Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to the most common questions that international students have about claiming their tax and super. Got Questions?
Tax Back FAQs
The Australian Taxation Office (Aka, ATO) is an Australian Government agency and the main revenue collection body for the Australian Government. The ATO manages the Australian tax and superannuation laws and system.
The Australian Financial year starts on the 1st of July and ends on the 30th of June.
A tax file number (TFN) is a unique nine-digit number the ATO gives you individuals and organisations to help manage tax and other Australian Government systems. Once you have been issued a TFN it is with you for life.
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is an 11 digit number that you can apply for and receive from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Just like a TFN, this number is unique and identifies your business to the ATO. If you work in Australia as a sub-contractor (such as cleaning), you are required to obtain an ABN.
You are generally considered a resident for tax purposes if you live and work in the same place for 6 months. International students with a visa of 6 months or more are considered residents for tax purposes.
The answer is Yes!. The Australian Tax law requires everyone who has worked in Australia to lodge an income tax return, even if you are a temporary resident such as an international student.
You will need to have your tax file number, payment summary and a photo ID such as your passport to complete your tax return.
Simply fill out our form and then check your email address for our welcome email. There you will find a link to our secure online tax return application.
You can still visit us at our office, just let us know and we can book you in.
We keep our fees lower than the rest by providing you an online service starting at a low $95 (2025 EOF). We will always call you within 48 hours of your submission to confirm your application and answer any questions.
If your tax return requires extra work such as declaring your ABN then just add $35.
You can also choose to pay nothing upfront and have your fee deducted from your refund. Just add $15 and leave it up to us.
If there is anything else, we will tell you first before we lodge your application to make sure you are happy.
Your refund will be based on your total gross income and tax that you have paid during the year. We will also use your work related expenses and any other offsets when preparing your tax return.
Generally you can claim expenses for things that you have bought for work. There are various rules around what you can claim and what you cannot claim. Our registered tax agents can help you work out what you can claim. Contact us on hello@studenttaxbuddy.com with your questions
Click on this link to read about the types of deductions on the ATO page
We know you want your tax back fast which is why we will keep you informed at every stage of the process. You should expect a phone call and email within 48 hours of submitting your tax return to us to discuss your tax return and answer any questions. Then you will receive another confirmation upon completing your tax return which is generally 10 business days from the day your tax is lodged.
It normally takes from 14 to 28 business days but it is a Final/Early Tax Return, it can take up to 60 business days.
Super Refund FAQ
Superannuation is the Australian system to help you save money for retirement. Everyone who works in Australia is entitled to this benefit if they are employees. Your Employer must contribute at least 12% (since 01 July 2025) of your earnings and are paid on top of your pay into a super fund of your choice.
Australian residents cannot access their super until they reach a minimum age in retirement. As an International Student and a temporary resident, you can access your super when you leave Australia permanently. This means that you need to wait until you have left Australia and your Visa has expired.
You can claim back 65% of your super as International Student. The other 35% is taken away in tax and you cannot claim it back.
From 01 July 2017 , the new tax rate for Working Holiday Visa on Super Claim is 35%. This applies on visas 417 or 462.
It can take around 90 business days depending on the super fund you are with. This time frame is from the date in which we have received all your documents and they are correct.
Our Super refund fee is simple: $100 if you have under $1000 of super or 10% if it is over $1000.