In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you really need to know about lodging tax returns as an international student — using the correct, up-to-date ATO rules. No fluff, just what matters. This is the ultimate guide on tax returns for Australia, and you can come back every year and refer to this to help you with your taxes.

Studying abroad is exciting – new friends, new routines, a new country. But it also comes with real responsibilities. One of them: lodging your tax return. In Australia, tax regulations are not always intuitive, especially when you’re an international student juggling part‑time work, scholarships, and visa rules.

Why You Need to Care About Tax Returns

You might think: “I barely work, I don’t make much. Do I even need to lodge a tax return?” The short answer: maybe yes, maybe no. It all depends on your income, tax withheld, and residency status.

But ignoring your tax obligations is risky. You could lose refunds, get into trouble with the ATO, or mess up your visa compliance. It’s better to understand this now and stay on top of it.

Are You a Tax Resident or Non‑Resident for Tax Purposes?

One of the trickiest parts, but also one of the most important, is determining your status for tax purposes. That status changes how much you pay, what you need to report, and whether you can use the tax‑free threshold.

Here’s what the ATO says:

  • If you are studying in Australia for at least six months (or in a course that lasts 6 months or more), you are likely considered an Australian resident for tax purposes.
  • As a resident for tax purposes, you can claim the tax‑free threshold (the first AUD 18,200 is tax‑free) and benefit from lower tax rates.
  • If your course is shorter than six months or you do not meet residency tests, you may be treated as a non-resident for tax. In that case, you cannot claim the tax-free threshold, and all your Australian income is taxed at non-resident rates (which tend to be higher).

So: before doing anything else, you need to figure out which side you’re on. If you don’t know, the ATO provides residency tests to guide you.

 

What Counts as Taxable Income, AKA What You Must Declare

Once you know your status, here’s what you generally need to include in your tax return:

Australian‑source income

  • Wages, salary, tips, allowances from part-time work or internships
  • Income from any business or freelance work done in Australia
  • Interest, dividends, rent (if you own property in Australia)
  • Any other money you earned while physically in Australia

Foreign income (sometimes)

If you’re a resident for tax, the ATO may require you to report your worldwide income, not just what you earned in Australia.
If you are a non-resident for tax, you generally only report income from Australian sources. 

Why does this matter? Because under certain circumstances, your country may have a double taxation agreement (DTA) with Australia, which could reduce your tax burden. But that’s a deeper subject, and something a tax agent can help you with.

When You Must Lodge a Tax Return or a Non-Lodgment Advice

You don’t always need to file a full return. Here’s how to decide:

You must lodge a tax return if:

  • You earned above the tax-free threshold (if you’re a tax resident) or earned any income (if non-resident)
  • You had tax withheld (PAYG withholding) from your pay
  • You had more than one job or business
  • You want to claim deductions or refunds

You don’t need to lodge a full return if:

  • Your income was below AUD 18,200 and no tax was withheld and you’re eligible for “non-lodgment” status (for tax residents)
  • In such cases, rather than lodge a return, you file a non-lodgment advice to the ATO. That tells them: “I earned below the threshold, I had no tax withheld, I don’t need to submit a full return.

If you fail to lodge or file properly, even when you’re supposed to, the ATO may impose penalties or interest. So play safe.

The Australian Tax Year, Key Dates & Deadlines

Australia’s financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

Here are the important dates you must know:

30 June: Tax year end

1 July: Tax return lodgement window opens

By 14 July (employers report to ATO): Employers issue payment summaries / income statements

31 October: Self-lodgers deadlines

Tip 1: You may get an extension past 31 October in case you are registered with a tax agent

Tip 2: Don’t rush to lodge on 1 July. It’s often better to wait until your employer’s final income statements are uploaded (mid‑July to early August) so your pre-filled return is accurate. 

Leaving Australia before end of financial year?
If you leave permanently before 30 June, you may qualify to lodge your tax return earlier (a “departure return”) if you won’t be deriving Australian income later. 

What Deductions & Offsets Can You Claim (If Eligible)?

