Starting work

Make the most of your pay packet

Starting work can be an exciting and busy time. It's a good time to consider any questions you might have about your pay, superannuation and  general financial wellbeing.

When you start work, don't just rely on your employer to get your entitlements right. Here are some things you should do when you start work for the first time.

• Get a tax file number
• Check your payslip
• Check your superannuation
• Put your pay away and plan for new expenses
• Think about income protection

Get a tax file number

When you start a job you must give your employer your tax file number (TFN) and your bank account details. You must do this so your employer can pay you.

Your employer will ask you to fill out a tax file number declaration form, because if employer doesn't have your TFN, your wages will be taxed at the top tax rate of 47%! 

If you need a TFN, contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about applying for a tax file number.

For Australian residents you are now able to apply for a TFN online. You can find more information on the ATO's webpage Australian residents - TFN application. 

Who pays tax?

All Australian residents have to pay tax on the money they earn. The ATO collects the tax and the government uses the money to provide services like healthcare, schools and roads.

Do I have to pay tax?

You won't be taxed on the first $18,200 you earn in a financial year (1 July to 30 June) because this is the 'tax-free threshold'. Any payments you receive above that amount, including from Centrelink or your employer, will be taxed.

Your employer will send you a payment summary (this used to be called a 'group certificate') after the end of the financial year (30 June). It shows how much you earned and how much tax you paid in that year.

By submitting a tax return, you will get a 'tax refund' or money back if you paid more tax than you should have or if you can claim any tax deductions. For example, if you earned less than $18,200 and were still taxed, you can put in a tax return to get your money back. For more information, see income tax.

Work out how much tax you should be paying.

Income tax calculator

When do I have to submit a tax return?

If any tax was taken from your pay, or you earned more than $18,200 in a financial year, you must put in a tax return to the ATO by 31 October, otherwise you may face a penalty. Find out about submitting a tax return on the ATO website.

Find out what to do if you get a tax refund on our getting a windfall page.

Receiving Centrelink payments or have more than one job?

If you work part-time and receive Centrelink payments, or have more than one job, you must state from where you will claim your $18,200 tax-free threshold for that financial year. You will have to choose who you claim the threshold from whenever you start a new job and fill out the TFN declaration form.

You can only claim the tax-free threshold from one employer or one payer e.g. Centrelink, at a time. Read about how to claim the tax-free threshold.

Do I have to pay tax if I am under 18?

The same tax rules apply: once you earn over $18,200 in a financial year, you must submit a tax return.

The ATO has special guidelines for the income of individuals under the age of 18, so you might be taxed at a higher rate for any more than $416 that is given to you from sources other than salary or wages. The ATO does this to protect young people from being used by their relatives to avoid tax.

Check your payslip

It's important to check your payslip to see you are getting the right pay. Employers can make mistakes. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman to see if you are receiving what you deserve under your 'award', or the legal contract about your conditions of employment. You can check pay rates, leave entitlements and allowances for tools or uniforms. It also provides information on how to resolve disputes with your employer.

Check your superannuation 

Superannuation is a way of saving for your retirement. But how much is enough? Current research estimates the average single Australian will need $500,000 for a comfortable retirement at 65.

If you are over 18 and get paid more than $450 per month, then your employer must pay money into your super fund. These employer contributions will be made regardless of any extra super you add yourself. Check your payslip to make sure you are getting the right amount or use the ATO's employee superannuation guarantee calculator and how much super you should get. If you have a casual job, check out our article on super for casual workers.

Check if you are getting the right amount of super per month from your employer.

Employer contributions calculator

You usually have the freedom to choose the super fund your contributions are paid into. When you join a super fund, make sure they have your tax file number so you don't pay unnecessary tax or miss out on other benefits.

If you have more than one super fund account, you will be paying administration charges and dealing with paperwork for each fund. The extra charges can eat away at your super. Think about consolidating super funds, that is, bringing all your super together into one fund to avoid duplicated fees, and so that you don't lose track of your different funds.

You can find lost super, check your active accounts and consolidate funds by creating a myGov account and then linking it to the ATO. For more information take a look at the ATO's webpage on how to check your super.

Insurance through super

Check what insurance through super is arranged by your super fund (such as life and disability insurance). You will pay insurance premiums from your super account, so it's important you know about the level of cover you have and if it meets your needs.

Put your pay away and plan for new expenses

If your pay is just going into your ordinary transaction account, you could be missing out on earning better interest. Consider putting some of your salary into a separate online savings account with a high interest rate and low fees.

Once you're earning, it's easier to save and plan for big purchases.

Try to keep your bank balance healthy by setting some goals and sticking to your budget.

Savings goals calculator

There may be new expenses to budget for when you start work. These may include travel, work clothes, food , and other work related expenses.

Consider work costs and adjust your budget so you can factor them into your spending.

Budget planner

Think about income protection

If you have people who depend on you financially, or have financial commitments that depend on you earning an income, you should consider getting income protection insurance. For example, if you cannot work due to sickness or an accident, the money you get from income protection insurance will help you pay for food and bills.

Make the most of your pay packet: check you're getting the right super and paying the right tax. Set some goals and make your money work for you.

Related links

• First job - for under 25s
• Know your value: Online pay and contract negotiation checklist for Women
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• NSW Industrial Relations: Young people at work
• JobAccess - employment help for people with a disability

Last updated: 18 Oct 2017