Starting work in Australia: a checklist for your TFN, super, pay, leave and tax
Before your first job in Australia, apply for a tax file number (TFN), set up myGov and give your bank your TFN. When you start, fill in the TFN declaration, choose a super fund, and check that your pay follows the right award and that you get payslips on time. Know your leave entitlements, and know that the Fair Work Ombudsman helps with unpaid wages and unfair dismissal. Lodge a tax return every July. If you freelance or drive for a ride-share app, get an ABN first. Each step links to a verified guide and the official source.
What do I need before I start?
Apply for a tax file number (TFN)
Apply for a tax file number first: you need it to earn income in Australia, and without one your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate.
- Application fee: Free. You do not need to post any documents when you apply online.↗
- How long it takes: Within 28 days of the ATO receiving your complete application, the ATO posts a TFN notification letter to the Australian postal address you gave in the application.↗
- If you do not have a TFN: Your employer or financial institution must withhold more tax from money paid to you. You cannot claim government payments such as JobSeeker, lodge your tax return online or apply for an ABN.↗
Create a myGov account and link the ATO, Medicare and Centrelink
Create a myGov account and link the ATO: this is where you check your TFN, lodge your tax return and see your super.
- Services you can link: Including the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support, My Health Record, NDIS, Workforce Australia and the Unique Student Identifier (USI).↗
- What you can do once the ATO is linked: Update your personal and employment details, view your tax records, lodge and pay tax, view and manage your super, and check your study loan balance.↗
Opening a bank account in Australia
Open a local bank account for your pay, and give the bank your TFN.
- One photo ID may be enough: In some cases one photo ID (such as a driver licence) is enough, as long as it shows your full name, address and date of birth. A digital driver licence is also accepted.↗
- If you do not give the bank your TFN: The bank withholds tax from your interest at the highest marginal tax rate. You can claim the withheld tax back when you lodge your tax return.↗
How are my pay and super worked out?
Minimum wage, casual loading and pay slips
Most industries have an award that sets minimum pay above the national minimum wage. Casuals get no paid leave but a loading on top, and your employer must give you payslips.
- National Minimum Wage: A$26.44 an hour or A$1,004.90 a week (before tax) from 1 July 2026. It only applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement↗
- Most people are paid under an award: For most employees, the minimum wage is set by the award for their industry or occupation, and it can be higher than the National Minimum Wage. Use the Pay and Conditions Tool to check the hourly rate, penalty rates and allowances in your award↗
- Casual loading: Casual employees on the National Minimum Wage get an extra 25% casual loading. Casual employees covered by an award get the loading set in that award↗
- Pay slips: Your employer must give you a pay slip within 1 working day of payday, including while you are on leave. It can be electronic or paper↗
- How often you must be paid: Most awards or agreements say weekly, fortnightly or monthly. If nothing is set, you must be paid at least once a month↗
Superannuation (super): employer contributions, choosing a fund and DASP
Your employer must pay super on top of your wages, including for temporary visa holders. You can choose your own fund when you start.
- Minimum employer contribution (super guarantee): 12% of your wages. The rate applies from 1 July 2025 and is still 12% in 2026–27.↗
- Who is eligible: Generally all employees, whether full-time, part-time or casual, including temporary residents (such as backpackers and working holiday makers). If you are under 18, you are only eligible for weeks in which you work more than 30 hours.↗
- Choosing a fund: If you are entitled to choose a fund, your employer must give you a Superannuation standard choice form (or let you complete it online). If you do not choose, contributions go to your existing stapled super fund. Only if you have no stapled fund do they go to the employer's default MySuper fund.↗
What leave do I get?
Leave entitlements: annual, sick, public holidays and parental leave
Full-time and part-time employees get paid annual leave, sick leave and public holidays; casuals do not get paid leave.
- Paid annual leave: Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks a year based on their ordinary hours (pro rata for part-time). It builds up from your first day, including during probation, and unused leave carries over to the next year. Casual employees do not get it↗
- Paid sick and carer's leave: Full-time employees get 10 days a year, part-time pro rata. Unused leave carries over to the next year. You can also use it to care for an immediate family member or household member who is sick, injured or has an unexpected emergency↗
- Public holidays: Public holidays differ by state and territory. All employees have the right not to work on a public holiday. An employer can make a reasonable request for you to work, and you can refuse if you have reasonable grounds↗
- What casuals get and do not get: Casual employees get casual loading or a specific casual pay rate. They do not get most paid leave, notice of termination or redundancy pay, even after a long period of regular work. Casuals who meet the conditions can ask to become permanent through the employee choice pathway↗
What if I am underpaid or dismissed?
