How Much Tax Do TikTok Creators Pay in Australia?
Worked examples at $30k, $60k, $100k and $200k using current marginal rates. No jargon, just numbers.
A TikTok creator earning $80,000 in profit will pay roughly $16,467 in income tax plus $1,600 in Medicare levy for the 2025-26 financial year. But the actual number depends on your total taxable income, your deductions, whether TikTok is your only income source, and whether you are making PAYG instalments throughout the year.
This guide walks through the exact calculations so you know what to expect. If you want help managing your TikTok tax obligations, our TikTok tax accountants work with creators Australia-wide.
Australian Tax Rates for 2025-26
TikTok income is taxed at the same marginal rates as any other income. There is no special “creator tax.” Here are the current brackets:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | 0% (tax-free threshold) |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16% on each dollar over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 + 30% over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31,288 + 37% over $135,000 |
| $190,001+ | $51,638 + 45% over $190,000 |
On top of income tax, you pay the Medicare levy of 2% on your total taxable income (with some low-income exemptions).
Worked Examples: TikTok-Only Income
These examples assume TikTok is your sole income source and you have already subtracted your deductions to arrive at taxable income.
$30,000 taxable income Part-time
- First $18,200: $0 tax
- $18,201 to $30,000 = $11,800 at 16% = $1,888
- Income tax: $1,888
- Medicare levy: $30,000 x 2% = $600
$60,000 taxable income Growing
- First $18,200: $0
- $18,201 to $45,000 = $26,800 at 16% = $4,288
- $45,001 to $60,000 = $15,000 at 30% = $4,500
- Income tax: $8,788
- Medicare levy: $60,000 x 2% = $1,200
$100,000 taxable income Full-time
- First $18,200: $0
- $18,201 to $45,000 = $4,288
- $45,001 to $100,000 = $55,000 at 30% = $16,500
- Income tax: $20,788
- Medicare levy: $100,000 x 2% = $2,000
$200,000 taxable income High earner
- First $18,200: $0
- $18,201 to $45,000 = $4,288
- $45,001 to $135,000 = $27,000
- $135,001 to $190,000 = $20,350
- $190,001 to $200,000 = $10,000 at 45% = $4,500
- Income tax: $56,138
- Medicare levy: $200,000 x 2% = $4,000
What If TikTok Is Your Side Hustle?
If you have a full-time job and earn TikTok income on the side, your TikTok earnings sit on top of your employment income. That means your TikTok dollars are taxed at whatever marginal rate your combined income falls into.
You earn $70,000 from your day job. Your employer withholds tax on that income throughout the year. You also earn $20,000 in net TikTok profit.
Your total taxable income is $90,000. The $20,000 from TikTok is effectively taxed at 30% (the marginal rate for income between $45,001 and $135,000), because your employment income has already used up the lower brackets.
This is the number that catches people off guard. Your employer has already withheld tax on your salary, but nobody is withholding tax on your TikTok income. If you do not set money aside throughout the year, you will get a lump-sum bill at tax time.
PAYG Instalments: Paying Tax Throughout the Year
If your TikTok income is significant, the ATO will likely put you on PAYG instalments after your first tax return. This means you pay estimated tax in quarterly amounts rather than one annual lump sum.
PAYG instalments are calculated based on your most recent tax return. The ATO will send you an instalment notice each quarter with the amount due.
This is actually a good thing. Paying in smaller amounts throughout the year is much easier to manage than a $10,000 or $20,000 bill in October. If your income changes significantly during the year, you can vary your instalments (but be careful; if you vary too low, the ATO may charge interest on the shortfall).
Our TikTok tax accountants can set up your PAYG instalments and adjust them as your income grows.
GST on Top of Income Tax
Income tax and GST are separate obligations. If your total business turnover exceeds $75,000, you must register for GST. Once registered, you:
- Charge 10% GST on taxable supplies (such as sponsored content for Australian brands)
- Lodge BAS quarterly
- Can claim GST credits on eligible business expenses
Not all TikTok income attracts GST. Payments from TikTok itself (Creator Rewards, LIVE gift withdrawals) come from an overseas entity and are generally GST-free. But Australian brand deals, local merchandise sales and domestic affiliate commissions are typically GST-applicable.
The GST you collect is not your money. It belongs to the ATO and must be remitted through your BAS. Do not spend it.
How Deductions Reduce Your Tax Bill
The examples above use taxable income (after deductions). The gap between your gross TikTok earnings and your taxable income is your deductions, and they make a real difference.
You earn $80,000 gross from TikTok. You have $15,000 in legitimate business expenses (equipment, software, internet, home office, travel, accounting fees). Your taxable income is $65,000, not $80,000.
Common TikTok deductions include camera and audio equipment, editing software, internet and phone bills (business portion), home office costs, props and costumes used exclusively for content, travel to filming locations, music licensing, cloud storage, advertising spend, and accounting fees. For a full list, see our TikTok tax accountants page.
The Rule of Thumb
Covers income tax + Medicare for creators in the $45k-$135k range.
If your total income (including any day job) puts you above $135,000, increase that to 35-40%.
Once you have lodged your first tax return and know your actual tax rate, you can fine-tune this number. Or better yet, let us handle it.
Know Exactly Where You Stand
Book a free call with our team. We will review your income, identify your deductions, and give you a clear picture of what you owe, with no surprises at tax time.
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