Free PAYG Calculator: Tax Withheld From Your Pay (2026-27)
Use this PAYG calculator to estimate how much tax your employer should withhold from each pay, and what is left after PAYG withholding.
PAYG calculator table: tax withheld per fortnight (2026-27)
| Fortnightly gross | Tax withheld | Net pay |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $18.08 | $981.92 |
| $1,500 | $125.96 | $1,374.04 |
| $2,000 | $266.92 | $1,733.08 |
| $2,500 | $434.42 | $2,065.58 |
| $3,000 | $595.38 | $2,404.62 |
| $4,000 | $915.38 | $3,084.62 |
| $5,000 | $1,235.38 | $3,764.62 |
How employers work out PAYG
Your employer uses the tax file number declaration you filled in when you started: whether you are a resident, whether you claim the tax-free threshold, and whether you have a study loan. They then apply the ATO tax table for your pay cycle. If too much is withheld you get a refund at tax time; if too little, you pay the difference.
For the full rate table, see the income tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is PAYG withholding?
Pay as you go (PAYG) withholding is the tax your employer takes out of each pay and sends to the ATO for you. It is meant to cover your income tax and Medicare levy for the year, so you owe little or nothing when you lodge your return.
Should I claim the tax-free threshold?
Claim it from one employer only, usually your main job. If you claim it from two jobs, too little tax is withheld and you may get a tax bill at the end of the year.
Why does my withholding not match this PAYG calculator exactly?
Employers use the ATO weekly, fortnightly and monthly tax tables (Schedule 1), which round amounts and use formula coefficients. This PAYG calculator works out the full-year tax and spreads it evenly, which is what withholding aims for. The two usually differ by a few dollars a pay.
Is PAYG the same as income tax?
PAYG withholding is not a separate tax. It is the income tax (and Medicare levy) your employer takes out of each pay and sends to the ATO in advance. Your tax return then works out the exact tax for the year, which is why you may get a refund or a bill.
Sources
- ATO: Tax rates – Australian residents
- ATO: Medicare levy reduction for low-income earners
- ATO: Low income tax offset
- ATO: Medicare levy surcharge income thresholds and rates
- ATO: Study and training support loans – repayment thresholds and rates
- ATO: Super guarantee rate and maximum contribution base
- ATO: Contributions caps
- ATO: Tax rates – foreign residents
- ATO: Schedule 15 – working holiday makers