Tax Return Guide for International Student in Australia

According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are an overseas students coming to Australia to study who are enrolled in a course that is more than 6 months are generally treated as Australian residents for tax purposes, this means:

• you pay tax on your earnings at the same rate as other residents
• you’re entitled to the benefits of the Australian tax system, such as

-the $18,200 tax-free threshold -tax offsets -generally lower tax rates than a foreign resident. If you working and have earned an income more than the tax-free threshold you will need to lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year. If your income was below the tax-free threshold and you paid tax, you will need to lodge a return in order to receive a refund. If you did not have any tax deducted from your income and your income was below the tax-free threshold, you may not need to lodge a tax return. The tax return forms are available from 1 July, and they are part of an information package known as the Taxpack. They are available for pick up at newsagencies or from the Australian Taxation Office. If you are unsure whether you are a tax resident or not, you can get in touch with a Registered Tax Agent or Visit ATO’s Website for more clarification.

When Do I Need To Lodge?

The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, you have from 1 July to 31 October 2020 to lodge your personal tax return for the financial 2020 income year. If you use a registered tax agent to prepare and lodge your tax return, you may be able to lodge later than 31 October. Contact a tax agent before 31 October to arrange this. Remember, the tax year in Australia ends on June 30 and the deadline to file your tax return is October 31.

Note: You must have a Tax File Number in order to lodge a tax return.

How Do I Lodge My Tax Return?

You can file a tax return at the end of tax year in Australia. Your employer will provide you with a summary that will show the total income you have earned and the amount of tax deducted. The ATO will check how much amount was deducted from your salary and will send you back a notice of assessment and your tax refund if you are eligible for it. For international students, the easiest and the most secure way to lodge a tax return is online through ATO’s website. However, you can also file a tax return through a tax agent using a paper form. You can lodge your return online by ourself at myTax portal through the ATO website, you will need to create a myGov account and link your muGov account to the ATO, then just follow the instructions to fill out your return online via the myGov portal. Or you can use a registered tax agent lodge your tax return. When you lodge your tax return, make sure to apply for all deductions, including computers, clothing, phones, books, and more.

What will I need?

• Your tax file number (TFN) If you don’t have one read our article on applying for a TFN.
• A photo ID (like a passport)
• Your PAYG Payment Summaries.  After 30 June your employers should provide you with payment summaries. These provide details of the amount you’ve earned and the amount you’ve been taxed. You’ll use this information to fill out your tax form. Your employer might send you the PAYG summary in the mail or provide it for you online. Employers should give these to their employees by 14 July.

Where do I go for help?

The ATO website is the number one place to go with questions about tax and your university’s student or financial services might also offer advice or help with your tax.

How long does it take to get my refund?

If you lodge your tax return online, you’ll most likely get your refund in about 2 weeks. By mail, it will take about 6 weeks. Source from ATO Website