* Fields highlighted in red are mandatory.
Loan Repayment
$0
Based on your current taxable income $0, Net Investment Loss $0, Reportable Fringe Benefit $0, Reportable Super Contribution $0, Exempt Foreign Employment Income $0 your estimated Loan Repayment $0.
The HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator is a tool designed to help you estimate your loan repayment based on various financial factors. Follow the steps below to utilize the calculator effectively:
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Taxable Income — Enter your total taxable income, which includes income from wages, salaries, or any other sources subject to taxation.
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Net Investment Loss — Input any net investment losses you may have incurred. This refers to losses from investments after accounting for gains and associated costs.
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Reportable Fringe Benefit — If applicable, enter any reportable fringe benefits received, such as non-cash benefits provided by your employer.
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Reportable Super Contribution — Include any reportable super contributions made throughout the tax year.
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Exempt Foreign Employment Income — If you have any exempt foreign employment income, enter the total amount here.
Click on the "Calculate" button to estimate your loan repayment based on the provided financial information.
| Repayment income (RI) | Repayment rate |
|---|---|
| Below $51,550 | Nil |
| $51,550 - $59,518 | 1.00% |
| $59,519 - $63,089 | 2.00% |
| $63,090 - $66,875 | 2.50% |
| $66,876 - $70,888 | 3.00% |
| $70,889 - $75,140 | 3.50% |
| $75,141 - $79,649 | 4.00% |
| $79,650 - $84,429 | 4.50% |
| $84,430 - $89,494 | 5.00% |
| $89,495 - $94,865 | 5.50% |
| $94,866 - $100,557 | 6.00% |
| $100,558 - $106,590 | 6.50% |
| $106,591 - $112,985 | 7.00% |
| $112,986 - $119,764 | 7.50% |
| $119,765 - $126,950 | 8.00% |
| $126,951 - $134,568 | 8.50% |
| $134,569 - $142,642 | 9.00% |
| $142,643 - $151,200 | 9.50% |
| $151,201 and above | 10% |
This tool is designed to assist in calculating your total taxable income after factoring in various sources of income and deductible expenses. However, it should not be considered a comprehensive assessment of your total income tax obligations. The calculator is tailored exclusively for Australian resident taxpayers. If you have complex financial situations or are uncertain about certain aspects of your taxes, it is recommended to consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant for personalized advice and verification of your calculations. Should you require further assistance, please consider reaching out to Investax for a professional assessment of your calculation.
HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator 2024–25
Managing a HECS-HELP debt is a key part of personal tax planning, especially if income changes during the year. For Australians with a study or training loan, compulsory repayments are worked out through the tax system when a tax return is lodged.
The Investax HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator 2024–25 helps estimate compulsory study loan repayments for the 2024–25 financial year. It takes into account taxable income, net investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income to work out repayment income and the possible repayment amount.
For the 2024–25 income year, the minimum repayment income threshold is $54,435. If repayment income is below this amount, no compulsory repayment is required. If repayment income is above the threshold, a repayment rate between 1% and 10% applies, depending on total repayment income.
This calculator gives an estimate only. The Australian Taxation Office will calculate the final compulsory repayment when the tax return is assessed. For the current repayment year, see the HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator Australia.
What Is a HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator?
A HECS-HELP repayment calculator estimates the compulsory repayment that may need to be made on a study or training loan based on repayment income. It is helpful for understanding how a HELP debt could affect a tax refund, tax bill or year-end cash flow.
The calculator may be relevant for debts such as:
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
- VET Student Loans
- SA-HELP
- OS-HELP
- STARTUP-HELP
- Student Start-up Loans
- Student Financial Supplement Scheme debts
- Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans
StudyAssist explains that HELP debts are repaid through the tax system and the ATO manages HELP debt repayments. A compulsory repayment applies when annual income is above the relevant repayment threshold.
How the 2024 HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator Works
The calculator works out compulsory repayment by calculating repayment income and applying the 2024–25 repayment threshold and rate.
To use the calculator, enter these details:
1. Taxable Income
Enter taxable income for the 2024–25 financial year. Taxable income may include salary and wages, business income, rental income, trust distributions, investment income and taxable capital gains after allowable deductions.
2. Net Investment Loss
Enter any net investment loss, such as net rental property losses or net financial investment losses. These losses can lower taxable income, but they are added back when working out repayment income.
