Hi!
I work full-time and am above the threshold for hecs/help repayments, so i know i will have to start repaying the hecs/help debt... however i'm just unclear on when.
I'm due to start my first trimester 15/07. Should i tick 'student loan' on my TFN form from this date, do it on census date or wait till the trimester is over?
You should indicate that you have a student loan on your Tax File Number (TFN) declaration form as soon as you incur the HECS/HELP.
The repayment of your HECS/HELP debt is income-based, not dependent on when you finish your studies. You are required to start repaying your loan once your repayment income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold.
For the 2024-25 income year, the compulsory repayment threshold will be $54,435. If your income is above this threshold, you will need to make repayments regardless of whether you are still studying or have completed your course.
Your employer will start withholding money from your salary to cover your HECS/HELP repayments once you've indicated on your TFN declaration that you have a student loan.
You should indicate that you have a student loan on your Tax File Number (TFN) declaration form as soon as you incur the HECS/HELP.
The repayment of your HECS/HELP debt is income-based, not dependent on when you finish your studies. You are required to start repaying your loan once your repayment income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold.
For the 2024-25 income year, the compulsory repayment threshold will be $54,435. If your income is above this threshold, you will need to make repayments regardless of whether you are still studying or have completed your course.
Your employer will start withholding money from your salary to cover your HECS/HELP repayments once you've indicated on your TFN declaration that you have a student loan.
Hi @nbayley,
Just to tag on to what Subashmahat4 has said - we have an article that clearly explains everything you need to know about paying your student loan. Check it out :)
6 Feb 2026 · 3 min read time
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