What's the average backpacker tax refund?

It varies a lot with your earnings and deductions. Many WHV workers see a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. There is no guaranteed amount. It is simply your over-withholding plus the value of your deductions.

Do I get the $18,200 tax-free threshold?

Not as a working holiday maker. That threshold is for tax residents. WHM are taxed from the first dollar at 15%.

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Refund

How much tax will I get back as a backpacker?

Updated 2026-06-16

There is no fixed "you get X back" number. Your refund is a gap. Take the tax pulled from your payslips during the year. Then subtract the tax you actually owe, once everything is totalled and your deductions are in. Here is how to estimate it honestly.

The working holiday tax rates

Income	Tax rate
$0 to $45,000	15%
$45,001 to $135,000	30%
$135,001 to $190,000	37%
Over $190,000	45%

These are the working holiday maker rates, for visa 417 and 462. There is no $18,200 tax-free threshold for you. That one is only for tax residents. Most backpackers never cross $45,000 in one financial year. So the whole question usually sits in the 15% band.

A worked example

Say you earned $30,000 over the year. Your employers withheld $5,400. Your correct tax at 15% is $4,500. With no deductions, your refund is $5,400 minus $4,500, so $900. Now add $800 of genuine work deductions. Your taxable income drops to $29,200. Your tax becomes about $4,380. Your refund rises to roughly $1,020. Here, every dollar of valid deduction gives you 15 cents back.

Why a refund at all if the rate is a flat 15%? Two reasons. Employers often withhold a bit more than 15% across the year. This happens when you change jobs, or when you don't hand over your TFN right away. And deductions shrink the amount you are taxed on. The over-withholding comes back to you.

What makes the refund bigger

Claim every legitimate work deduction. Up to $300 needs no receipt.
Check you weren't taxed as a foreign resident at 30% or more by mistake. That is recoverable.
Include the over-withholding from changing jobs. It is common.
Don't miss any employer. Every income statement counts toward the totals.

FAQ

What's the average backpacker tax refund?: It varies a lot with your earnings and deductions. Many WHV workers see a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. There is no guaranteed amount. It is simply your over-withholding plus the value of your deductions.
Do I get the $18,200 tax-free threshold?: Not as a working holiday maker. That threshold is for tax residents. WHM are taxed from the first dollar at 15%.

Let June do the maths for you

Import your payslips and bank statement: June finds your deductions, estimates your refund, and tells you what goes in which myTax box. Free on screen.

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General information to help you find your way, not personalised tax advice. For your exact situation, refer to the ATO (ato.gov.au) or a registered tax agent.