3. Reportable Fringe Benefits
Enter any reportable fringe benefits listed on the income statement or payment summary. Salary-packaged benefits can affect repayment income, even if they reduce taxable income.
4. Reportable Super Contributions
Enter reportable super contributions. These may include salary sacrifice super contributions and certain personal deductible super contributions.
5. Exempt Foreign Employment Income
Enter any exempt foreign employment income if it applies. This income may be included in repayment income for study loan purposes.
6. Calculate the Estimated Repayment
Once the details are entered, the calculator estimates repayment income and applies the 2024–25 repayment rate. Use this result as a planning estimate only.
What Is Repayment Income?
Repayment income is different from taxable income. The Department of Education explains that repayment income is the total of taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, total net investment loss, reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income.
This means a compulsory HELP repayment may apply even if taxable income seems lower than expected. Repayment income may include:
- Taxable income
- Reportable fringe benefits
- Total net investment loss
- Reportable super contributions
- Exempt foreign employment income
That is why the calculator asks for more than just taxable income.
2024–25 HECS-HELP Repayment Thresholds and Rates
For the 2024–25 income year, the ATO repayment table starts at $54,435. The repayment rate is applied to total repayment income under the 2024–25 system.
| 2024–25 Repayment Income | Repayment Rate |
|---|---|
| Below $54,435 | Nil |
| $54,435 – $62,850 | 1.0% |
| $62,851 – $66,620 | 2.0% |
| $66,621 – $70,618 | 2.5% |
| $70,619 – $74,855 | 3.0% |
| $74,856 – $79,346 | 3.5% |
| $79,347 – $84,107 | 4.0% |
| $84,108 – $89,154 | 4.5% |
| $89,155 – $94,503 | 5.0% |
| $94,504 – $100,174 | 5.5% |
| $100,175 – $106,185 | 6.0% |
| $106,186 – $112,556 | 6.5% |
| $112,557 – $119,309 | 7.0% |
| $119,310 – $126,467 | 7.5% |
| $126,468 – $134,056 | 8.0% |
| $134,057 – $142,100 | 8.5% |
| $142,101 – $150,626 | 9.0% |
| $150,627 – $159,663 | 9.5% |
| $159,664 and above | 10.0% |
For official guidance, visit the ATO study and training loan repayment thresholds and rates.
Why Use a HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator for 2024?
A HECS-HELP repayment calculator for 2024 can help estimate whether a compulsory repayment applies for the 2024–25 financial year. This is useful when preparing a late tax return, reviewing an ATO notice of assessment or checking why a refund was lower than expected.
Using the calculator can help:
- Estimate 2024–25 compulsory HELP repayments
- Check whether repayment income exceeded $54,435
- Understand how investment losses affect repayment income
- Review the effect of salary packaging
- Estimate the impact of reportable super contributions
- Plan for any tax payable before lodging
- Understand why PAYG withholding might not match the final result
- Prepare for a tax discussion with an accountant
For tax return support, Investax provides income tax compliance services.
HECS-HELP Repayments and Tax Returns
Compulsory HELP repayments are calculated when the tax return is lodged. PAYG amounts withheld by an employer are not applied to a HELP debt straight away during the year.
StudyAssist explains that PAYG deductions are only applied to the HELP debt once the tax return is lodged and the ATO calculates the compulsory repayment. If the employer withheld too much, the excess may be returned as part of the tax outcome. If too little was withheld, a gap amount may be payable.
This is why a smaller refund or tax bill may occur after lodging a return where a HELP debt exists.
Compulsory Repayments vs Voluntary Repayments
There are two main repayment types.
Compulsory Repayments
Compulsory repayments are calculated by the ATO through the tax return system when repayment income exceeds the relevant threshold.
Voluntary Repayments
Voluntary repayments can be made at any time to reduce the HELP debt. However, voluntary repayments are separate from compulsory repayments. StudyAssist states that voluntary repayments do not count towards or reduce any compulsory repayment required for that year.
This is a common mistake. A voluntary repayment may be made, but a compulsory repayment may still be calculated when the tax return is lodged.
Salary Packaging and HECS-HELP Repayments
Salary packaging can sometimes reduce taxable income, but it may not lower repayment income in the same way. Reportable fringe benefits can be added back when working out repayment income.
