Loading
Ricsteve1950(Initiate)Initiate
1 Nov 2025

I am retired as a couple and my share of the pension is around $23000 a year.


Let's assume I get a handful of incomes over the financial year, without earning over $380 in any fortnight, so my pension is not reduced. I understand that my taxable income would be my pension plus the extra income.


If so I calculate that I would have to earn at least circa $930 to break even.


I calculated my tax as 0.16 X ($23k pension + $930 income - $18200 threshold) = $932 which is 2 dollars more than my income.


I am doing something wrong?



477 views
1 replies
477 views
1 replies

All replies

NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
4 Nov 2025

Hi @Ricsteve1950,


There are a few things to keep in mind when working out your tax obligations and calculations.


Your taxable income includes your pension payments plus any additional income you earn. The combination of these determines your overall tax liability.


You may be eligible for the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset, which can reduce the amount of tax you owe. This offset is specifically designed for retirees on low to moderate incomes.


While the standard Medicare levy is 2% of taxable income, certain pensioners with lower incomes may qualify for a reduction or exemption.


To get a clearer picture of your tax situation, I recommend using our Income tax and Beneficiary tax offset and seniors and pensioners tax offset calculators. These will give you a more accurate understanding of how your pension income and additional earnings interact with tax obligations.

Loading
Income while receiving pension | ATO Community