Medicare and General Tax Blog Articles for Working Holiday Makers
Working holiday makers face a range of tax and administrative questions outside the core areas of TFN, ABN, tax returns, and super. These articles cover Medicare access, the Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge, claiming GST back on goods you take home, and other general topics that affect backpackers living and working in Australia.
Check your Medicare status →All Medicare & Other articles (13)
What is Medicare and are working holiday makers covered?
Medicare is Australia's public health insurance system. Most working holiday makers are not covered, but there are exceptions.
Read more →Which countries have a Medicare agreement with Australia?
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with several countries, giving their citizens access to some Medicare benefits. Here is the full list.
Read more →What is the Medicare levy and do working holiday makers pay it?
The Medicare levy is a 2% tax that funds Australia's healthcare system. Most working holiday makers are exempt. Here is how to claim the exemption.
Read more →What is a tax file number declaration form and how do you fill it in?
The tax file number declaration form is what you give to your employer when you start a new job. Here is what it is and how to complete it correctly.
Read more →What does tax withheld mean on your payslip in Australia?
Tax withheld is the income tax your employer deducts from your wages before paying you. Here is how to check it is correct.
Read more →What is an income statement in Australia and how do you access yours?
An income statement shows your total wages and tax withheld for the year. Here is how to find yours and what to do with it.
Read more →What is the ATO and what does it do?
The ATO is the Australian Taxation Office, the government agency responsible for collecting taxes. Here is what it does and when you will deal with it.
Read more →What is the difference between gross pay and net pay in Australia?
Gross pay is what you earn before deductions. Net pay is what you actually receive. Here is how the two relate to your tax situation.
Read more →Do working holiday makers need to pay tax on tips in Australia?
Yes, tips received as part of your employment in Australia are taxable income. Here is how they are treated and what you need to declare.
Read more →What happens to your Australian tax obligations after you leave the country?
Leaving Australia does not end your tax obligations there. Here is what you still need to do after you depart.
Read more →What is the Superannuation Guarantee Charge and what does it mean for you?
If your employer fails to pay your super correctly, the ATO can charge them the Superannuation Guarantee Charge. Here is how it works and what it means for your super.
Read more →How to open a bank account in Australia as a working holiday maker
You need an Australian bank account before your first pay arrives. Here is which banks to consider, what documents you need, and when to close the account before you leave.
Read more →The Tourist Refund Scheme: how to claim GST back on purchases before leaving Australia
If you bought goods in Australia worth $300 or more, you may be able to claim back the 10% GST before you fly home. Here is how the TRS works and what you need to claim.
Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do working holiday makers pay the Medicare Levy?+
No. Working holiday makers are not eligible for Medicare and are not required to pay the 2% Medicare Levy. Our team can apply for a Medicare Levy Exemption Certificate to confirm this on your tax return.
Can working holiday makers use Medicare?+
Only nationals of countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia (including the UK, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Malta, Slovenia, and New Zealand) can enrol in Medicare for limited cover. All other working holiday makers should hold private health insurance.
Can working holiday makers claim GST back on goods they take home?+
Yes. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows you to claim back the 10% GST on goods over $300 (per supplier) that you purchased within 60 days of departure and carry out of Australia. Claims are made at the airport before you fly.
Do working holiday makers need private health insurance?+
Yes for most. Private health insurance is a visa condition for many working holiday visas and is essential for backpackers who are not covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia.