Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns Made Easy with AMA Accountants
Backpacking across Australia? Don’t let your hard-earned money get left behind. If you’ve been working on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), chances are you’re entitled to a tax refund. But here’s the catch: Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) are taxed under special rules, different from regular Australian residents. And unless you know the system well, you could easily miss out on hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in refunds.
At AMA Accountants, we make it simple. We specialise in backpacker and working holiday tax returns in Australia, helping travellers like you claim everything you’re legally entitled to.
How WHM Tax Works in Australia
Most working holiday makers are taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 you earn – and unlike Australian residents, you don’t get the tax-free threshold. If you’re from an eligible country with a tax treaty (like the UK, Germany, Japan, or Canada), you’ll still pay tax at the same rate but won’t be double-taxed on your income when you go home.
That’s where we step in: while the ATO simply processes your return, AMA Accountants dig deeper to maximise your refund with all the deductions you can claim.
Why Choose AMA Accountants for Your WHM Tax Return?
At AMA Accountants, we make tax returns simple, stress-free, and designed for backpackers on a Working Holiday visa. Here’s why thousands of WHMs choose us:
- 100% Online Service – Lodge your return from anywhere in the world, even after you’ve left Australia.
- Backpacker-Friendly Experts – We specialise in Working Holiday Maker tax rules and know exactly how to handle your return.
- ATO-Compliant Lodgements – Your tax return is safe, secure, and always accurate.
- Flat, Affordable Fee – No surprises, no hidden charges—just clear and fair pricing.
- Maximised Refunds – We identify every eligible deduction to ensure you get the best possible refund.
Ongoing Support – From experienced accountants to live assistance, you’ll always have help when you need it.
Common Deductions Working Holiday Makers Can Claim
Many Working Holiday Makers don’t realise that even as non-residents, they are still entitled to claim valuable tax deductions. Claiming the right expenses can significantly increase your refund, and our team at AMA Accountants ensures you don’t miss a cent. Some of the most common deductions include:
- Work-Related Clothing and Protective Gear – Uniforms, protective clothing, and work boots required for your job.
- Tools and Equipment – Items purchased to perform your work duties, whether small tools or larger equipment.
- Phone and Internet Costs – A percentage of your mobile and internet expenses used for work purposes.
- Work-Related Travel – Travel between job sites is deductible (note: commuting from home to work usually isn’t).
- Union or Membership Fees – Payments to unions, associations, or professional memberships.
- Self-Education Expenses – Training, courses, or study directly related to your work.
- Tax Agent Fees – The cost of using a registered tax agent like AMA Accountants is itself tax deductible.
By carefully claiming these deductions, you can boost your refund and avoid leaving money on the table. Our WHM tax specialists will guide you through the process to ensure every eligible expense is included.
Quick Tips for Working Holiday Makers
If you’re in Australia on a Working Holiday visa, it’s important to understand the key tax rules that apply to you. Here are a few essentials every backpacker should know:
- No Tax-Free Threshold – Unlike Australian residents, Working Holiday Makers don’t receive the standard tax-free threshold. This means tax is applied from the first dollar you earn.
- Eligible Deductions Still Apply – Even without the threshold, you can still claim a wide range of work-related deductions to maximise your refund.
- Tax File Number (TFN) Required – You must have a valid TFN to work legally in Australia and to lodge your tax return correctly.
- Claim Your Super When You Leave – Once you leave Australia permanently, you can apply for the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) to get your superannuation refunded.
At AMA Accountants, we simplify the entire process—making sure you stay compliant with ATO rules while getting the maximum refund possible.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Adelaide
Adelaide is a top city for Working Holiday Makers, particularly those in hospitality, farms, wineries, delivery jobs, and construction. Many backpackers receive mixed income from various employers, which complicates tax returns.
