Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns Made Easy with AMA Accountants

Q: Do Working Holiday Makers get a tax refund?

Yes, depending on your income and deductions. With AMA Accountants we make sure your WHM tax return is maximised and compliant.

Q: What tax rate applies to WHMs?

You’ll generally be taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 earned under the WHM rules.

Home » Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns

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), there are chances you’re entitled to a tax refund, as per the Tax rules.

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 that you don’t want to miss in your tax returns, “right?“

At AMA Accountants, we make it simple. We specialise in backpacker and working holiday tax returns in Australia, Or You can say WHM Tax Return, helping travellers like you claim everything you’re legally entitled to without keeping you in stressful follow-ups.

Fill The form to Lodge You Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns

Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns Lodgement Deadline:

2025–26 returns: the self-lodgement deadline is 31 October 2026. If you contact us and are added to our client list before that date, you can generally access the extended tax agent lodgement program. Late? Talk to us anyway, as we regularly bring prior-year returns up to date.

How WHM Tax Works in Australia?

Most working holiday makers are taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 you earn in Australia, 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.

Feeling sad… right? But here is the good news:

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, so you can sleep without fear of tax penalty or the letter from the ATO.
Flat, Affordable Fee – No surprises, no hidden charges. Just clear and fair pricing because we also don’t like hidden charges.
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.

Get your Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns done properly

Speak with a Registered Tax Agent experienced in working holiday maker returns.

Visit us in Woodville or complete everything online from anywhere in Australia or overseas

7 Common Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) Deductions You Might Be Missing in your tax returns

Many Working Holiday Makers don’t realise that even as non-residents, they are still entitled to claim valuable tax deductions in their tax returns.

Claiming the right expenses can significantly increase your refund, and our team at AMA Accountants ensures you don’t miss a cent.

Now I know you are excited to know which 7 types of deductions you can claim in your tax return, right? So below are the 7 some of the most common deductions:

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. Now what are you thinking? Just fill the form and let’s have a chat. Still not convinced? ha..

Ama Accountants helps you to claim these deductions very carefully, and you can boost your refund and avoid leaving money on the table.

Our WHM tax specialists and Accountants will guide you through the process to ensure every eligible expense is included in very simple-to-understand language, because we aren’t fans of fancy jargon as well.

4 Quick Tips for Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) you have to keep in mind..

If you’re in Australia on a Working Holiday visa, it’s important to understand the key tax rules that apply to you.

Otherwise, when you go to lodge your tax return, it will be very problematic for you. I hope you got my point.

Here are the 4 essential tips 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 and make sure you stay compliant with ATO rules while getting the maximum refund possible.

Still not convinced to fill out the form and have a chat about your Working Holiday Maker tax return?…

Get your Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns done properly

Speak with a Registered Tax Agent experienced in working holiday maker returns.

Visit us in Woodville or complete everything online from anywhere in Australia or overseas

What we look after for working holiday makers

Tax return preparation & lodgement

Wages from every employer, bank interest, and any other Australian income, with the correct WHM rates applied to each part of the year.

Residency review

Most working holiday makers are foreign residents for tax purposes, but not all. If you have stayed long-term or set up a settled life here, we will review your position properly before lodging.

Treaty-country nationals (Addy case)

Following the High Court’s 2021 decision in Addy v Commissioner of Taxation, WHMs who are Australian residents for tax purposes and come from certain treaty countries, including the United Kingdom, may be taxed on the same basis as Australians. We assess whether this applies to you.

Medicare levy exemption

Where the Medicare levy is relevant to your return, we confirm your entitlement and help you obtain a Medicare Entitlement Statement from Services Australia if an exemption needs to be claimed.

ABN and contractor income

Delivery riders, cleaners, labourers and others paid as contractors have extra obligations. We report ABN income correctly, claim the related expenses and advise on GST where your turnover requires it.

Visa changes during the year

Moved from a 417 or 462 to a student, partner or employer-sponsored visa? Income earned under each visa is taxed differently. We split the year correctly so you are not over-taxed.

Leaving Australia

If you are departing permanently, we advise on whether you can lodge early, what to finalise before you go and how to keep your refund and ATO contact details workable from overseas.

Prior-year and overdue returns

Worked here years ago and never lodged? We can obtain your ATO records, prepare the outstanding years and deal with the ATO on your behalf.

Superannuation and DASP

Your employer pays super on top of your wages. Once you have left Australia and your visa has ceased, you can apply for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment. We explain how it works and the tax that applies.

