Don’t Miss Out! How to Get Your Tax Refund as an International Student in Australia

A Simple Tax Return Guide for International Students If you’re studying in Australia and working part‑time or doing casual gigs, figuring out your tax return may seem confusing. But the good news is: many international students are eligible for a tax refund - you just need to know what steps to take. In this post, you’ll learn:

• Whether you need to lodge a tax return
• How the tax system works for international students
• What deductions you can claim
• How to lodge (and what to watch out for)
• Tips to speed up your refund

1. Do You Need to Lodge a Tax Return?

Most international students working in Australia will need to lodge a tax return if one or more of the following apply:

You earned more than AUD 18,200 in the financial year (tax‑free threshold)

Tax was withheld from your wages (even if your income was below that threshold)

You worked under an Australian Business Number (ABN), for example, for rideshare, freelancing, or gig work

Even if your income is low, if tax was deducted, lodging a return could get you money back.

If your total income was below the threshold and no tax was withheld, sometimes you can submit a “non‑lodgment advice” instead.

2. How Tax Works for International Students Residency for Tax Purposes Whether you’re treated as a resident or non‑resident for tax affects tax rates, thresholds, and what income you must declare. Many international students studying for 6 months or more are classified as Australian residents for tax purposes - this means:

• You can claim the tax‑free threshold (AUD 18,200)
• You’ll only declare Australian‑sourced income (most foreign income is exempt for temporary residents)

If you’re a non‑resident, your tax is applied from the first dollar earned (you can’t claim the threshold). Tax Rates and Withholding Australia uses progressive tax rates. If you earn in a job, your employer likely withholds tax (PAYG). That withholding might exceed what you owe at year’s end - meaning you could get a refund. Even if your income is below AUD 18,200, withholding may have been deducted, which is a key reason many students lodge returns. 3. What Deductions Can You Claim? You can reduce your taxable income by claiming work‑related expenses, but only those legitimately linked to your job. Some common deductions include:

Type of Expense	Can You Claim It?	Notes / Conditions
Uniforms / protective clothing	Yes	Must be job‑specific and required by employer
Laundry for work clothes	Yes	If cost is significant and well documented
Phone / Internet	Yes	Only the portion used for work (not personal)
Union / professional fees	Yes	If directly related to your employment
Tools, equipment	Yes	If under a threshold (or depreciated) and used for work
Textbooks, stationery	Yes	Only if directly related to your current employment
Travel for study	Yes	Only under specific conditions (e.g., between home/work/study)
Accommodation, meals (overnight)	Yes	Only when requiring overnight stay for study trips

What you can’t claim: Everyday clothing (non‑uniform), ordinary commuting/travel to work, tuition (for general study), daily meals, general personal expenses. 4. How to Lodge Your Tax Return Here’s a step‑by‑step process:  

• Get set up with MyGov and link ATO
  Create or access your MyGov account, link it to the ATO so your income records are prefilled.

• Gather documents

  • Tax File Number (TFN)

  • Employment income summaries / PAYG statements

  • Receipts for expenses you intend to claim

  • Superannuation fund details (if any)

  • VISA, arrival date info

• Decide how to lodge

  • DIY / MyTax via MyGov

  • Via a registered tax agent (recommended for more complex cases or if unfamiliar)

• Lodgment window and deadline

  • Returns open from 1 July

  • If you lodge yourself, the due date is 31 October

  • If using a tax agent (and appointed before the deadline), you may get an extended lodgment period

• Check, sign, and submit
  Review your return, sign electronically, and submit. If using an agent, they’ll lodge for you.

• Receive your refund
  Most refunds arrive in 7 to 10 business days after lodgment, unless flagged for review or if there are outstanding issues.

  If you discover you missed claiming something, you can amend your return within 2 years. 5. Tips to Speed Up Your Refund and Avoid Mistakes

• Lodge as early as possible - avoid the peak season rush
• Ensure your bank account details are correct
• Double-check your personal info (name, visa status, arrival date)
• Keep clear, well‑organized records and receipts
• If you lose access to MyGov, a tax agent can access your ATO records (with your permission)
• Don’t delay amending mistakes - you have up to two years to correct your return

Final Thought You don’t have to be intimidated by tax season. If you’ve worked in Australia as an international student, chances are you’re owed something back. Understand your obligations, maximize allowable deductions, and use the tools (or agents) available to make the process smooth and rewarding.