Do I lose the 45% if I never gave a TFN?

No. Lodge a tax return and the excess over your correct rate is refunded. Get a TFN and give it to your employer to stop future over-withholding.

Français

Refund

Taxed at 45% or 32.5%? How to get the over-tax back

Updated 2026-06-16

Seeing nearly half your pay disappear is alarming but usually fixable. Two common causes: you hadn't given your employer a TFN yet (so they must withhold at the top rate of 45%), or you were set up as a foreign resident instead of a working holiday maker.

Either way, the over-withholding isn't lost. At tax time your real liability is worked out at the correct working holiday maker rates, and the difference comes back as a refund. Give your TFN to your employer as soon as you have it to stop it happening on future pays, and check your employer registered you as a working holiday maker.

FAQ

Do I lose the 45% if I never gave a TFN?: No. Lodge a tax return and the excess over your correct rate is refunded. Get a TFN and give it to your employer to stop future over-withholding.

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.

Start free

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.