About WorkStay

About Workstay the website for backpacker, student, working holiday visa holders in Australia. Our real expertise is for jobs in Western Australia due to being based in Perth, but we are slowly covering all of Australia. Workstay started a job shop in Western Australia way back in 1986 so we are pretty long in the tooth at what we do. If you would like to read the whole story go to our "about us" page "Grab a coffee and enjoy the read"

Workstay has continued to try and help promote working holiday makers in Western Australia and now Australia continuously since 1986 and to build on innovations which it has introduced, many of which have been adopted throughout Australia. However, Workstays backers have over the years seen the growth of copy-cat agencies diluting their ability to effectively ensure new innovations have kept up with this massively expanded sector of the backpacker industry.

Australian Tax System and Tax Refund

Australia operates under a tax system of Pay-As-You-Go. This means that instead of paying one lump sum of tax at the end, the employer constantly withholds appropriate amount of tax from your wages. The payslip provided by your employer usually provides detail of amount of wages paid and amount of tax withheld. At the end of financial year (30th of June), you have to submit a tax return to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This allows ATO to calculate whether you have paid enough taxes on the wages you earned. If you have paid less than you should, you get a tax bill. If you have paid more taxes than you should, you get a tax refund.for more information on tax for working holiday visa holders

Working Holiday Visa for Australia

For how long will my visa be valid; Most WHV's are valid for 12 months from the date you first enter Australia*. They can be extended for a further 12 months if you accumulate at least 88 days (3 calender months) participating (can be as a volunteer, contractor or employee) in what is classed as Specified Work in a Designated Regional Area. For example: you may work for a few weeks here and a few more weeks there and so on until you have worked at least 88 days or you might do it all in one hit with one employer. You will still need to meet all the other requirements of a normal WHV to qualify for a second 12 month term.for more information on a working holiday visa for Australia

Superannuation contributions and Refunds

If your monthly wage is more than $A450, your employer must contribute an additional sum equal to 9% of your wage into a superannuation (pension) account for you. If you entered Australia on an eligible temporary resident visa you can, in most cases, access your contributions when you leave Australia, although the contributions will be taxed. To check your eligibility to claim your superannuation refund and our to apply for your payment .Read our how to get superannuation back from Australia