Australia Superannuation Refund Complete Guide

"How do I receive superannuation when I return home after working holiday?"

Superannuation accumulated while working in Australia can be refunded to working holidaymakers after departure. However, since significantly high tax is deducted, you need to know the exact application method and process to minimize losses.

This guide is based on official Australian Taxation Office (ATO) information and reflects the latest updates as of October 2024. It explains the entire process from DASP application to refund step-by-step.

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1. What is Superannuation?

1.1. Superannuation Basic Concept

Superannuation (shortened to Super) is Australia's mandatory retirement pension system. Employers must automatically contribute 11.5% (2024-2025 standard) of employee wages to a superannuation fund.

Example:

• Weekly wage $800
• Employer contribution to super fund: $800 × 11.5% = $92/week
• Working 1 year: $92 × 52 weeks = approx. $4,784

This money accumulates in a separate super account and is contributed separately from wages. Temporary residents (including working holidaymakers) can receive a refund through DASP (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment) after leaving Australia.

1.2. Amount Working Holidaymakers Can Receive

Expected Amount by Case:

Work Period	Weekly Wage	Expected Super Accumulation
6 months	$800	Approx. $2,400
1 year	$800	Approx. $4,800
1.5 years	$800	Approx. $7,200
2 years	$800	Approx. $9,600

⚠️ Note: You receive the final amount after deducting tax (65%) from the above amounts.

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2. DASP Refund Eligibility

2.1. Refund Eligibility Checklist

You must meet all 4 conditions to apply for DASP:

✅ 1. Worked on temporary resident visa

• Working Holiday visa (417 or 462)
• Student Visa
• Other temporary resident visas

✅ 2. Visa expired or canceled

• End of visa validity period
• Or visa canceled

✅ 3. Left Australia

• Can only apply after departure
• Residing in Korea or another country

✅ 4. Not Australian citizen or permanent resident

• Not Australian citizen
• Not New Zealand citizen
• Not Australian permanent resident (PR)

2.2. Application Timing

Before Departure:

• Can draft and save application
• Submission only possible after departure

After Departure:

• Can apply immediately after visa expiry confirmation
• After 6+ months, super fund automatically transfers to ATO

Recommended Timing: Most efficient to prepare before departure and apply within 1 week after departure.

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3. DASP Application Requirements

3.1. Required Documents

Common for all applicants:

1. TFN (Tax File Number)

   • Tax number issued in Australia
   • If lost, contact ATO (13 10 20)

2. Passport Information

   • Passport number, expiry date
   • Upload passport copy when applying

3. Australian Bank Account Information (Recommended)

   • BSB, Account Number
   • Fastest and safest receipt method

4. Superannuation Fund Information

   • Fund name (e.g., AustralianSuper, Hostplus)
   • Member Number

3.2. How to Find Your Superannuation Fund

If you worked at multiple places, you may have multiple super accounts.

3 Ways to Find:

Method 1: Use DASP Online System

• Can search automatically when applying
• Check after entering TFN

Method 2: Use myGov Account

• Sign up for myGov and link to ATO
• Check all super accounts in "Super" menu

Method 3: Call ATO

• Phone: 13 10 20 (within Australia)
• From Korea: +61 2 6216 1111 (paid)
• TFN required

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4. DASP Application Method (Step-by-Step)

4.1. Online Application (Recommended)

Fastest method with no fees.

Step 1: Access DASP Online System

• Website: DASP Online Application
• Free

Step 2: Complete Application

Required information:

• Personal information (name, date of birth, passport number)
• TFN
• Australian address (last residence)
• Email, phone number

Step 3: Enter Visa Information

• Visa number
• Visa type (417 or 462)
• Visa expiry date

Step 4: Select Superannuation Fund

• System finds automatically
• Select all if multiple

Step 5: Enter Account Information

• Australian bank account (fastest, no fees)
• Or Australian dollar check (mail, slow)

Step 6: Submit

• Confirm all information
• Click submit button
• Receive confirmation email

4.2. Paper Form Application

Paper application also possible if online is difficult.

Direct Application to Super Fund:

• Form: NAT 7204 Form
• Separate application for each super fund
• May have fees

ATO-held Super Application:

• Form: NAT 74880 Form
• Refund for super held by ATO
• No fees

Document Certification:

• Notarization required for amounts over $5,000
• Recommended to get notarized while in Australia

4.3. Agent Application

Can apply through Tax Agent.

