Australia income tax 2026-27: rates, Medicare levy and lodging
For 2026-27 Australian residents pay no tax on the first $18,200, then 15%, 30%, 37% and 45%, plus a 2% Medicare levy. Self-lodgers file 2025-26 returns by 31 October 2026.
Tax Colony is an independent educational site, not a tax adviser or filing service. Verify with official sources or a professional before acting.
Australia’s income year runs 1 July to 30 June. Employers withhold tax through PAYG, and you lodge a return after the year ends.
Resident tax rates 2026-27
| Taxable income | Tax |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | nil |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 15c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,020 + 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,020 + 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| over $190,000 | $51,370 + 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
In 2025-26 the second rate was 16%.
Medicare levy
2% of taxable income on top of income tax, reduced or waived for low incomes. The Medicare levy surcharge (for people without private hospital cover) is a separate charge.
Who must lodge (2025-26)
You must lodge if you had tax withheld, your taxable income was over $18,200, you ran a business, or you are a foreign resident with Australian taxable income. Other triggers are listed on the ATO page.
Deadlines
- Lodge 2025-26 yourself: 31 October 2026. Registered tax agents can lodge later. Needs review for the agent dates.
- 2026-27: 31 October 2027 is a Sunday. Needs review.
Super and GST
- Superannuation guarantee: employers pay 12% of earnings into your super. From 1 July 2026 it is paid each payday.
- GST: 10% on most goods and services. Register when GST turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits).
Moving from India
If you move from India to Australia, both countries’ rules can apply in the year you move.
- Check your Indian status for that year in Residential status. It decides whether India taxes only your Indian income or your worldwide income.
- Savings accounts usually need to change to NRO/NRE accounts. See NRI bank accounts.
- Money you send abroad before you leave falls under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme. See Foreign remittance (LRS).
- If both countries tax the same income, India’s tax treaty with Australia may give relief. Read the treaty text before you rely on it.
Sources
- ATO: Tax rates, Australian residents
- ATO: What is the Medicare levy?
- ATO: Do you need to lodge a tax return? 2026
- ATO: Lodge your tax return online with myTax
- ATO: Super guarantee
- ATO: How GST works
Last verified: 4 Nov 2026