?Keep, sell, subdivide or build: capital gains tax, GST, Victoria's windfall gains tax and more, with a quick checker.
Lodging your 2025-26 return
- Tax Return 2026: When to Lodge & How Much BackWhen you can lodge from 1 July 2026, how your refund is actually worked out, and what makes it bigger or smaller.
- How to Lodge Your Tax Return in 2026When myTax opens, the 31 October deadline, a step-by-step walkthrough, and how long your refund takes.
- Tax Return Mistakes That Delay Your RefundThe common ATO mistakes that hold up a refund or trigger a review — and exactly how to avoid each one.
- EOFY Tax Tips 2026Eight moves to make before 30 June — super top-ups, prepaying, donations and more — to maximise your refund.
Deductions, rates and levies
- Work From Home Tax Deduction 2025-26Claim $0.70 an hour with the ATO fixed rate method — how to calculate it, the records you need, and what you can claim on top.
- Tax Deductions Checklist 2025-26Everything you can claim, what you can claim without receipts, and the common mistakes that cost people money.
- Australian Tax Brackets 2025-26The 2025-26 rates and thresholds, the $18,200 tax-free threshold, the Medicare levy, and what you actually take home.
- Medicare Levy & Surcharge ExplainedThe 2% levy, the low-income threshold, and the Medicare Levy Surcharge tiers — plus when hospital cover is cheaper than the surcharge.
Other income and your situation
- Do You Pay More Tax on a Second Job?No — but here is why your second job is taxed harder on each pay, the tax-free threshold trap, and how to avoid a surprise bill.
- Side Hustle & Gig Economy Tax 2025-26Uber, delivery, freelance, Airbnb or marketplace income? How to declare it, when you need an ABN or GST, and what you can claim.
- Do You Pay Tax on Bank Interest?Yes — how tax on savings interest works for 2025-26, how it is pre-filled, joint and kids' accounts, and the 47% TFN trap.
- Dividends & Franking Credits ExplainedFranking credits made simple — grossing up, the imputation system, refunds of excess credits, and a clear worked example.
- Capital Gains Tax: Shares, Crypto & PropertyThe 50% CGT discount, the cost base, using capital losses, and how shares, crypto and property are taxed in 2025-26.
- Rental Property Tax & Negative GearingHow rental income is taxed, what you can deduct, repairs vs improvements, depreciation, and how negative gearing actually works.
- Are Centrelink Payments Taxable?Which government payments are taxable and which are tax-free — JobSeeker, Age Pension, FTB, Parental Leave Pay and more, with offsets explained.
- Working Holiday Maker (Backpacker) TaxOn a 417 or 462 visa? The 15% rate, no tax-free threshold, registered vs unregistered employers, super refunds, and lodging.
Ready to see your own numbers?
These guides explain the rules. The free calculator applies them to your income and shows your estimate move as you add what fits your year.