A surprise to some, and lifeline to others, a nice end to any working-holiday year or two spent in Australia is receiving tax back and superannuation.

In a country where wages are high, these two things can accumulate to a large chunk of change. But in a country where living expenses are also extremely high, that large chunk of change may be needed just to book a flight home.

Depending on how much you spent on your working holiday abroad and how desperately you need money, there are three options to getting your tax back. However, your superannuation may be a bit more complex.

I have spare money so I’ll do my tax back whenever.

A year in one of the wildest countries in the world, in nature and party, and you’ve still managed to be thoughtful with the money you’ve earned. Good on ya!

If there’s no need to receive your Tax Back now, then do it on your own through the Australian Tax Office (ATO). This process probably takes the longest to complete depending on your knowledge of tax forms etc.

Don’t be too daunted by the process. It’s actually quite simple and the ATO website goes through the process with you.

When can I file my tax return?

The fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30, if you want to file for a tax return this way, you should wait until the June 30 following your year of work. This may mean filing twice for your tax return depending on when you worked in Australia.

What do I need?

Be prepared with personal information including your Tax File Number (TFN) as well as payment summaries from all employers in Australia. These are available at the end of each fiscal year.

How can I lodge my Tax Return this way?

The ATO website gives directions for lodging tax returns online or by mail. Go through their e-tax demonstration to learn about the process online. You may find most of the information needed to lodge your return is already available on their website. For people still in Australia at the end of the fiscal year, most news agents offer paper tax back guides and forms for free.

When do I receive my tax back?

For the basic working holiday maker, the process usually isn’t too complex. Though any tax office works at its own pace. Most people can expect Tax back anywhere from two weeks on. I received my tax back about a month after it was lodged. After six weeks, I would recommend a call or email asking for an update.

I’m traveling, so I would like the money soon, but don’t have time for paperwork.

If your adventure in Australia ends with the beginning of another adventure in some place new (tax back goes far in southeast Asia), then you most likely will have some money to spare, but won’t have the time or resources to lodge a tax return yourself. The best option is to see a tax agent.

When can I file my return with an agent?

Whenever you want. Even if your tax back with an agent includes work after July 1, but it is not yet June 30 of that same year, they can get your full return with an early tax assessment. Foreign residents applying individually can do this as well, but it gets a bit more complicated, so it’s better to leave it to the experts.

Try to meet with a tax agent while in Australia. They’ll talk you through the process, give you some paper work and let you know about any loose ends that need to be tied up before leaving the country. After leaving, just follow whatever they tell you to do post-departure.

What do I need?

Information needed on the application from a tax agent includes personal details such as your TFN, employment details (it can be as simple as the name of places you worked, they’ll research the rest, but the more information given, the quicker the process and sometimes the cheaper) and bank account information.

If you can keep the Australian bank account you were paid into open, then do. It makes the process easier for payment of funds and tracking how much you’ve earned.

You must also sign a power of attorney allowing the tax agency to complete this work.

Once all this information is returned to a tax agent, your work is done.

How much does it costs?

Some agents charge a percentage of your tax return, others charge a flat fee. Look into how much you’ve earned to pick which option is best for you, but usually it’s easier just to go for a flat fee. Make sure to go through an agency with a policy of only charging after your refund is complete.

When do I receive my refund?

It depends on how long it takes the agency to lodge your tax return as well as the tax return process by ATO. Good tax agents are very educated in tax law and usually sort out information and file it pretty quickly. I used this option and received my tax refund about two months after mailing in my application with no payment summaries.

How do I find a reliable tax agent?

A lot of travel agencies in Australia also offer tax back. If not they can recommend places to you. You can also find registered tax agents on the government website.

I don’t even have the money for a flight out of Oz. I need cash now!

Yes it’s possible to get your tax refund within a week or less, but it’ll cost you.

I’ve heard twice of people receiving up-front tax back payments. This means an agency does the usual estimate on the amount of tax back you will receive, pays that amount to you out of their own pocket and actually collects the tax back for themselves later.

You’ll go through the same application process as with a tax agent. Only difference is they must complete an identity check first to give the money up front.

Expect to pay at least 9% of your tax back. Backpacker Buddy offers what they call a 12-hour refund. They charge 19.8% of your tax back with a minimum fee of $250. This means no matter what your tax back estimate is, you’ll pay at least $250, but possibly more.

(Note: This is NOT and endorsement for Backpacker Buddy. I’ve never used them personally. I only mention their name, because they are one of the few agencies I’ve heard of that refund this way.)

Yipee, you’ve gotten some money back from your time in Australia. Now it’s time to get more. While superannuation refunds can be slightly more confusing, money is money, and all temporary workers who have left Australia for good are entitled to these funds. Click here to find out how.