HELP Repayment on $100k: How Much Does Your Debt Cost?
The 2025–26 HELP system uses a marginal approach: you only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold, not on your entire salary. At ~15% marginal, the repayment is manageable but meaningful. The comparison below shows exactly how much less you take home with a HELP debt versus without — and can help you decide whether voluntary repayments or salary sacrifice strategies make sense.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the HELP repayment on a $100k salary?
At $100k your estimated HELP repayment is $4,950 per year, or about $190 per fortnight. The 2025–26 system uses marginal rates — you pay ~15% marginal — so crossing a threshold doesn't mean your entire income is subject to the higher rate.
Does HELP repayment come out before or after tax?
HELP repayments are calculated on your Repayment Income (which includes taxable income and a few add-backs) and withheld from your after-tax pay. They are not a tax deduction — they're a debt repayment. Your employer withholds an estimate each pay cycle, and any over- or under-payment is reconciled when you lodge your tax return.
Can I reduce my HELP repayment through salary sacrifice?
No. Reportable employer super contributions (including salary sacrifice amounts) are added back to your income when calculating HELP Repayment Income. So salary sacrifice won't reduce your HELP obligation. However, it can still reduce your income tax — the two are calculated on different bases. If your goal is to minimise total deductions from pay, focus on voluntary HELP repayments when you have spare cash, as they reduce the indexed balance directly.
Want the full picture?
Read our in-depth guide to understand the methodology, edge cases, and planning strategies behind this comparison.
Read the guide →