Tax Return Blog Articles for Working Holiday Makers
The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June, and every working holiday maker who earned income during that period is required to lodge a tax return. Most backpackers get a refund because their employer withheld more tax than required. These articles cover deadlines, deductions, what to do when you have left Australia, and how to handle complications.
Lodge your tax return →All ABN articles (14)
What is an ABN? Australian Business Number guide for working holiday makers
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is required for working holiday makers operating as contractors or sole traders. How to know if you need one, what it does, and what happens without one.
Read more →How to register for an ABN in Australia (working holiday guide)
Registering for an ABN is free and takes around 15 minutes online. Step-by-step guide for working holiday makers on 417 and 462 visas, what information you need, and common application pitfalls.
Read more →Farm work and ABNs in Australia: what working holiday makers need to know
Farm work is one of the most common reasons working holiday makers register for an ABN. When you need one, when you should be an employee instead, and what to watch out for with piece-rate contracts.
Read more →Employee vs contractor in Australia: what working holiday makers need to know
The distinction between employee and contractor affects tax, super, leave and workplace rights. How working holiday makers can tell which one applies, and what to do if you have been misclassified.
Read more →Can you have both a TFN and an ABN in Australia? (working holiday guide)
Yes, working holiday makers can hold a TFN and an ABN at the same time, and many do. How the two numbers work together, when you need both, and how it affects your tax return.
Read more →How to cancel your ABN when leaving Australia (working holiday makers)
If you are leaving Australia and no longer running a business, the ATO expects you to cancel your ABN. How working holiday makers can cancel online, when to do it, and why it matters for your tax return.
Read more →GST and ABN for working holiday makers: do you need to register?
Most working holiday makers with an ABN do not need to register for GST - the threshold is $75,000 annual turnover. Exception: rideshare drivers must register regardless. How to work out if it applies to you.
Read more →Vehicle logbook for ABN income: working holiday makers' deduction guide
If you use a car for work under your ABN, you may be able to claim vehicle expenses as a tax deduction. How the logbook method works for working holiday makers, what to record, and the 12-week minimum.
Read more →Small business tax offset: can working holiday makers with an ABN claim it?
If you earn income under an ABN as a sole trader, you may be entitled to the small business tax offset - a tax reduction of up to $1,000. How working holiday makers can claim it on their tax return.
Read more →Sole trader vs company in Australia: the right structure for working holiday makers
Most working holiday makers operate as sole traders, but understanding the difference between a sole trader and a company helps you choose the right business structure for your income and tax situation.
Read more →Personal Services Income (PSI) vs business income: ABN rules for working holiday makers
The ATO distinguishes between personal services income (PSI) and genuine business income. For working holiday makers with an ABN, getting this right affects what deductions you can claim and your tax return.
Read more →How to write a tax invoice with an ABN in Australia (legal requirements)
A tax invoice with an ABN must contain specific information to be legally valid in Australia. Required fields, GST rules, and a working holiday maker template you can copy.
Read more →ABN business expense deductions for working holiday makers in Australia
Working holiday makers earning income under an ABN can claim work-related business expenses to reduce taxable income. Full list of what qualifies, what does not, and record-keeping rules for sole traders.
Read more →Uber, DoorDash & rideshare for working holiday makers: ABN, GST and tax
Rideshare and food delivery work is treated as contracting in Australia. Working holiday makers need an ABN (and GST registration for rideshare). How tax works when no PAYG is withheld, and what to set aside.
Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do working holiday makers need to lodge a tax return?+
The Australian financial year ends on 30 June. You must lodge your tax return between 1 July and 31 October that year. If you lodge under the supervision of a registered tax agent, the deadline can be extended.
Do working holiday makers get a tax refund?+
Most working holiday makers receive a tax refund because their employer withheld more tax than was actually owed. The refund is paid to your Australian bank account, usually within two weeks of lodging.
Can you lodge an Australian tax return after leaving the country?+
Yes. You can lodge your tax return from anywhere in the world. We can manage the process remotely under the supervision of a registered tax agent. Keep your Australian bank account open until the refund is paid.
What can working holiday makers claim as deductions?+
Common deductions include work-related travel, tools, uniforms, work boots, sun protection for outdoor workers, phone use for work, and tax agent fees. Each deduction requires a record showing the expense and its connection to your work.