Free tool
Prior year tax refund calculator
Pick the year you have not lodged, put in what you earned and what was withheld, and see an estimate using the rates that actually applied that year. Brackets, the Medicare levy and the available offsets all changed over this period, so today's rates would give you the wrong answer.
Working on one specific year? Every year from 2010 to 2025 has its own page under lodge a prior year tax return.
Prior year estimator
Estimate a prior year refund
Total income before tax. If you are not sure, use your best estimate.
From your payslips or your ATO income statement for that year.
Estimated position for FY2024-25
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Enter your income to see an estimate
Estimate only. It excludes HECS-HELP and study loan repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, Medicare levy low-income reductions, and any deductions you are entitled to.
Lodging late for this year? FTL penalty exposure is usually nil where a refund results - how late lodgement penalties work.
Email me these results
We'll send a copy of your figures plus a plain-English explanation of your options. One email, no spam.
Behind on lodgements?
An estimate only helps if the years behind it get lodged. We catch up overdue tax returns and late BAS lodgement for individuals and businesses, at a fixed fee quoted before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still lodge a tax return from years ago?
Yes. There is no cut-off date after which the ATO stops accepting a late return. Older years are lodged on paper or through a registered tax agent, and the ATO still holds the income data reported for those years.
Why does the estimate use different rates for each year?
Tax brackets, the Medicare levy and the available offsets changed several times between 2010 and 2025. A prior year return is assessed using the rates that applied in that year, not today's rates, so the estimator uses the historical figures for the year you pick.
Will I be penalised for lodging a prior year return late?
Where the year results in a refund or a nil assessment, the ATO generally does not apply a failure to lodge penalty to an individual. Where tax is payable, a penalty can apply but is often remitted where you come forward voluntarily and bring the backlog up to date.
How accurate is this estimate?
It is indicative. It excludes HECS-HELP and study loan repayments, the Medicare levy surcharge, Medicare levy low-income reductions and any deductions you are entitled to, all of which can move the result. Your assessed figure comes from the ATO once the return is lodged.
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⚡ Complete the short confidential form. A registered tax professional will respond within one business day.