Fixing workplace problems: unpaid wages, dismissal and exploitation
Ask your employer in writing first, then contact the Fair Work Ombudsman. For unfair dismissal, apply to the Fair Work Commission within the time limit. Visa holders have the same protection.
- Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94. If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 first and ask to be connected. You can also report a problem anonymously or ask a question using the online form↗
- Time limit for recovering unpaid wages: A small claim must be lodged within 6 years of the breach↗
- Time limit for unfair dismissal: Apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal. The Fair Work Ombudsman does not investigate unfair dismissal complaints↗
- Visa protection: The Fair Work website says visa holders who ask the Fair Work Ombudsman for help will not get into trouble or have their visa cancelled. Your employer cannot cancel your visa; only the Department of Home Affairs can↗
Do I need to lodge a tax return?
Lodging your tax return: income year, due dates, tax rates and the Medicare levy
After the financial year ends you lodge a tax return. Doing it yourself in myTax has a deadline; tax residents get a tax-free threshold and pay the Medicare levy.
What if I freelance or drive for a ride-share app?
Starting a small business: ABN, GST registration and tax invoices
Running your own business starts with a free ABN. Ride-share drivers must register for GST whatever they earn. An employer cannot make an employee get an ABN.
- ABN application fee: Free. Apply online through the Australian Government's Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au)↗
- Employees cannot use an ABN: Work you do as an employee (including as an apprentice, trade assistant or labourer) cannot be done under an ABN, even if you or your employer calls it 'contracting'. An employer should not make getting an ABN a condition of hiring you↗
- Ride-share drivers must register for GST: Ride-sourcing counts as a taxi service under GST law. Whatever you earn, you must have an ABN and register for GST before your first trip. If you already have an ABN but are not registered for GST, register within 21 days of starting to drive. You can only choose monthly or quarterly reporting↗
- GST registration threshold: You must register when your GST turnover (total income excluding GST, not profit) reaches A$75,000 or more (A$150,000 for non-profit organisations). A new business that expects to reach the threshold in its first year must also register. You must register within 21 days of reaching the threshold↗
Common questions
What do I need before I start work in Australia?
Apply for a tax file number, create a myGov account linked to the ATO, and open a bank account and give it your TFN. Application fee: Free. You do not need to post any documents when you apply online. How long it takes: Within 28 days of the ATO receiving your complete application, the ATO posts a TFN notification letter to the Australian postal address you gave in the application. If you do not give the bank your TFN: The bank withholds tax from your interest at the highest marginal tax rate. You can claim the withheld tax back when you lodge your tax return.
What is the minimum wage in Australia, and how are casuals paid?
There is a national minimum wage, but most people are paid under an award, and casuals get a loading on top. National Minimum Wage: A$26.44 an hour or A$1,004.90 a week (before tax) from 1 July 2026. It only applies to employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. Most people are paid under an award: For most employees, the minimum wage is set by the award for their industry or occupation, and it can be higher than the National Minimum Wage. Use the Pay and Conditions Tool to check the hourly rate, penalty rates and allowances in your award. Casual loading: Casual employees on the National Minimum Wage get an extra 25% casual loading. Casual employees covered by an award get the loading set in that award.
How much super must my employer pay, and do temporary visa holders get it?
Your employer must pay a percentage on top of your wages, and temporary visa holders are included. Minimum employer contribution (super guarantee): 12% of your wages. The rate applies from 1 July 2025 and is still 12% in 2026–27. Who is eligible: Generally all employees, whether full-time, part-time or casual, including temporary residents (such as backpackers and working holiday makers). If you are under 18, you are only eligible for weeks in which you work more than 30 hours.
How much annual leave and sick leave do I get?
Full-time employees get paid annual and sick leave, part-timers pro rata, and casuals none. Paid annual leave: Full-time and part-time employees get 4 weeks a year based on their ordinary hours (pro rata for part-time). It builds up from your first day, including during probation, and unused leave carries over to the next year. Casual employees do not get it. Paid sick and carer's leave: Full-time employees get 10 days a year, part-time pro rata. Unused leave carries over to the next year. You can also use it to care for an immediate family member or household member who is sick, injured or has an unexpected emergency. What casuals get and do not get: Casual employees get casual loading or a specific casual pay rate. They do not get most paid leave, notice of termination or redundancy pay, even after a long period of regular work. Casuals who meet the conditions can ask to become permanent through the employee choice pathway.
My employer owes me wages or dismissed me suddenly. Where do I complain?
For unpaid wages contact the Fair Work Ombudsman; for unfair dismissal apply to the Fair Work Commission within the time limit. Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94. If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 first and ask to be connected. You can also report a problem anonymously or ask a question using the online form. Time limit for unfair dismissal: Apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal. The Fair Work Ombudsman does not investigate unfair dismissal complaints. Visa protection: The Fair Work website says visa holders who ask the Fair Work Ombudsman for help will not get into trouble or have their visa cancelled. Your employer cannot cancel your visa; only the Department of Home Affairs can.
