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gabbykiri(Newbie)Newbie
9 Jan 2025

I moved to Australia on a NZ passport in May, and started a casual contract at Coles in July. I didn't claim the tax-free threshold at the time so have been paying tax at the standard Australian resident rate since then. My question is should I have claimed the tax-free threshold then? Can I still do that or is it better to wait until the start of the next financial year.


Additionally I have just started a second casual job. I will have both these jobs going into the next financial year as well. I am also taking 6 weeks off before the end of this financial year, so will not be generating income in that time as the contracts are casual. Do I claim the tax-free threshold from my new casual job, my job at Coles or do I not claim it from either job this financial year and wait until the start of the next financial year?


Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks!

Gabby



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BroncosvRabbits(Devotee)Devotee
9 Jan 2025

Hello @gabbykiri,


Hmmm. If you didn't claim the tax-free threshold on your first job, your employer would be taxing you at a higher rate than the standard for a resident.


Even though people say, when claiming the tax-free threshold your employer won't tax you for amounts under 18,200, you do get taxed from day one if you earn over $350pw.


It can get confusing, but the tax-free threshold only kicks in when you lodge a tax return. If you earn under 18,200 you'd most likely get all or a lot of your tax paid throughout the year back as a return.


As said before, if you're getting taxed at the standard normal rate, something must've been ticked to claim the TF threshold.


If working two jobs, it's better to claim it on the one you earn the most at and not both, other wise you could be subject to a little debt when you lodge your tax return. 😎

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Most helpful reply

BroncosvRabbits(Devotee)Devotee
9 Jan 2025

Hello @gabbykiri,


Hmmm. If you didn't claim the tax-free threshold on your first job, your employer would be taxing you at a higher rate than the standard for a resident.


Even though people say, when claiming the tax-free threshold your employer won't tax you for amounts under 18,200, you do get taxed from day one if you earn over $350pw.


It can get confusing, but the tax-free threshold only kicks in when you lodge a tax return. If you earn under 18,200 you'd most likely get all or a lot of your tax paid throughout the year back as a return.


As said before, if you're getting taxed at the standard normal rate, something must've been ticked to claim the TF threshold.


If working two jobs, it's better to claim it on the one you earn the most at and not both, other wise you could be subject to a little debt when you lodge your tax return. 😎

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gabbykiri(Newbie)Newbie
10 Jan 2025

Thanks for the response! It turns out I did select to claim the tax-free threshold from my first employer, which makes sense. I just didn't realise you get taxed and then have to submit a tax return to be recompensed. Am I right in thinking I submit the tax return for this financial year between July and October 2025?

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Can I/ should I claim the tax-free threshold this financial year? Advice appreciated | ATO Community