Students in Australia may need to lodge a tax return if they earned income and tax was withheld, if they have a study loan repayment obligation, or if they meet other lodgement requirements for the year. The standard deadline for most individuals lodging themselves is 31 October after the end of the financial year. If you lodge through a registered tax agent and you are registered with them by 31 October, your due date can be later, commonly as late as 15 May of the following year, depending on your situation and the agent’s lodgement program.
Tax Return for Under 21s and Students in Australia
Last updated:
12 Jan 2026
Originally published:
Feb 2021
Student Tax Returns in Australia at a Glance: Student tax returns in Australia for under 21s and full time students under 25 can be lodged with H&R Block from $89*, including for domestic and international students. Students generally need to lodge a tax return if they earn above the tax free threshold, have tax withheld from part time or casual work, work multiple jobs, or have HELP or Study and Training Loan repayment obligations once their income exceeds the relevant repayment threshold.
Student tax returns in Australia from $89* for under 21s and full time students under 25
If you are under 21 or studying full time (under 25 years) we'll take care of your tax return. From just $89*, our consultants are sharpening their pencils to help you achieve your best possible tax refund.
Even if you're an international student, but studying for 6 months or longer, you are usually considered an Australian Resident for tax purposes and may be required to file a tax return each year.
Whether you're a student on a gap year, working part-time, doing fruit-picking or hospitality/retail work, you could be eligible for a tax refund. With different tax rules for working holiday-makers, it's more important than ever to get your tax return right. We can help you work out your residency status, the tax rate that applies to you and file the return correctly so you can get any refund you're entitled to sooner rather than later.
Student tax returns from $89*
Applies to Under 21’s and full time students under 25. Terms and conditions apply.
Student tax returns with multiple jobs in Australia
If you've got a few part-time jobs, your tax can get a little confusing. Problems can occur for two-income earners, even if the taxpayer and employers do the right thing as determined by the ATO's PAYG tax rates. The problem arises because your first job will attract the tax-free threshold while your second job (and subsequent incomes) is taxed in line with the progressive tax rates outlined by the ATO. Things can get messy if you don't know how to report all your income, so it's always best to let a registered tax-agent take care of it.
The tax free threshold for Australian resident students and why it matters with multiple jobs
As an Australian resident taxpayer, the first $18,200 of your income is tax-free. This is called the tax free threshold. If you earn less than $18,200 from all sources, you won't pay tax but you will pay on the excess over $18,200.
In dollars and cents, the $18,200 tax-free threshold equates to:
- $350 a week
- $700 a fortnight
- $1,517 a month
When you start a new job, you'll need to fill out a Tax File Number Declaration form. Make sure you tell your new employer you want to claim the tax-free threshold by answering 'Yes' on question 9 – 'Do you want to claim the tax-free threshold from this payer?' If you have more than one job and your combined income exceeds $18,200, you can only claim the tax-free threshold for one of those jobs (normally the higher paying one). If you claim for both jobs, not enough tax will be deducted and you'll have a tax debt when you lodge your tax return. As an H&R Block customer, our tax consultants are on-hand to give you advice all year round. If you've got a few gigs on the go, it always pays to check before you lodge.
HELP and Study and Training Loan repayments on student income in Australia
Your Study and Training Loan repayments will take effect once your income surpasses the compulsory repayment threshold, even if you're still studying. The minimum Repayment Income (RI) thresholds are adjusted each year. If your income exceeds the threshold, a compulsory repayment of at least 1% of your income will be charged as part of your tax assessment. This percentage will increase in tandem with your income. To find out how your Study and Training Loan debt affects your income and your tax, chat to one our tax consultants.
Options if you cannot pay your tax bill after lodging your tax return in Australia
If you don't have the money to pay your tax bill, one of our tax consultants can defer your tax return for lodgement until the due date. Just finalise your tax return and we'll hold for lodgement to May the following year or on your due lodgement date as set by the ATO. Avoiding the ATO is never a good idea and can result in unwanted fines and penalties. One of our tax consultants can talk you through your payment options.
Tax support for students in Australia beyond lodging your tax return
We don't just lodge and forget. Tax time is our time to shine but we're also here for the rest of the year to help with student-specific situations such as understanding the tax implications of part-time work, HECS/HELP debt, working holidays and residency issues for example.
While you're busy gaining knowledge, we're busy applying ours to maximising what's in your pocket.
Tax tips for students in Australia
Check out the following tax tips to help you manage tax time:
- Student Tax Guide: Domestic & International
- How to lodge a tax return
- Tax returns for first time lodgers
- Claiming self education expenses
- Study & Training Loans: HELP, VSL, AASL Repayment Guide
- Understanding HECS & HELP loan schemes
- Applying for a tax file number
- Compare individual tax return services
Maximum Refund Guarantee
It's rare that we don't perfect our paperwork, but if you find you're entitled to a larger refund, we'll refund your preparation fee and file an amendment with the ATO. We can do this up to 2 years after original notice of assessment.
Assistance, anytime
Our year-round support means we're here at tax time and beyond. We're here 365 days to help with student-specific situations such as part-time work, working holidays, residency issues, tax-saving tips and late tax returns. Contact us now on 13 23 25 for assistance or to book your next appointment.
Upfront Guaranteed Pricing
We tell you exactly how much it's going to cost and there are no hidden extras. At participating offices, if you’re under 21 or a full-time student under 25, you can get started from just $89*. The best part is, our fees are tax deductible.
By offering expert and personal service, we have the know-how to ensure you get all the offsets and deductions you deserve. If our services fall short of satisfying, simply stop us from lodging your return at no cost to you.
*Participating locations only. Terms and conditions apply. For full details click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Tax Returns
International students who earn income in Australia may need to lodge a tax return, especially if tax has been withheld. Whether you are treated as a resident or non-resident for tax purposes depends on your circumstances. Overseas students who study and live in Australia for more than 6 months are generally treated as residents for tax purposes under the usual residency approach, which affects how they are taxed and what they need to report. H&R Block Tax Experts can help confirm your residency position and lodge correctly.
If you are an Australian resident for tax purposes, the first $18,200 of income in a financial year is generally tax free. If tax was withheld from your pay during the year, lodging a tax return is how you reconcile the tax withheld against your final tax outcome and work out whether you are entitled to a refund or need to pay more tax.
If you have more than one job at the same time, you generally should claim the tax free threshold from only one employer, usually the highest paying one. If you claim it from more than one employer, too little tax can be withheld across the year because each employer withholds as if that job is your only income. When your tax is calculated on your total income from all jobs, this can leave you with a tax bill when you lodge.
Compulsory HELP and Study and Training Loan repayments apply when your repayment income exceeds the annual repayment threshold for the year. The repayment is calculated using the applicable repayment rates once you exceed the threshold and is included in your tax assessment when you lodge your return. H&R Block Tax Experts can help estimate your likely repayment from your income details and ensure the correct amounts are reported.
Still have questions?
Student tax returns can be complex, especially if you have multiple jobs or study loan obligations. If you’re under 21 or a full time student under 25, you can lodge your student tax return from just $89* with H&R Block. *Terms and conditions apply.
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