What’s Changing
- From 1 July 2026, Australia’s personal income tax rate for residents earning between $18,201 and $45,000 will be cut from 16% to 15%. (ato.gov.au)
- From 1 July 2027, that same bracket drops further from 15% to 14%. (ato.gov.au)
- Concurrently, Medicare levy low-income thresholds (including thresholds for families, seniors, pensioners, and surcharge thresholds) were increased effective for the 2024-25 income year in line with inflation. (au.andersen.com)
Why It Matters: Bracket Creep & Cost-of-Living
Bracket creep occurs when inflation raises nominal incomes into higher tax brackets even if purchasing power doesn’t increase. These tax rate cuts are designed to reverse that effect for many taxpayers. The raise in Medicare levy thresholds also helps those on lower incomes avoid or reduce the levy. (natlawreview.com)
Who Benefits & How Much
| Income Range | Benefit from Tax Cut (2026-27) | Benefit (2027-28) |
|---|---|---|
| $18,201-45,000 | Up to ~$268/year extra in pocket | Up to ~$536/year extra |
| Around $79,000 | Same as above—added to existing cuts | Same |
| Below threshold of $18,200 | No change in rate (still 0%) but higher Medicare thresholds may help more people avoid the levy or surcharge altogether |
These figures are from government projections. Exact benefit depends on your full income and deductions. (pm.gov.au)
Actionable Tips Before 1 July 2026
- Review withholding settings: If you earn around that bracket ($18,201-$45,000), you might withhold too much now. Plan cash flow accordingly.
- Prepay deductible expenses: If you can shift work-related costs, charitable donations, or super contributions forward, you could claim more in earlier years before rates drop.
- Check eligibility for Medicare levy relief: With increased thresholds, some households may now be exempt or pay less. Ensure you're aware of your taxable income and family status. (natlawreview.com)
Real-World Example
Maria makes $40,000/year. Under current law, in 2025-26 she pays 16% on income over $18,200, but from 1 July 2026, only 15%, then 14% from July 2027. Combined with Medicare threshold increases, her tax and levy drop by around $200-$500 annually, depending on deductions.
Bottom line: If you’re a low- to middle income earner, expect to keep more of what you earn from mid-2026. If you're budgeting or negotiating pay now, factor in what take-home will look like after these changes.