New South Wales Tax Calculator 2026 β€” Take-Home Pay After ATO Tax

New South Wales (NSW) is Australia's most populous state and home to Sydney, the country's financial and cultural capital. NSW residents pay Australian federal income tax at the same progressive rates as all other states, as Australia's income tax system is entirely federal. Employer payroll tax in NSW applies at 5.45% on wages above the $1.2 million annual threshold.

Last updated: April 2026Source: ATO rates

Calculator Options

$

Take-Home Pay
$5,161 / month
Equivalent to $61,933 / year ($2,382 / fortnightly)

Salary Distribution

Net Take-Home (77.4%)
Income Tax (20.6%)
Medicare Levy (2.0%)
Effective Tax Rate22.6%
Marginal Tax Rate34.5%

ATO Payroll Period Breakdown

WithholdingYearlyMonthlyFortnightlyWeekly
Gross Salary Package$80,000$6,667$3,077$1,538
Taxable Cash Salary (Base)$80,000$6,667$3,077$1,538
Superannuation Contribution (Employer)$9,600$800$369$185
Income Tax (less offsets)$16,467$1,372$633$317
Medicare Levy$1,600$133$62$31
Net Pay (Take-Home Cash)$61,933$5,161$2,382$1,191

Federal Income Tax Rates for New South Wales Residents (2026)

Australia's income tax is fully federal β€” New South Wales residents pay the same ATO rates as all Australians. Here are the individual income tax brackets:

Taxable IncomeFederal Tax RateNotes
Up to $18,2000%Tax-free threshold
$18,201 – $45,00019%On income above $18,200
$45,001 – $120,00032.5%On income above $45,000
$120,001 – $180,00037%On income above $120,000
Above $180,00045%On income above $180,000

*The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) of up to $700 and Low and Middle Income Tax Offset (LMITO) may further reduce your effective tax. The Medicare Levy of 2% applies in addition to the above rates.*

New South Wales Employer Payroll Tax 2026

While employees in New South Wales do not pay state income tax, employers are subject to payroll tax. This does not reduce your net take-home pay directly, but it does affect employment costs for your employer:

DetailValue
New South Wales Payroll Tax Rate5.45%
Annual Wage Threshold$1,200,000
Who Pays?Employer only (not deducted from employee wages)
PurposeState government revenue funding public services

NSW charges stamp duty on property transfers. As an alternative, buyers can opt for an annual property tax for eligible purchases (since January 2023).

Superannuation for Sydney Workers

All employees in New South Wales, as in every Australian state and territory, are entitled to the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) β€” a mandatory employer contribution to your retirement savings fund. For 2026 the rate is 12.0%.

SalaryAnnual Super (12%)Monthly Super
$60,000$7,200$600
$80,000$9,600$800
$100,000$12,000$1,000
$120,000$14,400$1,200

How to Use the New South Wales Tax Calculator

Estimating your net pay in New South Wales is straightforward. Follow these steps to calculate your paycheck:

  1. Input your gross salary: Enter your base pay as an hourly wage, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or annual rate.
  2. Configure superannuation: Specify whether your salary package is inclusive or exclusive of the statutory 12.0% superannuation guarantee.
  3. Select offsets and student debt: Toggle options like the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) or HELP/HECS student loan repayments.
  4. View take-home pay: Check your final net pay breakdown displayed across annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly frequencies.

Worked Example: $80,000 Salary in New South Wales

Here is how an $80,000 gross annual salary for a Sydney-based employee would be calculated for the 2026 tax year:

  • Gross Taxable Salary: $80,000
  • Federal Income Tax (ATO): 19% Γ— ($45,000 βˆ’ $18,200) + 32.5% Γ— ($80,000 βˆ’ $45,000) = $5,092 + $11,375 = $17,547
  • Less LITO Offset: Approx. βˆ’$0 (LITO fully phased out above $66,667)
  • Medicare Levy: 2% Γ— $80,000 = $1,600
  • Net Take-Home Pay: $80,000 βˆ’ $17,547 βˆ’ $1,600 = $60,853 per year ($5,071 per month)
  • Superannuation (paid by employer): 12% Γ— $80,000 = $9,600 per year (on top of your salary)
πŸ“ New South Wales Note: Sydney has one of the highest costs of living in Australia, particularly for housing. The median house price in Sydney exceeds $1.4 million, making housing affordability a key consideration for workers.

Frequently Asked Questions β€” New South Wales Tax & Pay

Does New South Wales have its own state income tax?
No. Australia has a federal income tax system administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). New South Wales residents pay the same federal income tax rates as all other Australians. There is no state-level income tax in New South Wales or any other Australian state or territory.
What is the payroll tax threshold in New South Wales?
In New South Wales, employers pay payroll tax at 5.45% on total wages exceeding the $1,200,000 annual threshold. This is a tax on employers, not employees, and does not directly reduce your take-home pay.
What is the Medicare Levy for New South Wales residents?
All Australian residents, including those in New South Wales, pay the Medicare Levy at 2% of their taxable income. Low-income earners below $26,000 are exempt. The levy funds Australia's universal public health system (Medicare).
How much superannuation does my employer pay in New South Wales?
In New South Wales, as in all Australian states, employers must pay the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) at 12.0% of your ordinary time earnings on top of your salary for 2026. Superannuation contributions go directly into your super fund and are not part of your take-home pay.
How does HECS/HELP debt work for New South Wales residents?
HECS-HELP debt repayments are automatically deducted through the tax system once your income exceeds the minimum repayment threshold (approximately $54,435 in 2026). The repayment rate increases progressively from 1% to 10% of income. These deductions are the same for all Australians regardless of state.
What is the income tax on $80,000 in New South Wales?
On an $80,000 annual salary in New South Wales, you would pay approximately $17,547 in federal income tax and $1,600 in Medicare Levy. After these deductions your net take-home pay is approximately $60,853 per year (not including HELP debt repayments or LITO offsets which may apply). Your employer also pays $9,600 separately into your superannuation fund.

Compare Tax Across Australian States & Territories

Federal income tax rates apply equally everywhere in Australia, but employer payroll tax thresholds differ by state.