HECS / HELP Repayment Calculator
2026/27 · See your compulsory repayment and how long it’ll take to clear your debt
How HECS/HELP repayments work in 2026/27
The compulsory repayment threshold for 2026/27 is $69,528. You only owe a repayment if your gross income exceeds this amount — and critically, you repay on income above the threshold, not on all of your income. You repay 15 cents for every dollar from $69,528 up to $129,717. Above $129,717 you repay $9,028.35 plus 17 cents for every dollar over that amount, and once your repayment income reaches $186,051 the repayment is simply 10% of your total repayment income.
HECS repayments are deducted from your gross income — they’re not affected by salary packaging or novated leases. The ATO calculates your repayment each year when you lodge your tax return, and if too much or too little was withheld via PAYG, you’ll receive a refund or owe the difference.
Your HECS debt is indexed annually on 1 June using the CPI rate. The estimate below uses a 3% indexation assumption. If CPI is higher (as it was in recent years), your balance will grow faster.
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Frequently asked questions
What counts as my repayment income?
The ATO works it out from more than your salary. It generally includes your taxable income plus items such as reportable fringe benefits and reportable super contributions, so your repayment income can be higher than your taxable income. The calculator uses the salary you enter, so treat the result as an estimate.
How is my HECS-HELP debt collected?
Compulsory repayments are collected through the tax system. Your employer withholds extra from your pay if you have told them about your debt, and any difference is settled when you lodge your tax return.
Does my debt grow while I repay it?
It can. HELP debts are indexed once a year, on 1 June, so the balance can rise even while you make repayments. That is why the payoff time shown is an estimate, not a guarantee.
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General information only, not tax or financial advice. Figures are estimates based on 2026/27 ATO rates and thresholds. Page last updated: October 2026. Check ato.gov.au or speak to a registered tax agent before making decisions. See our disclaimer & privacy page.