Get your taxes back after working in Australia: complete guide 2025
If you had the experience of Study and Work in Australia, we have great news: you are probably entitled to receive back part of the taxes paid during your stay! Many Brazilians leave the country without requesting this reimbursement, losing amounts that could be an excellent financial complement after the exchange. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything about the Australian tax refund process and how to ensure that you receive every amount you're entitled to.
The Australian Tax System and Your Rights
The Australian government has a tax system that, in many cases, charges taxes above what is necessary for temporary workers. This creates an excellent opportunity for exchange students to recover some of that money.
There are two main types of refunds you can request:
- Tax Return (Income Tax Refund): Partial tax refund deducted from your salary
- Superannuation (Retirement Fund): Redemption of the guarantee fund deposited by your employer
Both processes are legal and widely used by those who have spent seasons working in Australia. Best of all? You can request these refunds even after returning to Brazil.
Tax return: recover your income tax
What is a tax return?
The Tax Return is basically the refund of part of the income tax that was deducted from your salary during the period worked in Australia. This discount appears on your payroll as “tax withheld” or simply “tax”.
Australia offers an excellent quality of life structure, with modern infrastructure and a welcoming multicultural society. These characteristics make the country a very attractive destination for Brazilians seeking exchange experiences. However, many are unaware of their tax refund rights.
Who is entitled to a tax return?
You can apply for Tax Return if:
- Worked legally in Australia (with the appropriate visa)
- Did you have taxes deducted from your salary
- Has a Tax File Number (TFN) - Australian tax identification number
Be Easy tip: “Resident” tax status is granted to those who remain in Australia for more than 6 months, which generally results in higher refund amounts. This has nothing to do with your visa status!
How much can you receive?
The amount of the refund varies depending on:
- How much did you earn during the Australian tax year (from July 1st to June 30th)
- How much tax was deducted from your salary
- Your tax status (resident or non-resident for tax purposes)
- Deductions you can claim (work-related expenses)
On average, exchange students recover between 15% and 30% of the taxes paid. In some cases, this amount may be even higher!
Superannuation: Your Retirement Money
What is superannuation?
Superannuation (also known as “Super”) is a mandatory system in Australia where employers must deposit the equivalent of 11% of their salary into a retirement fund. For temporary workers who are not going to retire in Australia, this amount can be redeemed when leaving the country permanently.
Myths and truths about superannuation
MYTH: Receiving Superannuation prevents you from returning to Australia.
TRUTH: You can redeem your Super when you leave the country and return whenever you want, without any immigration restrictions.
How does the superannuation redemption work?
To receive your Super, you must:
- Have closed your Australian visa
- To have left Australia for good
- Apply for Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP)
The amount redeemed is taxed between 35% and 65%, depending on the type of your visa and fund. Even with this tax, it's still important money that you are entitled to receive!
How to request your refunds: step by step
For the tax return:
- Gather your documents:
- Payment Summaries
- Proof of work-related expenses
- Your Tax File Number (TFN)
- Bank account details for receipt
- Choose how to make the request:
- Online through MyGov/ATO
- Through a specialized accountant
- Through companies that specialize in tax refunds
- Complete your declaration:
- Enter all your income
- Declare deductible expenses
- Carefully check all data
- Submit your request and wait:
- The deadline for processing ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months
- The payment is made directly to the account entered
For superannuation (DASP):
- Identify your fund:
- Find the name of your Super fund on your payrolls
- If you have worked in several places, you can have multiple funds
- Apply online:
- Go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website
- Use the DASP online service
- Fill out the form with your details
- Track your order:
- The processing takes 1 to 3 months.
- The international transfer may take a few more days
Refund comparison:
Maximizing your reimbursement: practical tips
To secure the highest possible refund amount, follow these recommendations:
- Keep all work-related receipts (uniforms, transportation, equipment)
- Organize your documents by Australian tax year (July to June)
- Be sure to declare income - omissions may result in fines
- Request expert help to identify all possible deductions
- Check if you are entitled to specific tax benefits for non-residents
Important deadlines so as not to lose your right
The deadlines for requesting your refunds are:
- Tax Return: Up to 5 years after the end of the relevant tax year
- Superannuation: No definite deadline, but we recommend applying within 6 months of leaving Australia
Attention: The sooner you apply, the faster you'll get your money back!
Be Easy
At Be Easy, we know that every detail makes a difference in your exchange experience. Our Study and Work program in Australia not only does it prepare you for an incredible journey, but it also offers full support before, during, and after your experience - including guidance on how to recover your taxes. Count on our experience to turn your exchange dream into reality, without leaving any benefits behind! Get in touch with our advisors and discover how we can help at every stage of your international journey.
