Working Visa Refunds

Tax Back / Tax Refunds / Working Visa Tax Returns. Let us untangle the complex Australian Taxation system for you.

Do I have to file a tax return?

Yes – If you are earning some income whilst living in Australia, then you are required to lodge a tax return. Generally, if you are working in Australia for longer than 6 months in a tax year, or you’re an overseas student enrolled at an Australian institution in a course that is more than six months long, we regard you as an Australian resident for tax purposes. You pay tax on your earnings at the same rate as other residents. The Australian tax year goes from 1st of July until the 30th of June the next year.

Can I claim back my course fees or course-related expenses?

Yes, provided that your employment is related to the course you are studying. Contact us to find out whether you are entitled to claim your course fees and related expenses back in your tax return.

Can I lodge my tax return myself?

You may lodge your return yourself, however how do you know you’re getting the maximum refund? The average tax refund in Australia is $2,500.

Why should I lodge my tax return through Cruz & Co Taxation Services?

The Australian tax system is complex. With tax being our expertise, let us look after your tax affairs. We explain things in simple terms, and ensure you get the maximum refund you are entitled to. Take the time, effort and hassle out of doing this yourself. For a small fee starting at $75, we can do this for you.

When do I get my refund?

Your refund usually arrives within 2 weeks from lodgement with the tax office.

How do I know what’s happening with my tax return?

It’s always important to know what is happening with your returns, or any important processes for that matter. We will reply to your application within 24 hours of submitting it (excluding weekends).

Am I allowed to work on my student visa?

If you were granted a Student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you and your dependent family members will already have Permission to Work automatically included with your visa.

If you have been granted Permission to Work, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work. As a student, you cannot undertake work until you have commenced your course in Australia. When your course has commenced you can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.

How do I know if I’m a resident or non-resident for tax purposes?

You are not an Australian resident for tax purposes if one of the following applies:

You are visiting Australia for more than six months and for most of that time you are travelling and working in various locations around Australia
You are holidaying in Australia
You are visiting for less than six months.
Otherwise, you may be classified as a resident for tax purposes. This could mean that you are entitled to a larger refund. Contact us to find out!

I paid into a superannuation fund – can I claim my contributions back?

If you’re an eligible temporary resident working in Australia, your employer has to make super guarantee contributions for you. You may be paid your super money once you have left Australia. This is called a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP).

You may be eligible to make a Departing Australia Superannuation Payments claim if all of the following apply to you:

you have previously been a Temporary Resident in Australia
you have left Australia
you are not an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen
the Temporary Resident visa that you held while you were in Australia can no longer be used (that is, it has expired or it has been cancelled by the department).

What is a “PAYG Payment Summary” or “Group Certificate”?

If you have received payments during the year, you should receive a pay as you go (PAYG) payment summary from your payer (employer). The payment summary will show the total payments you received and total amounts withheld for the financial year. Payments may include income earned from part-time or casual work.

What is a final pay slip?

The final pay slip is the slip you get after finishing or ending your work with your employer. It will contain all of your earnings and all of the taxes you paid. This can be used to get your refunds much more easily as it will contain information for the whole tax year that you’ve worked for.

Do I need to pay the Medicare Levy, even though I’m not entitled to Medicare as a non-resident?

You can claim a full exemption for any period for which you have a certificate from the Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Unit of Medicare Australia, showing you were not entitled to Medicare benefits because you were a temporary resident for Medicare purposes.
Contact us to find out how to apply for the Medicare Levy Exemption.