When do I lodge my tax return in Australia?
You lodge after the financial year ends; doing it yourself has a deadline, and a registered tax agent can lodge later. Income year: 1 July to 30 June the following year. Due date if you lodge yourself: 31 October. Due date with a registered tax agent: Most registered tax agents have a special lodgment programme that lets them lodge for clients after 31 October. If you are using an agent for the first time, or changing agents, contact them before 31 October.
My boss wants me to get an ABN and work as a contractor. Is that allowed?
Work done as an employee cannot be done on an ABN, and an employer should not make an ABN a condition of the job. Employees cannot use an ABN: Work you do as an employee (including as an apprentice, trade assistant or labourer) cannot be done under an ABN, even if you or your employer calls it 'contracting'. An employer should not make getting an ABN a condition of hiring you. ABN application fee: Free. Apply online through the Australian Government's Australian Business Register (abr.gov.au).
Answers are based on the verified content of this page — the official source always prevails.
Which guides and official sources is this based on?
A tax file number (TFN) is your personal reference number in Australia's tax and superannuation (super) systems. It is usually 9 digits and stays the same for life. You need it to work, open a bank account and claim government payments in Australia, and applying is free. If you hold a foreign passport, are already in Australia and have a valid visa with work rights, you can apply online on the ATO website and usually receive your TFN by post within 28 days.
myGov is the Australian Government's online gateway to its services. With one account you can link the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Medicare, Centrelink and other agencies, receive government letters, lodge your tax return and check Medicare claims. All you need to create an account is a personal email address. When you link each agency, you prove your identity by answering questions about information that agency holds about you. myID is a different thing: it is the government's Digital ID app, which you can use to sign in to myGov more securely.
In Australia, wages and government payments almost always go straight into a bank account, so open a local account soon after you arrive. Under anti-money laundering law, banks must verify your identity; if you have just arrived, your passport is usually enough. Once you have your TFN, tell your bank, or tax will be withheld from your interest at the highest rate. This page explains the general rules only and does not recommend any bank.
Every employee in Australia is protected by a minimum wage. From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 an hour or A$1,004.90 a week (before tax). But most jobs are covered by an award, which usually sets a higher rate, so check your rate with the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool. Casual employees do not get paid leave but must receive casual loading on top of their pay. Your employer must give you a pay slip within 1 working day of payday. Employees on temporary visas have the same pay protections as everyone else.
Super (superannuation) is Australia's compulsory retirement saving. If you are an eligible employee, your employer must pay 12% of your wages into your super fund, and this applies to temporary visa holders too. You generally cannot take the money out until you retire at 60 or reach 65. If you are a temporary resident, you can apply for a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) after you leave Australia and your visa ends, but tax is deducted. This page does not recommend any fund.
The National Employment Standards (NES) set the minimum leave for every employee in Australia. Full-time employees get 4 weeks of paid annual leave a year, 10 days of paid sick and carer's leave, 2 days of compassionate leave each time it is needed, and 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave a year. After 12 months of continuous service you can take up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. Part-time employees get these pro rata. Casual employees get no paid annual or sick leave but receive casual loading instead. Public holidays and long service leave are set by each state and territory.
If you are owed wages, underpaid, dismissed without good reason or exploited at work, first check the rules and collect evidence, then raise the problem with your employer and put it in writing. If that does not work, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (Fair Work Infoline 13 13 94; for an interpreter call 131 450 first) or take a small claim to court yourself for unpaid wages of up to A$100,000. If you were unfairly dismissed, you must apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days. Visa holders have the same protections, and asking Fair Work for help will not get your visa cancelled.
Australia's income year runs from 1 July to 30 June. If you earned income and had tax withheld, you generally need to lodge a tax return with the ATO after the income year ends. If you lodge it yourself with myTax, the due date is 31 October; a registered tax agent can lodge later. The ATO then works out whether you get a refund or owe tax. Australian residents for tax purposes have a tax-free threshold of A$18,200 and also pay the 2% Medicare levy; foreign residents and working holiday makers pay different rates.
If you run your own business in Australia, take on freelance work or earn money through a platform (ride-share, food delivery and so on), you usually need an ABN (Australian Business Number) first. Applying for an ABN at abr.gov.au is free; many of the 'ABN websites' that charge a fee are scams. GST is 10%. You must register for GST once your turnover reaches A$75,000 a year, and ride-share drivers must register before their first trip whatever they earn. Once registered, you lodge a BAS on time, and the invoices you give customers must meet the tax invoice requirements.
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The AI answers using this guide and official Australian government websites.