This can affect taxpayers who use:
- Novated leases
- Salary-packaged living expenses
- Meal entertainment benefits
- Employer-provided benefits
- Salary sacrifice arrangements
- Reportable fringe benefit arrangements
A lower taxable income can still result in a higher repayment income for HELP purposes.
Reportable Super Contributions and HELP Repayments
Reportable super contributions can also affect repayment income. Salary sacrifice super contributions and some personal deductible super contributions are added back when working out repayment income.
This is important if extra super contributions were made before 30 June 2025. These contributions may reduce income tax, but they can still be counted for HELP repayment income. For broader EOFY planning, Investax provides year-end tax planning resources.
Net Investment Losses and HELP Repayments
Net investment losses are added back when working out repayment income. This includes net rental property losses and some financial investment losses, which can surprise property investors.
For example, taxable income may sit below the HELP threshold after claiming rental property deductions. However, when the net rental loss is added back, repayment income may exceed the threshold and create a compulsory repayment.
This may affect taxpayers with:
- Negatively geared rental property
- Investment loan interest
- Margin loan interest
- Share portfolio borrowing costs
- Rental property deductions
- Net financial investment losses
For property-focused advice, Investax provides investment property tax advice.
HECS-HELP and Capital Gains in 2024–25
Capital gains can increase both taxable income and repayment income. If an investment property, shares, ETFs, cryptocurrency or another asset was sold during 2024–25, the taxable capital gain may have increased the compulsory HELP repayment.
This may be relevant for:
- Investment property sales
- Share portfolio sales
- ETF and managed fund disposals
- Cryptocurrency sales or swaps
- Trust capital gains distributions
- Business asset sales
Before lodging a 2024–25 tax return, review both income tax and repayment income if a HELP debt exists.
Helpful Investax calculators include:
- Capital Gains Tax Calculator
- Capital Gains Tax Calculator for Shares
- Capital Gains Tax Calculator for Crypto
HECS-HELP and Rental Property Investors
If rental property is involved, care is needed when estimating HELP repayments. Negative gearing does not always reduce repayment income in the same way it reduces taxable income.
Rental property investors should review:
- Rental income
- Loan interest
- Repairs and maintenance
- Council rates
- Strata levies
- Property management fees
- Depreciation and capital works
- Net rental loss
- Taxable income
- Repayment income
For rental property tax support, Investax provides property tax specialist services.
HECS-HELP and Business Owners
Business owners, contractors and sole traders can have variable income, which can make HELP repayment planning harder. Income might rise late in the year, or deductions may not reduce repayment income as much as expected.
Business owners should consider:
- Business profit
- Personal taxable income
- Trust distributions
- Director wages
- Dividends
- Reportable super contributions
- Business deductions
- Capital gains
- PAYG instalments
- HELP repayment income
For business tax support, Investax provides business tax reporting services and business structure services.
HECS-HELP and Multiple Jobs
If more than one job is held, PAYG withholding gaps may occur. Each employer withholds based only on income from that job, but the ATO calculates the final HELP repayment using total repayment income.
A shortfall may occur where:
- Multiple jobs were held during 2024–25
- The HELP debt was not declared to each employer
- The tax-free threshold was claimed incorrectly
- Bonuses or commissions increased income
- Overtime increased annual income
- Investment income was received
If multiple income sources exist, repayment income should be estimated before lodging the tax return.
HECS-HELP and Overseas Income
If a HELP debt exists and the taxpayer moves overseas or earns overseas income, repayment obligations may still apply. The Department of Education notes that a levy may be payable if worldwide income is above the minimum repayment threshold.
This can be relevant for:
- Australian graduates working overseas
- Temporary overseas employees
- Australian residents with foreign income
- Digital nomads
- Migrants returning overseas
- Taxpayers with exempt foreign employment income
Professional advice is recommended where overseas income, residency issues or foreign employment are involved.
HECS-HELP Indexation
HELP debts are indexed annually. The Department of Education explains that HELP debts are indexed each year to maintain their real value, and indexation is applied by the ATO on 1 June to debt that has remained unpaid for more than 11 months.
Indexation is different from standard bank interest, but it can still increase the outstanding HELP debt balance. Making voluntary repayments before indexation may reduce the balance used for indexation, but this should be weighed against cash flow, savings and other financial priorities.
Difference Between 2024–25 and 2025–26 HELP Repayments
Keep the 2024–25 calculator separate from the current calculator because the repayment rules change from 2025–26.