Yes, you can reduce your taxable income, but only with valid, documented expenses. Don’t invent costs; stick to what the ATO allows.

Work‑related deductions

These are expenses you incur to earn your income, like:

  • Work uniforms (if specific and compulsory)
  • Tools, equipment, protective gear used for your job
  • Vehicle travel (if required for work; but heavy substantiation needed)
  • Phone / internet if used partly for work
  • Home office costs (if you legitimately work from home)

You need written evidence (receipts, invoices) and clear allocation between personal and work use.

Self‑education expenses

If studying helps you maintain or improve skills for your current job, some study costs might be deductible (tuition, textbooks, stationery, etc.). But note: many international students are studying before entering a job, so not all courses are eligible. The ATO is strict here.

Other deductions / offsets

  • Tax agent fees: If you use a registered tax agent, the cost may be deductible the following year.
  • Donations: To approved charities, if any
  • Low-income offsets / non-refundable tax offsets: If eligible
  • Medicare levy exemption: Many international students are not eligible for Medicare, but you may get a Medicare exemption statement to avoid paying the Medicare levy (2%) if you aren’t entitled to Medicare.

Important: You cannot claim non-work-related expenses (travel home, general living costs, rent) unless there’s a direct work connection.

How to Actually Lodge Your Return

Here’s your step-by-step:

  1. Get your Tax File Number (TFN) — mandatory for working and lodging tax.
  2. Register / log in to myGov and link the ATO services
  3. Wait until your income statements / pay data is uploaded (mid‑July)
  4. Go to myTax (through myGov) to complete your return — much is pre-filled by the ATO
  5. Enter any work‑related deductions and offsets you can justify
  6. Review carefully, confirm, and submit online
  7. Or, use a registered tax agent (especially if your situation is complex). This might give you an extension to lodge
  8. After lodging, ATO will send you a Notice of Assessment (NOA) showing your tax liability or refund

Tip: If you’re departing Australia and lodging a departure return, you might need to lodge a paper return. 

Need help?

  • The ATO’s Tax Help program is free for simple returns if your income is under AUD 70,000 and you don’t run a business.
  • Many universities run tax clinics or workshops for students.

Common Mistakes When Logding A Tax Return In Australia & What to Watch Out For

  • Lodging too early before all income statements are final — may require amendments later
  • Claiming deductions with little or no proof
  • Failing to check if you’re a tax resident vs a non-resident
  • Overlooking Medicare exemption (if you’re not eligible)
  • Missing the deadline or forgetting to file non-lodgment advice
  • Not lodging a departure return if leaving mid‑year

Quick FAQ

Q: If I earned under AUD 18,200 and had no tax withheld, do I need to lodge anything?
If you’re a tax resident, you can file a non-lodgment advice instead of a full return. If you’re a non-resident, you likely still need to lodge because you can’t claim the tax-free threshold.

Q: Will I get a refund?
Possibly — if tax was withheld and your total income is low, you may be owed a refund. Many students get some money back.

Q: Do I need to report income from my home country?
Only if you are considered a resident for tax purposes. If you’re a non-resident, you typically only report Australian income.

Q: Can I lodge after I leave Australia?
Yes — you can lodge from overseas. If you’ve left permanently, submit a departure return.

Next Steps

Taxes aren’t fun, but they’re a fact of student life in Australia. Getting them right is part of being a responsible migrant and avoiding headaches down the road.

Here’s what you should do next:

  • Determine your tax residency status
  • Gather your TFN, payslips, receipts, and income statements
  • Decide whether to lodge yourself or use an agent
  • Don’t miss the key deadlines

If this feels overwhelming, especially if your situation is complex, a tax agent is the answer.

This post was all about helping you understand how to lodge a tax return as an international student in Australia, figure out your tax residency status, know what tax deductions international students can claim, and avoid common ATO mistakes when lodging your return.

Important Disclaimer: While we are experts in migration and international education, and have shared general tips over the years to help clients navigate tax matters, we are not licensed tax agents or accountants. We strongly recommend that you consult a qualified tax professional to ensure compliance with Australian tax laws. This post is intended for informational purposes only.