Tax on Income From a Second Job

When it comes to earning income from multiple sources, such as having a second job, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific rules in place regarding taxation. These rules determine how your income from the second job will be taxed.

It’s important to understand these regulations to ensure compliance with the tax laws.

Do I Need to Pay Tax on My Second Income?

In Australia, generally speaking, you are required to pay tax on all income you earn, including income from a second job. The Australian tax system operates on a progressive tax scale, which means that the more you earn, the higher the tax rate you will pay on your income.

When you have multiple jobs, each employer will withhold tax based on the income you earn from that specific job. However, it’s important to note that the total tax you owe at the end of the financial year is based on your total income from all sources, including your primary job and any secondary jobs.

The ATO requires you to declare all your income when you lodge your annual tax return. This allows them to calculate your overall tax liability and determine whether you have paid the correct amount of tax throughout the year.

How Much Tax Will I Pay?

When determining the amount of tax you will pay on your second job in Australia, two key factors come into play: your total income and your tax bracket.

If your total income, which includes the earnings from both your main job and your second job, falls below the tax-free threshold, you will not be required to pay any tax on your second job income. It’s advisable to refer to the latest information from the ATO since the threshold may change over time.

If your total income exceeds the tax-free threshold, you will be liable to pay tax on your second job at the applicable tax rate, which is determined by your tax bracket. The Australian tax system uses progressive tax rates, meaning that the higher your income, the higher the tax rate you will pay.

What is the tax-free threshold?

The tax-free threshold is the amount of income you can earn before you have to pay any tax. For the 2023-24 tax year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200.

What is My Income Tax Bracket?

Your tax bracket is the rate at which your income is taxed. The current tax rates and brackets for individuals in Australia are as follows:

Income Thresholds	Tax Rate	Tax Payable for this income Bracket
$0 – $18,200	0%	No tax payable
$18,201 – $45,000	19%	19c for each $1 over $18,200
$45,001 – $120,000	32.5%	$5,092 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $45,000
$120,001 – $180,000	37%	$29,467 plus 37c for each $1 over $120,000
$180,001 and over	45%	$51,667 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Do I Need To Do Anything to Claim the Tax-Free Threshold?

To claim the tax-free threshold for your second job in Australia, you need to inform your employer by completing a Tax File Number declaration (TFN declaration) form.

This form is provided by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and is used to provide your employer with important information, including your Tax File Number (TFN), residency status, and other details related to your tax obligations.

When completing the TFN declaration form, you can indicate that you want to claim the tax-free threshold for your second job.

By doing so, your employer will adjust the amount of tax withheld from your pay based on the assumption that you are only earning income up to the tax-free threshold. This ensures that you receive the benefit of not paying tax on the first $18,200 of your income.

What If I Earn More Than the Tax-Free Threshold?

If your total income, including earnings from both your main job and your second job, exceeds the tax-free threshold in Australia, you will be required to pay tax on your second job.

In this case, your employer will withhold tax from your pay each pay period based on the information provided in your TFN declaration form. The amount of tax withheld will depend on your income and the tax brackets that apply to you. The purpose of withholding tax is to ensure that you make regular contributions toward your tax liability throughout the year.

Your employer is responsible for calculating the appropriate amount of tax to withhold from your pay and remitting it to the ATO on your behalf. The withheld tax is then credited towards your overall tax liability when you lodge your annual tax return.

It’s worth noting that the amount of tax withheld from your second job might be different from the amount withheld from your main job, as the withholding is calculated based on the income earned from each job separately.

What If I Want to Claim a Deduction for Expenses Related to My Second Job?

If you incur expenses related to your second job, you may be eligible to claim them as deductions on your tax return. Deductions can help reduce your overall taxable income and potentially lower the amount of tax you owe.

To claim deductions for expenses related to your second job, you must meet certain criteria. The expenses you claim must be directly related to earning income, necessary for your job, and not private or domestic in nature. Additionally, you must keep accurate records and have documentation to support your claims.

Here are some common examples of expenses that you may be able to claim for your second job:

Work-related travel expenses: If you use your own vehicle for work-related travel, you may be able to claim deductions for fuel, maintenance, registration, and insurance costs. However, you need to keep records of your work-related travel, such as a logbook or odometer readings, to substantiate your claim.
Home office expenses: If you have a dedicated workspace at home that you use for your second job, you may be able to claim deductions for a portion of your rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and internet expenses. However, there are specific criteria you must meet, such as the workspace being exclusively used for work purposes and not being of a personal nature.
Equipment and tools: If you need to purchase equipment or tools specific to your second job, such as a computer, specialized software, or tools for a trade, you may be able to claim a deduction for their cost. However, if the equipment has a cost over a certain threshold, it may need to be depreciated over its useful life rather than claimed as an immediate deduction.
Professional development expenses: If you incur expenses for professional development, courses, seminars, or conferences that directly relate to your second job and enhance your skills or knowledge, you may be able to claim deductions for these expenses.

