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Sindy(Newbie)Newbie
6 Mar 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

I previously held a Working Holiday visa from 2017 to 2019. In 2020, I changed to a Student visa, but I continued using the same superannuation account.

As I am preparing to leave Australia recently, I discovered that the tax treatment is different depending on the visa type. Because of this, it appears that two-thirds of the superannuation I accumulated during my time on the Student visa will be withheld.

I understand that the tax rate for Working Holiday visa holders is higher. However, I was never informed that I needed to open or use a different superannuation account after changing my visa.

I would like to ask if there is any way to review or correct this situation, or if someone could advise me on what options might be available.

Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

134 views
1 replies
134 views
1 replies

All replies

JayATO(Community Support)Community Support
9 Mar 2026

Hi @Sindy,


Any departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) that includes contributions made while you held a working holiday maker (WHM) visa is taxed at the DASP WHM tax rate – this applies to the entire payment, not just the WHM portion.


If you believe your super fund has withheld an incorrect amount of tax from your DASP, you can contact your super fund and request a refund. You need to do this in the same financial year that your DASP was paid. You can find more information about DASP tax rates and how they're applied on our departing Australia superannuation payment page.

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Inquiry Regarding Superannuation Tax After Visa Change | ATO Community