Salary and Wages – What You Need to Declare

Not sure what you need to declare as salary and wages on your tax return? You’re not alone—this trips up heaps of people every year. Basically, if you’ve earned money from a job, whether it’s full-time, part-time, casual, or even cash-in-hand, the ATO wants to know about it. That includes your regular pay, bonuses, allowances, tips, and even some fringe benefits. Let’s clear up what counts as salary and wages, so you can get your tax return right and avoid any nasty surprises.

What Counts as Salary and Wages?

Salary and wages are what most people get paid for doing their job. It includes:

• Regular pay (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)

• Overtime

• Commissions

• Bonuses (including retention bonuses)

• Casual or part-time work payments

• Parental leave pay and dad-and-partner pay

• Allowances (like travel or meal allowances)

• Income protection or workers’ comp (sometimes)

• Defence force reserve pay (unless deployed overseas)

• Foreign employment income (unless exempt)

If you’re getting paid for doing work — full-time, part-time or casual — it’s salary and wages.

How Is It Taxed?

PAYG Withholding:

• Your employer deducts tax before you get paid.

Superannuation:

• On top of your pay, your employer must also pay super (if you’re eligible).

What Do You Declare in Your Tax Return?

• Gross income: This is the total before tax is taken out.

• Tax withheld: Include the tax that your employer withheld.

• Multiple jobs: Declare every employer, even short-term gigs.

The ATO usually pre-fills this info for you, but always double-check it.

What Records Should You Keep?

• Income Statement or PAYG summary from each job

• Records of bonuses, commissions, or allowances

• Any other work-related payment details

Keep everything for at least five years.

Derek’s FAQ – Real Questions, Real Fast

Q: I had two jobs this year. Do I declare both?
A: Absolutely. Declare every job and every dollar.

Q: I got paid in cash. Do I still declare it?
A: 100%. Cash-in-hand is still taxable income.

Q: What about tips and commission?
A: Declare it all. If you earned it, it’s income.

Q: My pay isn’t showing in MyGov. What now?
A: Contact your employer or check with Gotax.

Q: Is my bonus taxed differently?
A: Nope. It’s part of your normal income — taxed at your marginal rate.

Bottom line:
If you got paid to work, it’s income. Declare everything, even if it’s already pre-filled. The ATO sees it, so make sure it’s right. If you’re not sure — just ask Derek below.

Let GoTax Handle It For You

GoTax Online makes your salary and wage income easy to declare. Just check the pre-filled info, and we’ll guide you through the rest — fast and simple.

Start your return now: www.gotax.com.au/guest-user

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