HECS/HELP Debt Abroad Calculator
Since 2017, HECS/HELP debt must be repaid based on worldwide income — even if you live and work overseas. Calculate your obligations below.
Overseas HELP obligation: If you live abroad and your worldwide income exceeds $67,000 in 2025-26, you may need to make a compulsory repayment. If your worldwide income is above $16,750, you still need to report it to the ATO or lodge a non-lodgment advice.
Your Details
2025-26 HELP Repayment Thresholds
Repayment is based on your HELP Repayment Income (HRI) — which is worldwide income for overseas residents. From 2025-26, repayments are calculated using marginal rates.
| HRI Range | Repayment formula |
|---|
How to lodge: Submit an Overseas HELP Repayment assessment via MyGov or your tax agent. Deadline: typically 31 October, but extensions apply with a registered tax agent. You must lodge even if your income is below the threshold.
Key Rules for Expats
- Indexation: HELP debt is indexed annually on 1 June at the CPI rate (capped at AWOTE growth from June 2023 onwards). In 2024 the rate was ~4.7%.
- Currency conversion: Convert foreign income to AUD using the average exchange rate for the income year.
- Voluntary repayments: You can make extra payments at any time via BPAY to your ATO HELP account. No bonus for voluntary payments (10% bonus was abolished in 2017).
- Forgiveness: HELP debt is forgiven on death. There is no statute of limitations — debt persists until fully repaid.
- Penalties: Failure to lodge can result in a $330/week penalty plus interest. The ATO has information-sharing agreements with many countries.