FAQs

What is the easiest way to apply for a TFN?

To receive income from a job in Australia, you need a Tax File Number (TFN). It’s a good idea to do this first when you arrive in Australia.

Applying online with the ATO is the easiest way to get a TFN:

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/38760.htm

Once you apply the ATO will mail your TFN to you within a few days.

When can I apply for my taxback?

Most backpackers can apply for taxback twice! Once at the end of the financial year, and also when you have finished work and are about to leave Australia.

At the end of the financial year? When is that?

The financial year runs from July 1st to June 30th each year. Therefore, come July 1st each year, we can apply for that previous years taxback.

I hear so many rumours, what percentage of the tax I have paid will I get back? 

• the length of time you have spent in the country
• your gross earnings
• the rate of tax you have been paying.

These factors differ from person to person - your refund amount is assessed on an individual basis by the Australian Tax Office, and will be different for everybody.

Contact us today for your accurate refund estimate.

Can I receive my taxback into my overseas account?

We can transfer your refund into any account, either in Australia or overseas. We do not charge additional fees for either.

How long does it take to receive the refund?

For work before 1/7/11, it takes only 7-10 business days to receive the refund. For work after 1/7/11, it takes usually 6-8 weeks to receive the refund.

What is a PAYG/Group Cert?

A PAYG (pay as you go) Payment Summary is an official tax document you receive from your employer, stating your gross earnings (wages) and tax paid in a particular tax year.
Employers are legally obliged to mail these to all employees at the end of each financial year (in the first two weeks of July) and again when you complete work. We then use these when submitting your tax return.

I don’t have my PAYGs, I have my final payslip though. Can I use that instead?

If we are lodging a return at the end of the financial year (after June 30th), then yes we can use your final payslip from your employer, providing it shows your year-to-date gross earnings and tax paid.

If we are lodging an early tax return (before June 30th) the tax office accept only a Payment summary or Statement of earnings letter.

What is a Statement of Earnings?

A Statement of earnings is a letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating your name, gross earnings and tax withheld. This letter can be used instead of a PAYG payment summary.

I don’t have either, can you help?

Sure, you can still apply for your refund and we can chase up those missing documents for you!

I’m having problems getting my payment summary from my employers – what are the options?

The employer is under a legal obligation to provide you with your pay summary. If you are having problems, we will chase these up on your behalf. Dealing with difficult employers is our specialty!

How will I be paid?

We can pay into an Australian or overseas bank account, and we charge NO BANK FEES.

I worked on a farm, does that mean I am not entitled to claim any taxback?

No that is definitely not the case. You are still entitled to claim taxback – contact us today for an accurate refund estimate.

I applied for my taxback, but only received a few hundred dollars while I hear some people receive thousands! Can you help?

Same story again: yes mistakes are often made when lodging returns and you may not have received the refund you are entitled to. Contact us today and we will assess your situation and provide you with a free estimate.

I applied for my taxback already, and was told I owed money!? Can you help?

In most cases, Yes! Mistakes are often made when lodging returns, your return may have been lodged incorrectly and you may not have received your correct refund! If this is the case, we can lodge an amended return on your behalf and get your correct refund into your hands. Contact us today for professional advice and a free refund esimate.

I worked in Australia a few years ago, is it too late to apply for my taxback?

That’s no worries, we can apply for taxback for anyone who worked in Australia as far back as 2003.

I’ve lost my TFN – what do I do?

Lost your TFN? No worries, it happens a lot when you move about from place to place. The ATO has all your details on file. Call 132861 (or +61 2 6216 1111 from overseas ) and follow the prompts for TFN enquiries. The ATO will ask you a few questions to prove your identity (including your address when you applied for your TFN) and then give you your TFN over the phone.

I also paid super whilst in Australia, how can I apply for this back?

Taxback Australia can also claim your Super Refund for you when you are leaving Australia. Please see our Super FAQ's for more information or complete our Super Application

Is it true that I have to wait until I return home to apply for my refund? Is it true that if I wait until I return home, I will receive a larger refund? Is it true I can only apply for taxback at the end of the financial year?

No, No and No!! There are lots of taxback rumours flying around, 99% of them false! Contact us today for the FACTS!!