How accurate is the GoTax tax calculator?

The GoTax tax calculator provides an estimate based on the income and deductions you enter. It applies current 2025-26 Australian tax rates, the Medicare levy, and standard tax offsets. The result is an estimate only - your actual tax position depends on your full circumstances including all income sources, eligible deductions, and any tax already withheld. For an accurate lodged return, use GoTax to complete and lodge your return from $35.

How is Australian income tax calculated?

Australian income tax is calculated on your taxable income using progressive tax rates set by the ATO. Taxable income is your total assessable income minus allowable deductions. Tax is then calculated using the applicable tax bracket rates, after which the Medicare levy (2% of taxable income for most taxpayers) is added. Low income tax offsets and other credits may reduce the total amount payable. Tax withheld from your wages throughout the year is credited against your final tax liability.

What are the Australian income tax rates for 2025-26?

For the 2025-26 financial year, Australian resident individual tax rates are: $0 to $18,200 - nil; $18,201 to $45,000 - 19 cents per dollar over $18,200; $45,001 to $135,000 - $5,092 plus 32.5 cents per dollar over $45,000; $135,001 to $190,000 - $34,342 plus 37 cents per dollar over $135,000; over $190,000 - $54,772 plus 45 cents per dollar over $190,000. The Medicare levy of 2% applies separately for most taxpayers.

Why might my actual refund be different from the calculator estimate?

The calculator provides an estimate. Your actual refund may differ because the calculator cannot account for every individual circumstance - including prior year tax losses, private health insurance rebate or surcharge, HECS-HELP repayment obligations, foreign income, capital gains, spouse income affecting certain offsets, and the exact amount of tax your employer withheld. A GoTax return reviewed by a Chartered Accountant will capture your complete tax position accurately.

What is the Medicare levy?

The Medicare levy is a 2% charge on the taxable income of most Australian taxpayers, collected to help fund the public health system. Low-income earners may pay a reduced rate or no levy at all. The Medicare levy surcharge (an additional 1% to 1.5%) applies to higher-income earners who do not hold appropriate private hospital cover. The GoTax tax calculator includes the standard Medicare levy in its estimate.

Can I use the tax calculator before lodging my return?

Yes. The GoTax tax calculator is free to use and is a useful first step before lodging your return. Enter your expected income and deductions to get an estimate of your refund or tax owing. When you are ready to lodge, GoTax returns start from $35 and every return is reviewed by a registered Chartered Accountant before ATO lodgement.

Does the tax calculator include deductions?

Yes. You can enter your estimated work-related deductions into the calculator to see how they affect your taxable income and estimated refund. Common deductions include home office expenses at 70 cents per hour, work clothing, tools, phone and internet costs, union fees, and vehicle expenses. The more accurately you enter your deductions, the closer the estimate will be to your actual tax position.

How much does GoTax charge to lodge my actual tax return?

GoTax charges fixed prices: Quick Tax Return $35 for straightforward PAYG earners. Full Individual Tax Return $65 for those with deductions, multiple employers, or investments. Rental Property Return $109. ABN, Contractor and Small Business $140. First-ever tax return free for eligible first-time lodgers. Every return is reviewed by a Chartered Accountant before ATO lodgement.

Tax Refund Calculator 2026

Find Out What Your Tax Refund Could Be In Under 30 Seconds.

Get an instant estimate of your tax refund. It only takes a few simple numbers.

Takes 30 Seconds
100% Free & Secure
No Sign Up Required

Estimate Your Tax Refund

Enter a few details below for your instant estimate.

Annual Income

Tax Withheld

Tax Deductions (Estimated)

Your Estimated Refund

Start My Tax Return

100% Secure. Your information is safe with us.

Could Your Refund Be Higher?

Many Australians miss tax deductions that could increase their refund.

Home Office

Claim expenses for working from home.

Phone & Internet

Work related calls and internet.

Self Education

Courses, study and training.

Tools & Equipment

Items you use for work.

Professional Memberships

Fees for professional memberships.

Donations

Donations of $2 or more.

Same Income. Different Refund.

Same Income
Limited Deductions Considered
Smaller Refund Outcome

Same Income
More Deductions Considered
Potentially Better Refund Outcome

Why We Check Every Return

We Review

Registered tax agents review your return before lodgement.

We Find More

We help identify deductions you may have overlooked.

We Protect You

Your information is handled through secure online systems.

You Get More

Claiming everything you are entitled to can improve your outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this tax calculator?

This calculator provides a rough estimate only. Your actual refund depends on all income, deductions, offsets and ATO assessment. For a precise result, complete your full tax return with GoTax.

What figures do I need?

You only need three numbers: your total income for the year, tax withheld from your employer, and an estimate of your work-related deductions.

Where do I find tax withheld?

Tax withheld appears on your final payslip for the financial year, or on your payment summary from your employer.

Can deductions increase my refund?

Yes. Eligible tax deductions reduce your taxable income, which can increase your refund if you have already paid tax during the year.

Does this include HECS or Medicare?

No. This estimate is a basic guide and does not include HECS/HELP repayments, Medicare levy surcharge, SAPTO, lump sum offsets or other less common adjustments.

Why do different sites show different refunds?

If you enter the same information, calculators should produce similar results. The biggest difference usually comes from the deductions included in your actual return.

Is GoTax secure?

Yes. GoTax uses secure systems to protect your information and every return is checked by registered tax agents before lodgement.

What should I do after estimating?

If you want to claim all eligible deductions and lodge with confidence, start your online tax return with GoTax and let our system guide you step by step.

Ready to Maximise Your Refund?

Get a rough estimate above, then start your return with GoTax to claim everything you are entitled to.

Start My Tax Return

100% Online
Registered Tax Agents
Maximum Refund Focus

Trusted by Thousands of Australians 4.9 Google Reviews 100% Secure Registered Tax Agents

How the GoTax Refund Calculator Works

To get started with your tax estimate you only need three figures: your income for the year, the tax withheld for the year, and an estimate of your deductions.

Unless you know all of your tax deductions for the year, the refund calculated will only be a guide. Generally it will be a worst case scenario as more tax deductions will create a greater refund.

Once you enter those three amounts your estimated refund will automatically appear. This is a rough guide and does not take into account HECS/HELP repayments, health rebates, surcharges, SAPTO, lump sum offsets or super offsets.

Fact: it is the tax deductions you are entitled to that give you the greatest tax refund. If you are looking to maximise your tax deductions, use the GoTax system and explore our blogs and video blogs for greater awareness.