What if I am an Australian expat or foreign investor living overseas?

If you are an Australian expat or foreign investor living overseas, your tax obligations regarding income from a second job in Australia can be subject to specific rules and regulations. The ATO has guidelines in place to address the taxation of individuals who are living abroad.

Here are some key points to consider:

Tax residency status

Your tax residency status determines how your income will be taxed. As an Australian expat or foreign investor, your tax residency status may depend on factors such as your length of stay overseas, intention to return to Australia, and ties with the country.

If you are considered an Australian tax resident, you will generally be subject to Australian tax on your worldwide income, including income from a second job in Australia. If you are a non-resident, you will generally only be taxed on your Australian-sourced income, which may include income from Australian employment.

Double tax agreements

Australia has entered into double tax agreements (DTAs) with many countries to prevent double taxation and provide relief for certain taxpayers. These agreements determine which country has the primary right to tax certain types of income.

The terms of the DTA between Australia and the country where you reside may impact how your income from a second job is taxed.

Foreign income exemption

If you are an Australian tax resident living overseas, you may be eligible for the foreign income exemption. Under this provision, you may be able to claim an exemption for certain types of foreign income, including income from employment, if specific conditions are met.

However, it’s important to note that the availability and conditions of the exemption can vary, and seeking advice from a tax professional or consulting the ATO is recommended.

Reporting requirements

As an Australian expat or foreign investor, you may still have reporting obligations to the ATO. This includes declaring your worldwide income, including income from a second job, on your Australian tax return, even if you are not liable to pay tax on that income due to exemptions or DTAs.

For Further Information

To claim the tax-free threshold for your second job, you need to inform your employer by completing a TFN declaration form. If you earn more than the tax-free threshold, your employer will withhold tax from your pay and remit it to the ATO on your behalf.

Additionally, if you have expenses related to your second job, you may be eligible to claim deductions to reduce your overall tax liability. Expenses such as work-related travel, home office expenses, equipment, and professional development costs can potentially be claimed as deductions.

For specific and up-to-date information on income tax and to address any individual circumstances, it is highly recommended to visit the ATO website or speak with expert tax advisors who can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.

Reach out to us today to speak with our expert tax advisors who can provide tailored advice for your specific circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay tax on my income from a second job in Australia?

Yes, income from a second job is generally subject to taxation in Australia, just like income from your primary job.

How is the income from a second job taxed?

Income from a second job is generally taxed at your marginal tax rate. It is added to your total income from all sources, and the tax is calculated based on the applicable tax brackets.

Will my second job affect my tax bracket?

Yes, income from a second job is added to your total income, which may push you into a higher tax bracket. This means you may have to pay a higher marginal tax rate on your combined income.

Can I claim the tax-free threshold for both of my jobs?

No, the tax-free threshold can only be claimed from one employer at a time. If you have multiple jobs, you should only claim the tax-free threshold from your primary or main job. Your second job will have tax withheld at a higher rate to account for not claiming the threshold.

How can I keep track of my income from multiple jobs?

It’s essential to keep accurate records of your income from each job, including pay slips, payment summaries, or invoices. You can use these documents to calculate your total income and accurately report it on your tax return.

Can I claim deductions for expenses incurred in my second job if I don't earn above the tax-free threshold?

Yes, you can still claim deductions for work-related expenses related to your second job, even if your total income is below the tax-free threshold. However, you can only claim deductions for expenses directly related to earning income and meeting the necessary criteria.

How do I ensure I'm not overpaying tax on my second job?

To avoid overpaying tax on your second job, ensure that you have provided your employer with accurate details on your Tax File Number (TFN) declaration form. This will help your employer calculate the correct amount of tax to withhold from your pay. Additionally, review your pay slips and check that the correct tax amount is being withheld based on your income.

What happens if I don't declare my second job income to the ATO?

It is important to declare all your income, including income from your second job, when lodging your tax return. Failing to do so could result in penalties and potential audit by the ATO. It’s best to ensure accurate reporting to meet your tax obligations and avoid any legal consequences.