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Tax & You

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Tax is one topic that affects us all as Australians, and yet more often than not we try to spend as little time as possible thinking about it. Maybe it seems too complex, too involved, or even a bit dull – something to be considered once a year around tax return time. And yet by spending a little bit of time finding out how tax affects us as individuals, and which taxes we need to be aware of, we are more likely to get what we pay for – that is, getting from the system what we all put into it.

If you're new to Australian tax – perhaps you've just arrived or you're just about to start your first job – you should read The basics of tax, such as Tax File Numbers (TFNs); what are they and how to get one, as well as tax returns and bankruptcy.

Australians have certain rights and obligations when it comes to paying tax. The rate of tax paid depends on whether the taxpayer is a resident or non-resident of Australia – find out what resident or non-resident means. If you are working and trying to figure out how much tax you will be paying, read 'How much tax do I need to pay?'

Sometimes, the Tax Office makes a mistake, and sometimes ... the taxpayer does. Find out what happens in damages and compensation.

How your employment is defined also has in impact on your tax. Salary and wage earners can find out more about their employment here, and if you're a contractor or self-employed, you can find out more about your employment type, here.

Students interested in discovering more about tertiary education loans can do so by reading Student Loans. If you are under 18 years of age, find out about the different rates of tax you pay as a minor, as well as how the Tax Office treats your savings.

Pensioners can find out about the Government support measures in place for them by reading 'Pensioners, retiring and the next big step'.

Find out more about working towards a self-funded retirement, and how the government is encouraging taxpayers to consider their future, in Financial independence with self-funded retirement.

Australia's tax landscape is littered with acronyms – the most common of these are PAYG, GST, CGT and FBT. Find out what these mean and how they work, here.

Use the menu on the left to navigate through our tax content.

Last reviewed 26/07/2012

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