Loading
This thread is archived and the information may not be up-to-date. You can't reply to this thread.
AnnabelleOBR(I'm new)I'm new
9 Aug 2023

I have tried numerous times to call ATO during contact hours but it says they cannot take calls at the moment and to call back. I am unsure how to get through, I have tried at various times of the day. I need to find out my actual HELP debt balance as I believe I paid it off in the last year and may have even paid more than the remaining balance. When I go to submit for my return it lists the same HELP debt balance as last year as a liability, but I have paid it off. How do I verify this when I cannot speak to anyone on the phone?

295 views
1 replies
295 views
1 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

WendyATO(Community Support)Community Support
10 Aug 2023

Hi @AnnabellOBR,


Have you completed your FY2023 tax return yet?


The money taken out by your employer is not used to immediately repay your HELP debt but held as a credit by us.


Until you lodge your tax return at the end of financial year. Once your correct taxable income and repayment income is known any credit that is not needed to pay pack any additional tax payable or government debts will then be used to repay the HELP debt.


Look at our handy article on paying my HECS/HELP student loan talks about what happens if you have overpaid and how you stop your employer taking contributions.


If you still want to discuss this with us best time to ring is 8am or closer to 6pm local time is our least busy times.

All replies

Most helpful reply

WendyATO(Community Support)Community Support
10 Aug 2023

Hi @AnnabellOBR,


Have you completed your FY2023 tax return yet?


The money taken out by your employer is not used to immediately repay your HELP debt but held as a credit by us.


Until you lodge your tax return at the end of financial year. Once your correct taxable income and repayment income is known any credit that is not needed to pay pack any additional tax payable or government debts will then be used to repay the HELP debt.


Look at our handy article on paying my HECS/HELP student loan talks about what happens if you have overpaid and how you stop your employer taking contributions.


If you still want to discuss this with us best time to ring is 8am or closer to 6pm local time is our least busy times.

Featured articles

20% reduction of HECS-HELP and other student debts

3 June 2026 · 3 min read time

Paying my HECS HELP student loan

13 May 2026 · 4 min read time

Linking the ATO to your myGov account

16 June 2026 · 2 min read time

Top liked users

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    3114 likes

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    2132 likes

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    862 likes

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    559 likes

  5. knaresbro

    (Devotee)

    374 likes

Top contributors

  1. Bruce4Tax

    (Taxicorn)

    9671contributions

  2. Taxduck

    (Taxicorn)

    4848contributions

  3. PayrollDeanne

    (Taxicorn)

    2075contributions

  4. YellowPotato

    (Taxicorn)

    1404contributions

  5. YEP

    (Devotee)

    836contributions

Loading
Why does it show that I have outstanding HELP debt when I have paid it off in the the last year? | ATO Community