HELP Repayment on $60k: How Much Does Your Debt Cost?
Keep in mind that "Repayment Income" for HELP purposes includes taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, net investment losses, and reportable super contributions — so salary sacrifice won't help you stay below the threshold.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the HELP repayment on a $60k salary?
At $60k you're below the 2025–26 HELP repayment threshold of $67,000, so your compulsory repayment is $0. Your debt is still indexed annually but no amount is withheld from your pay.
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.
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