Advantages:

• Easy handling of complex cases
• Process multiple funds at once

Disadvantages:

• Fees incurred (usually $50-150)
• May take longer

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5. DASP Tax and Final Amount Received

5.1. Tax Structure (2024-2025 Standard)

Working Holiday Visa (417/462) Holders:

Item	Tax Rate
Tax-free component	0%
Taxable component – taxed element	65%
Taxable component – untaxed element	65%

General Temporary Residents:

• Taxed element: 35%
• Untaxed element: 45%

Source: ATO Official Website (Updated October 17, 2024)

5.2. Actual Amount Received Calculation

Example 1: 1 Year Working Holiday

• Super accumulation: $5,000
• Tax (65%): $5,000 × 0.65 = $3,250
• Actual amount received: $1,750

Example 2: 2 Year Working Holiday

• Super accumulation: $10,000
• Tax (65%): $10,000 × 0.65 = $6,500
• Actual amount received: $3,500

Exchange Rate Applied (Example):

• $3,500 × 900 KRW = Approx. 3.15 million KRW

5.3. Why Is Tax So High?

Working Holiday visa holders are subject to special tax rate (WHM tax rate). Reasons:

1. Temporary Resident Target

   • No Australian tax benefits
   • Not retirement pension purpose

2. Includes Partial Income Tax

   • Super accumulated as pre-tax amount
   • Income tax settled at refund

3. Government Policy

   • WHM tax rate increased since 2017
   • Fiscal revenue purpose

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6. Refund Period and Receipt Method

6.1. Processing Period

Online Application:

• Typically within 28 days
• Additional time if documents missing

Paper Application:

• 6-8 weeks required
• Includes mail processing time

Delay Reasons:

• Incomplete documents
• Multiple super funds (each processed separately)
• Different processing speeds by fund

6.2. Receipt Method Comparison

Method	Time Required	Fees	Recommendation
Australian Bank (EFT)	1-3 days	Free	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Australian Dollar Check	2-4 weeks	Varies by fund	⭐⭐⭐
International Transfer	5-10 days	$20-50	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommended Method: Australian Bank Account (EFT)

Reasons:

• Fastest
• No fees
• Easy to transfer to Korean account

Tip: Maintain Australian bank account for 3-6 months after departure.

6.3. Australian Bank Account → Korean Account Transfer

Method 1: Use Banking App

• Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac app
• International Transfer menu
• Fee: $10-30

Method 2: Wise (TransferWise)

• Online currency exchange service
• Good exchange rate
• Fee: 0.5-1%

Method 3: Direct Transfer to Korean Account

• Bank phone call (some banks only)
• High fees ($30-50)

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I apply before leaving Australia?

A. You can draft and save the application, but submission is only possible after departure. You must submit after your visa expires and you've left Australia.

Q2. What happens if I don't claim my superannuation refund?

A. 6 months after departure, your superannuation fund automatically transfers to ATO. It becomes ATO-held super and can be claimed later, but the process is more complex.

Q3. Can the 65% tax be reduced?

A. Working Holiday visa holders are subject to statutory tax rate of 65% which cannot be reduced. However, if tax was incorrectly charged, you can request a refund from ATO.

Q4. I already closed my Australian bank account.

A. You must receive it via check or reopen an account. Some banks allow online reopening - contact your bank.

Q5. I worked at multiple places and don't know where my super is.

A. Enter your TFN in the DASP online system and it will automatically find all your superannuation accounts. Or call ATO (13 10 20).

Q6. Can I receive it directly to a Korean account?

A. ATO does not support direct transfer to Korean accounts. You must go through an Australian bank account, so maintain your account after departure.

Q7. If I receive DASP, can I no longer get a working holiday visa?

A. No. DASP refund does not affect visa applications. Second and third visa applications are still possible.

Q8. I think the tax was incorrectly deducted.

A. Contact your superannuation fund first to request a refund. You must request within the same financial year, after which you must make a written request to ATO.

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8. Checklist: DASP Application Preparation

Prepare in advance before departure:

2 Weeks Before Departure:

• Confirm TFN number (save in wallet or take photo)
• Confirm super fund information (fund name, account number)
• Prepare passport copy
• Save Australian bank account information (BSB, Account Number)

1 Week Before Departure:

• Draft and save DASP application (submit after departure)
• Confirm with employer all super contributions completed
• Contact bank about "keeping account" (confirm minimum balance)

After Departure:

• Confirm visa expiry
• Submit DASP application
• Confirm receipt of confirmation email
• Check account after 28 days

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9. Conclusion: Make Sure to Claim Your Superannuation Refund

Superannuation is compensation for your work. Even with high tax, it's much better than not claiming it.

Key Summary:

1. ✅ Prepare before departure (TFN, super information)
2. ✅ Apply online immediately after departure (free, fast)
3. ✅ Maintain Australian bank account for 3-6 months
4. ✅ 65% tax is statutory rate
5. ✅ Check account after 28 days

Next Articles to Read:

• Australia TFN Application Guide
• Australia Tax Return Guide
• Australia Bank Account Complete Guide

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• Australia Tax Return Guide
• Australia TFN Application Guide
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About the Author The WHRESUME team is in their 3rd year living in Melbourne and genuinely supports Australian working holiday makers. This guide is based on feedback from the working holiday community and analysis of official Australian sources.

💬 Feedback Welcome: If you find outdated or inaccurate information, please let us know via Contact Us!

📌 Latest Information:

• Australian Taxation Office - Superannuation refund information