Sole Trader Tax Calculator (2026–27)

Work out the tax and Medicare levy on your 2026–27 sole trader income, including the small business income tax offset.

Australia, 2026–27 Free, no sign-up Runs in your browser
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Your take-home pay

— / year
  • Per month—
  • Total tax—
  • Income tax after offsets—
  • Medicare levy (2%)—
  • Low income tax offset—
  • Small business income tax offset—
  • Effective rate—

Set aside money for tax as you go: sole traders don't have tax withheld, and the ATO may put you on PAYG instalments.

Tax at different incomes

Taxable incomeTotal taxTake-homeEffective rate
Enter your numbers above to see this table.

2026–27 resident tax rates

Taxable incomeRate
$0 – $18,200Nil
$18,201 – $45,00015% (was 16%)
$45,001 – $135,00030%
$135,001 – $190,00037%
$190,001 and over45%

Plus the 2% Medicare levy. The 16% rate fell to 15% on 1 July 2026 and is legislated to fall to 14% from 1 July 2027.

How it's calculated

Basic tax = 2026–27 rates on taxable income Low income offset = $700, reduced above $37,500 (to $0 at $66,667) Small business offset = 16% × basic tax on business income (max $1,000) Income tax = basic tax − offsets (not below $0) Medicare levy = 2% × taxable income Take-home = taxable income − income tax − Medicare levy

Worked example

Chloe is a sole trader graphic designer with $80,000 taxable income in 2026–27 and no other income.

Basic tax = 26,800 × 15% + 35,000 × 30% = 14,520 Low income offset = $0 (income over $66,667) Small business offset = 16% × 14,520 = 2,323 → capped at $1,000 Income tax = 14,520 − 1,000 = 13,520 Medicare levy = 80,000 × 2% = 1,600 Take-home = 80,000 − 13,520 − 1,600 = $64,880

Chloe keeps $64,880, about $5,407 a month. The small business offset saves her $1,000.

What this calculator doesn't cover

  • Reduced or no Medicare levy for low incomes, and the Medicare levy surcharge for higher earners without private hospital cover.
  • HELP/study loan repayments, other income, and other offsets.
  • Foreign residents and working holiday makers, who have different rates.

Frequently asked questions

Do sole traders pay tax differently from employees?

The rates are the same, but no one withholds tax from your income. You pay when you lodge your return, and the ATO may ask you to pay quarterly PAYG instalments.

Who can claim the small business income tax offset?

Sole traders, and people with a share of small business income from a partnership or trust, where the business's aggregated turnover is under $5 million. It's worked out automatically when you lodge.

Do I need to pay super for myself?

No, sole traders don't have to pay super for themselves, but it's worth doing. Our voluntary super calculator shows the tax you can save.

Sources (2026–27): ATO resident tax rates, Treasury: 2026–27 tax changes, low income tax offset, small business income tax offset.

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Disclaimer: results are estimates for planning only and are not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules and rates vary by country, state and personal situation. Check with a qualified accountant before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.

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