What to bring or send us for working holiday makers Tax Return

Passport and current visa grant notice
Tax file number
Dates you arrived in, and any dates you left, Australia
Income statements or payslips for every employer
Employer names and ABNs if your income statement is missing
Australian bank account details for your refund
Bank interest details
ABN and business income records, if you worked as a contractor
Receipts for work-related expenses
Your overseas address and email if you are leaving Australia

How it works

Four steps, in person or online

Get in touch

Book an appointment at our Woodville office or request an online service. We confirm your fee before any work starts.

Send your details

Provide your passport, visa details, TFN and work records. We add you to our client list and access your ATO pre-fill data.

We prepare and review

We check income, withholding, residency and deductions, then send your return for you to review and sign electronically.

We lodge

Your return is lodged with the ATO. Refunds are paid to your nominated Australian bank account, generally within a few weeks of the ATO processing it.

Get your Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns done properly

Speak with a Registered Tax Agent experienced in working holiday maker returns.

Visit us in Woodville or complete everything online from anywhere in Australia or overseas

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- About Your WHM (Working holiday maker) Tax Return

Do Working Holiday Makers get a tax refund?

Yes, depending on your income and deductions. With AMA Accountants we make sure your WHM tax return is maximised and compliant.

Do I need to lodge a tax return as a working holiday maker?

In most cases, yes. Lodging is the only way to recover tax that was over-withheld, claim deductions and confirm your final position with the ATO. It also matters if you later apply for a visa or return to Australia, as unresolved tax matters can follow you.

What tax rate applies to WHMs?

You’ll generally be taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 earned under the WHM rules.

Can WHMs claim deductions?

Absolutely. Work-related expenses such as tools, uniforms, travel, and even tax agent fees are all claimable.

Do I need a Tax File Number (TFN)?

Yes. A TFN is required to work legally in Australia and lodge your tax return.

Can I claim the tax-free threshold?

No. Income you earn as a working holiday maker is taxed from the first dollar. The exception is where a WHM from certain treaty countries is an Australian resident for tax purposes, following the Addy decision. We assess this for you.

How do I know if my employer is registered as a WHM employer?

The ATO keeps a register of employers who have registered to employ working holiday makers, and we check this as part of preparing your return. A payslip showing around 30% withheld from modest wages is often a sign the employer was not registered.

Do I pay the Medicare levy?

Most working holiday makers are foreign residents for tax purposes and do not pay the Medicare levy. Where your residency or Medicare entitlement means the levy needs to be considered, we confirm your position and, if required, help you obtain a Medicare Entitlement Statement to claim an exemption.

I'm from the UK. Does the Addy case apply to me?

It may. The decision applies to working holiday makers from countries whose tax treaty with Australia contains a non-discrimination article, which includes the United Kingdom, and only where you are an Australian resident for tax purposes. Residency depends on your facts, so we review your stay, accommodation, work and ties before deciding how to lodge.

Can I lodge my return before I leave Australia?

If you are leaving Australia permanently before the end of the financial year, you may be able to lodge early rather than waiting until after 30 June. We confirm your eligibility and the information needed first.

Can I get my super back when I leave?

Once you have left Australia and your visa has ceased, you can apply to your super fund for a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Where your super includes contributions made while you held a 417 or 462 visa, tax of 65% generally applies to the taxable component. We explain how this works; the claim itself is made with your fund or through the ATO’s online DASP system.

I worked in Australia years ago and never lodged. Is it too late?

No. We regularly prepare overdue returns for former working holiday makers, including those now living overseas. We obtain your ATO records and lodge each outstanding year.

Can I claim back my superannuation?

Yes. Once you leave Australia, you can apply for your super refund (DASP) – and we can guide you through the process.

How much does it cost?

Our fee depends on the number of employers, years and any additional items such as ABN income or a residency review. Contact us for a quote. We confirm the fee in writing before we start work.

Lodge Your Working Holiday Maker Tax Returns

If you have worked in Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, you may need to lodge an Australian tax return. You may also be entitled to a refund of tax withheld from your pay.

AMA Accountants is a registered tax agent and professional accounting practice. We prepare and lodge Working Holiday Maker tax returns for clients both in Australia and overseas. We review your income and residency position, claim the deductions you are entitled to, and make sure your return is correct before it is lodged with the ATO.

Our service covers:

Working Holiday Maker tax returns for current and prior years
Advice on tax residency and whether you are required to lodge
Self-employed and freelance income earned while in Australia
Lodgment for clients who have already left Australia
Non-lodgment advice where a return is not required
Residency review under the Addy case for tax treaty countries: United Kingdom, Chile, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Norway and Turkey
Residency review for Working Holiday Makers from other countries, including France, Argentina, USA, Indonesia, Thailand, China and India

All work is completed online, so you can deal with us from anywhere.

Book your appointment or request a quote for your Working Holiday Maker tax return.