Tax basics when you start work

Payslip, a simple card, and a receipt folder on the phone.

TFN, withholding, payslips, and a receipt folder. First-job tax without the fog.

Starting work means tax shows up on the payslip. That’s normal. You don’t need to become an accountant this month.

TFN and withholding

Your tax file number tells the ATO who you are. Your employer withholds an estimate as you go (What even is PAYG?). The end-of-year return (when you do one) sorts whether that was close. How to do your first tax return. The chill version: What even is a TFN?.

If you don’t give a TFN, withholding can be ugly for residents that’s generally 47% until it’s in. That’s a form, not a personality test. ATO explains how to apply.

Australian residents can usually claim the tax-free threshold (first $18,200 of taxable income, 2026–27) with one main job. The chill version: What even is the tax-free threshold?. The income-tax rates on ato.gov.au don’t include the Medicare levy (generally 2%). If this page and the ATO disagree, the ATO wins.

Read the payslip once

Gross, before tax.
Tax withheld. The cut.
Super, if it’s listed separately.
Net. What landed.

The two-minute version: How do I even read my first payslip?. One phone folder for receipts and year-end summaries is enough infrastructure. Photos count.

Educational only. ATO publications and a registered tax agent are the real guides for your situation.