Australian Tax Information, Simplified

Browse

Ask

This app provides AI-generated plain-English summaries with links to official sources.

Common Tax and Super Questions in Australia

What income do I need to declare?

Learn the types of income the ATO says individuals may need to declare in a tax return.
How is income tax calculated in Australia?

Understand how income tax is calculated for individuals using marginal tax rates.
What is the tax-free threshold?

Understand what the tax-free threshold is and how to claim it as an Australian resident for tax purposes.
Am I an Australian resident for tax purposes?

Understand how Australian tax residency is determined and why it matters for the tax you pay.
How does HECS-HELP repayment work through the tax system?

Understand how compulsory HELP loan repayments are calculated and collected through the Australian tax system.
What is myTax and how does it work?

Understand what myTax is, who can use it, and how it fits with your tax return.

How do I register as a sole trader in Australia?

Understand the registrations a sole trader may need, including an ABN, business name, GST and PAYG withholding.
What is the difference between a sole trader and a contractor?

Understand how sole trader and contractor status differ, and why worker classification matters for tax and super.
Do sole traders need to pay superannuation?

Understand super obligations for sole traders themselves and for workers they employ or engage.
How does a sole trader lodge a tax return?

Understand how sole traders report business income and expenses in their individual tax return.
What is Personal Services Income (PSI) for sole traders?

Understand what personal services income (PSI) is, when the PSI rules may apply, and why it matters for sole traders.
Can sole traders claim start-up costs?

Understand when start-up costs may be immediately deductible and when other tax treatment may apply.

What is the CGT discount and how does it work?

Understand what the CGT discount is, who can access it, and how it reduces the capital gain assessed on eligible assets.
What is the main residence exemption?

Understand when your home may be exempt from capital gains tax under the main residence exemption.
What is a capital loss and how can it be used?

Understand what makes a capital loss and how it can be used to reduce capital gains.
What is cost base for CGT purposes?

Understand what makes up the cost base of a CGT asset and how it is used to calculate a capital gain or loss.
How is rental income taxed when a property is jointly owned?

Understand how joint owners split rental income and deductions for tax purposes.
What is a managed investment trust distribution?

Understand what a managed investment trust distribution is and how it is taxed for investors.

What is PAYG withholding?

Understand PAYG withholding and when businesses may need to withhold amounts from payments.
What is the company tax rate in Australia?

Understand the two main company tax rates and when each applies.
What is aggregated turnover?

Understand what aggregated turnover means and why it is used to test eligibility for many small business concessions.
What are director’s duties for tax purposes?

Understand what tax and superannuation responsibilities apply to a company director.
What is Division 7A and why does it matter?

Understand what Division 7A is and how it affects payments and loans from a private company to its shareholders or associates.
What is the small business tax offset?

Understand what the small business tax offset is and who may be entitled to claim it.

What is Single Touch Payroll?

Learn what Single Touch Payroll is and how employers use it to report payroll information to the ATO.
What is PAYG withholding for employees?

Learn what PAYG withholding means for employers who pay employees.
What is salary sacrifice from an employer’s perspective?

Understand how salary sacrifice arrangements work for employers and what obligations apply.
What is the difference between an allowance, a reimbursement, and a fringe benefit?

Understand how allowances, reimbursements and fringe benefits are treated differently for tax and reporting.
What is a working holiday maker for PAYG purposes?

Understand how working holiday maker withholding differs from regular PAYG withholding.
How do I register as an employer with the ATO?

Understand the registrations you generally need before paying your first employee.