I am suppose to be tax free threshold, because I earn a total less than $18,200 since I start working however when I didn't register in ATO, and I was and still paying taxes, is there anyway I could do a tax refund or return on it?
G'day @Yuenc 👋
Yes, the ATO assesses your income annually and the tax-free threshold is an annual amount of $18,200 😉
However, employers do not withhold tax based on an annual basis, they are required to follow the relevant tax tables for your tax circumstances. Those tax tables determine the amount per pay period frequency that represents the tax-free threshold ($350/wk, $700/FN, $1,517/mth). If you are paid more than that in the pay period, the employer is obliged to withhold tax, as per the tax tables.
The ATO will assess your income at the end of that year and, if the annual taxable gross does not exceed the tax-free threshold, then any PAYG withheld that is excess to your liability will be refunded.
Again, ATO = annual assessment, employer = pay period assessment.
This is how it works 🤓
Deanne
Hi deanne,
Thanks for the reply, however i am still a bit confuse on if i have to file some to have the refund or will it be automatic, thanks!
Yuen
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min read time
6 Feb 2026 · 4 min read time
24 Aug 2025 · 3 min read time
138 views
5 replies