Changes for Working holiday visa holders Tax

After much political negotiation, the Government’s proposed “Backpacker Tax” changes received Royal Assent, and has come to effect to all working holiday visa holders.

From 2017, any employers who employ people on Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa) or Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa), will need to make instant changes.

What are the changes?

• Employers need to register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to be able to withhold tax at the new “Backpacker Tax” rates being 15% on earnings up to A$37,000 and then ordinary marginal rates thereafter (they won’t be entitled to the tax-free threshold).
• Employers must report their earnings on separate payment summaries (for before and after 1 January 2017 earnings).
• If employers don’t know what Visa your employee is on, Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) is the best place to find out.

For all working holiday makers in Melbourne, if you worked and earned super, your super will be taxed at 65% when it is paid to you (upon departing Australia).

Contact us and stay informed:

Migration Agent