Tax Return for Under 21 and Students

Lodging tax with multiple jobs

If you've got a few part-time jobs, your tax can get a little confusing. Problems can occur for two-income earners, even if the taxpayer and employers do the right thing as determined by the ATO's PAYG tax rates. The problem arises because your first job will attract the tax-free threshold while your second job (and subsequent incomes) is taxed in line with the progressive tax rates outlined by the ATO. Things can get messy if you don't know how to report all your income, so it's always best to let a registered tax-agent take care of it.

What is the tax-free threshold?

As an Australian resident taxpayer, the first $18,200 of your income is tax-free. This is called the tax free threshold. If you earn less than $18,200 from all sources, you won't pay tax but you will pay on the excess over $18,200.


1. 
   In dollars and cents, the $18,200 tax-free threshold equates to:

• $350 a week
• $700 a fortnight
• $1,517 a month

When you start a new job, you'll need to fill out a Tax File Number Declaration form. Make sure you tell your new employer you want to claim the tax-free threshold by answering 'Yes' on question 9 – 'Do you want to claim the tax-free threshold from this payer?' If you have more than one job and your combined income exceeds $18,200, you can only claim the tax-free threshold for one of those jobs (normally the higher paying one). If you claim for both jobs, not enough tax will be deducted and you'll have a tax debt when you lodge your tax return. As an H&R Block customer, our tax consultants are on-hand to give you advice all year round. If you've got a few gigs on the go, it always pays to check before you lodge.

How do I repay my Study and Training Loan debt?

Your Study and Training Loan repayments will take effect once your income surpasses the compulsory repayment threshold, even if you're still studying. The minimum Repayment Income (RI) thresholds are adjusted each year. If your income exceeds the threshold, a compulsory repayment of at least 1% of your income will be charged as part of your tax assessment. This percentage will increase in tandem with your income. To find out how your Study and Training Loan debt affects your income and your tax, chat to one our tax consultants.

What if I can't pay my tax bill?

If you don't have the money to pay your tax bill, one of our tax consultants can defer your tax return for lodgement until the due date. Just finalise your tax return and we'll hold for lodgement to May the following year or on your due lodgement date as set by the ATO. Avoiding the ATO is never a good idea and can result in unwanted fines and penalties. One of our tax consultants can talk you through your payment options.

Beyond your return

We don't just lodge and forget. Tax time is our time to shine but we're also here for the rest of the year to help with student-specific situations such as understanding the tax implications of part-time work, HECS/HELP debt, working holidays and residency issues for example.
While you're busy gaining knowledge, we're busy applying ours to maximising what's in your pocket.

Tax tips for Students

Check out the following tax tips to help you manage tax time:

• How to lodge a tax return
• Tax returns for first time lodgers
• Claiming self education expenses
• Understanding HECS & HELP loan schemes
• Applying for a tax file number
• Compare individual tax return services

Maximum refund guarantee

It's rare that we don't perfect our paperwork, but if you find you're entitled to a larger refund, we'll refund your preparation fee and file an amendment with the ATO. We can do this up to 2 years after original notice of assessment.

Assistance, anytime

Our year-round support means we're here at tax time and beyond. We're here 365 days to help with student-specific situations such as part-time work, working holidays, residency issues, tax-saving tips and late tax returns. Contact us now on 13 23 25 for assistance or to book your next appointment.

Upfront guaranteed pricing

We tell you exactly how much it's going to cost and there are no hidden extras. At participating offices, if you're under 21 or a full-time student (under 25 years), just $89* lets you invest in a better return. The best part is, our fees are tax deductible.

Assistance, anytime

By offering expert and personal service, we have the know-how to ensure you get all the offsets and deductions you deserve. If our services fall short of satisfying, simply stop us from lodging your return at no cost to you.