At AMA Accountants Adelaide, we assist WHMs in filing their tax returns accurately, claiming all deductions, and avoiding mistakes with the ATO. Whether you worked in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, CBD cafés, or regional harvest jobs, our team ensures you receive your maximum refund. You can file from anywhere, whether before or after leaving Australia.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Brisbane
Brisbane draws thousands of backpackers each year due to tourism jobs, hospitality work, and short-term labor roles. Many WHMs frequently change jobs, leading to multiple PAYG summaries and deductions to claim.
AMA Accountants Brisbane simplifies this process. We check your income, review your deductions, and ensure your details match ATO records. Even if you worked in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or rural Queensland, we help you submit a compliant WHM tax return that maximizes your refund.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Sydney
Sydney has the highest number of Working Holiday Makers in Australia. With high living costs, many WHMs work several jobs, including at bars, hotels, retail, cleaning, labor hire, or as Uber drivers. This makes your tax return more detailed and increases the chances of missing deductions.
Our Sydney WHM tax team specializes in claiming everything you’re legally allowed to, including travel between job sites, protective clothing, tools, and more. Whether you are still in Sydney or have already left Australia, you can file completely online with AMA Accountants and receive your refund quickly and safely.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Canberra
Many WHMs in Canberra work in hospitality, retail, event jobs, and seasonal roles tied to universities and government facilities. The tax rules in Canberra are the same as the rest of Australia, but WHMs often miss deductions because jobs change quickly.
AMA Accountants Canberra helps you submit a correct tax return, claim all your eligible expenses, and avoid issues with the ATO. Even if you worked for a short time, you might still be entitled to a refund. Our online process is straightforward, secure, and designed for backpackers.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Perth
Perth is known for mining jobs, hospitality, farm work, and construction work for WHMs. Many employers require protective gear, travel between job sites, and long hours, all of which can lead to tax deductions.
AMA Accountants Perth collaborates closely with WHMs across Western Australia to ensure your tax return is accurate, maximized, and compliant. Whether you worked in Perth city, Fremantle, Margaret River, Broome, or regional WA, we assist you in filing your WHM return easily from anywhere in the world.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Melbourne
Melbourne hosts one of the largest numbers of international backpackers in Australia. WHMs often work in cafés, warehouses, events, Uber Eats, construction, and farm jobs across regional Victoria. This leads to various income statements and deduction opportunities.
At AMA Accountants Melbourne, we help WHMs claim the maximum refund while adhering to ATO rules. Our online WHM tax return service is quick and easy, allowing you to file even after leaving Australia without any problems.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Darwin
Darwin is known for seasonal, tourism, farm, and hospitality jobs. Many WHMs work in remote areas, resulting in higher work expenses, special clothing, and more eligible deductions.
AMA Accountants Darwin understands the unique work patterns of WHMs in the Northern Territory. We help you claim all your expenses correctly, avoid mistakes, and achieve the best legal refund possible, no matter where you are now.
Working Holiday Maker Tax Return Services in Tasmania
Tasmania attracts thousands of WHMs each year for fruit picking, farm labor, hospitality, and seasonal tourism jobs. Because WHMs often move between towns and farms, many forget to claim important deductions like tools, travel between sites, and protective gear.
AMA Accountants Tasmania helps backpackers and WHMs submit accurate tax returns and claim every deduction they deserve. Whether you worked in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, or regional harvest areas, we make tax filing simple and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, depending on your income and deductions. With AMA Accountants, we make sure your WHM tax return is maximised and compliant.
You’ll generally be taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 earned under the WHM rules.
Absolutely. Work-related expenses such as tools, uniforms, travel, and even tax agent fees are all claimable.
Yes. A TFN is required to work legally in Australia and lodge your tax return.
Yes. Once you leave Australia, you can apply for your super refund (DASP) – and we can guide you through the process.
Lodge Your WHM Tax Return with AMA Accountants Today
Don’t let the ATO keep more of your money than they should. At AMA Accountants, we make Working Holiday Maker tax returns in Australia simple, fast, and stress-free. Whether you’re still in Australia or already back home, our expert team will help you lodge online, claim every deduction, and get your maximum refund.
Book your WHM tax return consultation today with AMA Accountants – your trusted partner for backpacker tax refunds in Australia.
