If you worked in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), you need to file a tax return, even if you have returned home. Every year, thousands of Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) leave Australia without filing their tax return because they believe they cannot do it after leaving. The good news is that you can file your tax return from anywhere in the world, and the process is simple once you know what to do.
This guide explains everything in clear, easy-to-understand steps based on ATO rules. It also helps you avoid common mistakes that prevent WHMs from receiving their refund.
Yes.
If you earned money in Australia, you must file a tax return with the ATO. This includes income from:
– hospitality
– farms
– construction
– fruit picking
– warehouses
– sales and retail
– any regular job
The ATO states that WHMs are taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 of income (Working Holiday Maker tax rate). Many WHMs receive a refund because employers often take out the wrong amount of tax, especially in regional or seasonal jobs.
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest questions WHMs ask. The ATO confirms that you can file your tax return from overseas using a registered tax agent, like AMA Accountants or ATO online services. However, online services are not recommended because many WHMs cannot access their myGov account outside Australia.
Many WHMs lose access to their Australian number or cannot verify their identity through myGov once they return home. This prevents them from filing directly with the ATO, but a tax agent can still file for you. This is why thousands of backpackers use our 100% online WHM tax service.
You only need a few documents:
1. Tax File Number (TFN)
This is essential. Even if you lost your TFN, we can recover it for you.
2. PAYG Payment Summary / Income Statement
Your employer must give you this. If they don’t, we can get it directly from the ATO.
3. Your passport details
This is used for identity verification.
4. Your bank details
These are needed so the ATO can send your refund.
5. Any work-related expenses
These can help increase your refund.
Step 1: Collect your income records
You will need:
– PAYG summaries
– Payslips
– Super statements (for later)
If you do not have these, we can access your income information directly from the ATO using your TFN.
Step 2: Check if you paid the correct WHM tax rate
ATO data shows that many backpackers are taxed incorrectly by employers, especially on regional farms. Employers often:
– Mark WHMs as “residents” (which is wrong)
– Tax too much (over 15%)
– Tax too little (leading to ATO debt)
This is why lodging with a tax agent is safer and ensures you do not lose your refund.
Step 3: Calculate your deductions
Most WHMs do not know they can claim:
– Work boots and uniforms
– Tools
– Sunscreen for outdoor workers
– Phone and internet used for work
– Travel between job sites
– Union fees
– Tax agent fees
The ATO states that WHMs can claim deductions just like any other taxpayer, as long as the expenses are work-related. These deductions increase your refund.
Step 4: Lodge your tax return
From overseas, you have two options:
Option A – Lodge with a registered tax agent (recommended)
Most WHMs choose this because:
– No myGov login needed
– No Australian phone needed
– No Australian bank account needed
– Faster processing
– Fewer errors
– Easier identity verification
AMA Accountants handles everything online—it’s simple, fast, and safe.
Option B – Lodge through ATO Online (myGov)
Most WHMs cannot use this because:
– myGov often requires SMS codes
– Australian numbers stop working overseas
– Identity cannot be verified
– Accounts get locked
This is why the ATO advises WHMs overseas to lodge using a tax agent.
Step 5: Wait for your refund
ATO processing times:
– Standard: 2 to 4 weeks
– Longer if your employer made mistakes or did not report on time
– Longer if deductions need review
AMA Accountants tracks your return and keeps you updated.
Many WHMs accept cash jobs, especially in regional areas. If tax was never withheld, you may still need to submit a return. The ATO sometimes gets income reports from businesses, even if tax was not deducted. Submitting a correct return helps you avoid problems later.
If your employer paid superannuation, you can claim it back after you permanently leave Australia. This is called DASP, or Departing Australia Superannuation Payment.
The ATO reports that over 650,000 WHMs claim their super each year, with an average payout of $1,000 to $3,000 depending on income. AMA Accountants can help you with your super refund as well.
We assist WHMs from the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Korea, Canada, Ireland, and more.
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.
📞 Phone: +61 (0)420 529 890
📧 Email: finance@amaaccountant.com.au
Amit Chugh is a Partner at The AMA Accountant and a highly respected CPA & Registered Tax Agent with a proven track record of delivering exceptional accounting and taxation services to individuals, businesses, and corporations across Australia.
Amit Chugh is a Partner at The AMA Accountant and a highly respected CPA & Registered Tax Agent with a proven track record of delivering exceptional accounting and taxation services to individuals, businesses, and corporations across Australia.
With over 25+ of professional experience, Amit has helped thousands of clients streamline their finances, optimise tax returns, and ensure full compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements. His client base spans Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Canberra, and regional hubs including Prospect, Modbury, Mawson Lakes, Woodville, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Murray Bridge, Port Augusta, Gawler, and Port Pirie.
Office Address: 477 Torrens Road Woodville SA 5011
