HELP debt repayment calculator 2026–27
You repay 15c for each $1 of repayment income above $69,528. On a $90,000 salary that is $2,920.80 in 2026–27 ($112.34 a fortnight), down from $3,450.00 in 2025–26.
Repayment thresholds
| Year | Nothing to repay | First band | Second band | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026–27 | $69,528 or less | 15c per $1 over $69,528 | $9,028 + 17c per $1 over $129,717 | 10% of all income from $186,051 |
| 2025–26 | $67,000 or less | 15c per $1 over $67,000 | $8,700 + 17c per $1 over $125,000 | 10% of all income from $179,286 |
The same rates apply to HELP, VET Student Loans, SFSS, Student Start-up Loans, ABSTUDY SSL and Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans. From 2025–26, repayments are worked out with marginal rates: only the income above each threshold is charged. Before that, one percentage applied to your whole income, so a $1 pay rise could add hundreds of dollars to the repayment.
Repayments by salary
| Salary | 2025–26 | 2026–27 | Change | 2026–27 a fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | — | $0.00 |
| $70,000 | $450.00 | $0.00 | −$450.00 | $0.00 |
| $80,000 | $1,950.00 | $1,420.80 | −$529.20 | $54.65 |
| $90,000 | $3,450.00 | $2,920.80 | −$529.20 | $112.34 |
| $100,000 | $4,950.00 | $4,420.80 | −$529.20 | $170.03 |
| $120,000 | $7,950.00 | $7,420.80 | −$529.20 | $285.42 |
| $150,000 | $12,950.00 | $12,306.11 | −$643.89 | $473.31 |
| $200,000 | $20,000.00 | $19,900.00 | −$100.00 | $765.38 |
What counts as repayment income
- Taxable income (salary less deductions, including the standard deduction from 2026–27)
- Reportable fringe benefits from your income statement
- Total net investment losses, such as negative gearing on a rental property
- Reportable super contributions, which include salary sacrifice (but not your employer's 12% super guarantee)
- Exempt foreign employment income
Because salary sacrifice is added back, it does not reduce your HELP repayment, even though it lowers your income tax. We assume the $1,000 standard deduction lowers repayment income because it lowers taxable income; the ATO has not spelled this out yet.
Worked example
The ATO's own example: repayment income of $137,064 is in the second band, so the repayment is $9,028 plus 17c on the $7,347 above $129,717, which is $10,276.99. The ATO table shows the band base as $9,028, rounded down from the exact $9,028.35, and this calculator uses the published figure.
How it comes out of your pay
When you tell your employer about a study loan on your tax file number declaration, they withhold an extra amount from each pay. On $90,000 paid fortnightly that is $118 a fortnight, $3,068 over the year. Your tax return then works out the exact repayment ($2,920.80), and any difference is added to your refund or bill. Your loan balance goes down by the assessed amount.
FAQ
When do I start repaying HELP in 2026–27?
When your repayment income is over $69,528 (it was $67,000 in 2025–26). Below that nothing is due, even if your employer withheld something during the year; it comes back in your tax return.
Does salary sacrifice reduce my HELP repayment?
No. Salary sacrificed super is a reportable super contribution and is added back to repayment income, so the repayment stays the same.
How much HELP will I repay on $100,000?
$4,420.80 in 2026–27, about $170.03 a fortnight. In 2025–26 it was $4,950.00.
Is the repayment worked out on income before or after tax?
Before tax. Repayment income starts from taxable income, then adds fringe benefits, net investment losses and reportable super contributions. Above $186,050 it is 10% of the whole amount.