In 2024–25, the minimum threshold is $54,435 and repayment rates are applied as a percentage of total repayment income. From 2025–26, the threshold increases to $67,000 and repayments are calculated using a marginal system on income above the threshold.
For current-year estimates, use the current HECS-HELP repayment calculator.
Common HECS-HELP Repayment Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include:
- Using taxable income only instead of repayment income
- Forgetting net investment losses
- Ignoring reportable fringe benefits
- Forgetting reportable super contributions
- Assuming voluntary repayments reduce compulsory repayments
- Not telling an employer about a HELP debt
- Not telling multiple employers about a HELP debt
- Forgetting investment income
- Ignoring capital gains
- Assuming PAYG deductions are applied to HELP debt immediately
- Using 2025–26 thresholds for a 2024–25 tax return
- Not checking the ATO notice of assessment
A calculator can help with planning, but the ATO assessment will determine the final repayment.
Documents Needed for a 2024–25 HECS-HELP Repayment Review
Useful records may include:
- 2024–25 income statements
- PAYG withholding details
- Reportable fringe benefit details
- Salary packaging records
- Reportable super contribution details
- Rental property income and expenses
- Investment income statements
- Capital gains tax records
- Trust distribution statements
- Foreign employment income records
- Prior year tax return
- ATO HELP debt balance
- myGov ATO account details
Good records help calculate repayment income more accurately.
When Should Taxpayers Get HECS-HELP Repayment Advice?
Professional advice may be useful where:
- Income was close to the 2024–25 repayment threshold
- A tax bill was higher than expected
- Salary packaging was used
- Reportable fringe benefits were received
- Extra super contributions were made
- Investment property losses existed
- Capital gains occurred
- Multiple jobs were held
- Business income was received
- Trust distributions were received
- Overseas income was involved
For tailored tax planning, Investax provides strategic tax consultation services.
Why Choose Investax for HECS-HELP and Tax Planning?
Investax supports individuals, graduates, professionals, property investors and business owners with tax planning and compliance. HELP repayments can affect tax refunds, cash flow, salary packaging, investment planning, superannuation strategy and year-end tax decisions.
Investax can assist with:
- 2024–25 tax return preparation
- HELP repayment income review
- Salary packaging tax impact
- Reportable fringe benefit review
- Super contribution planning
- Investment property tax review
- Capital gains tax planning
- Business income reporting
- PAYG withholding review
- Tax planning before 30 June
For broader planning, Investax also provides asset protection services in Australia and investment structure services in Australia.
Speak With an Australian Tax Specialist
The Investax HECS-HELP Repayment Calculator 2024–25 provides a helpful estimate, but final repayment can change after reviewing repayment income, investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, reportable super contributions, capital gains, overseas income and ATO assessment rules.
Before lodging a 2024–25 tax return or reviewing an ATO assessment, professional advice can help reduce mistakes and explain the repayment outcome.
Book a Complimentary Consultation with Investax to discuss HECS-HELP repayments, income tax and year-end tax planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HECS-HELP repayment calculator 2024?
A HECS-HELP repayment calculator 2024 estimates the compulsory repayment that may apply for the 2024–25 financial year based on repayment income and the relevant ATO repayment rates.
What was the HECS-HELP repayment threshold for 2024–25?
For 2024–25, the minimum repayment income threshold was $54,435. Below this amount, no compulsory repayment applied.
Is HECS-HELP repayment based only on taxable income?
No. Repayment income can include taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, total net investment loss, reportable super contributions and exempt foreign employment income.
Do voluntary repayments reduce compulsory repayments?
No. Voluntary repayments are separate from compulsory repayments and do not count towards or reduce the compulsory repayment required for that year.
Are PAYG HELP deductions applied during the year?
PAYG deductions are not applied to the HELP debt immediately. They are applied when the tax return is lodged and the ATO calculates the compulsory repayment.
Can salary packaging increase HELP repayment income?
Yes. Salary packaging may create reportable fringe benefits, which can be added back when calculating repayment income.
Can rental property losses affect HECS-HELP repayments?
Yes. Net investment losses, including net rental losses, can be added back when calculating repayment income.
Should I use this calculator for 2025–26?
No. This page should be used for 2024–25 estimates. For current rates, use the current HECS-HELP repayment calculator.
