Second job tax calculator Australia
Find out whether two jobs leave you owing tax at the end of 2026-27.You may owe about
$2,808
- Withheld by your main job
- $9,724
- Withheld by your second job
- $3,588
- Tax for the year on $80,000
- $16,120
Each employer withholds as if its job were your only income, so the second job is often taxed too little. You can ask your second employer to withhold an extra amount each pay to avoid a bill.
How tax on a second job works
Your main job usually withholds tax with the tax-free threshold, and your second job withholds without it. Both still assume each job is your only income, so the second job is often taxed at a lower rate than your real marginal rate. See the tax tables for each pay, or the pay calculator for your tax for the year.
Questions about tax on a second job
Why do I owe tax with two jobs?
Each employer withholds as if its job is your only income. With $60,000 from a main job and $20,000 from a second job, about $13,312 is withheld, but tax on $80,000 is about $16,120, a shortfall of about $2,808.
Which job should I claim the tax-free threshold from?
Usually the one that pays the most. Claiming it from both jobs means too little is withheld, and you will likely owe tax when you lodge your return.
How do I avoid a tax bill from a second job?
Ask your second employer to withhold extra tax from each pay by completing a withholding declaration, or set money aside yourself each pay.
Is this the same as the ATO tax tables?
Yes. Withholding is worked out with the ATO Schedule 1 formulas for payments from 1 July 2026, assuming weekly pay. Tax for the year uses 2026-27 resident tax rates, the Medicare levy and the low income tax offset.