Superannuation Release for WHV and Temporary Visa Holders

If you have worked in Australia, your employer is required to pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions into your nominated superannuation fund. The current minimum SG rate for FY2026 and FY2027 is 12%.

When you permanently depart Australia, eligible temporary residents may apply to have their superannuation released through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) process.

How Much Will You Receive?

Visa Type	Approximate Amount Received	Tax Deducted
Working Holiday Visa	35%*	65%
Other Temporary Visas	65%*	35%

*Final payout amounts may be reduced by super fund administration fees, insurance premiums, or other charges applied by the fund.

Scenario

If your super balance is $1,000:

• A Working Holiday Visa holder may receive around $350 after tax.

• A Temporary Visa holder may receive around $650 after tax.

These examples do not include any fees or insurance costs charged by the super fund.

Avoid Being Taxed at 65% When Moving From WHV to Temporary Resident Visa

When you transition from a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) to a Temporary Resident visa, it is important to open a new superannuation account.

If you continue using the same super fund you held during your WHV period, the ATO will treat your entire balance as WHV‑related and apply the DASP tax rate of 65% to the full amount.

Under current legislation, the ATO cannot apportion your super balance between WHV and non‑WHV periods. If the account shows mixed use, the ATO must apply the WHV tax rate by default.

If you believe you have been taxed incorrectly, the ATO recommends seeking a review through your super fund. While outcomes are limited under current law, the following practical steps may help raise the issue:

• Submit a complaint to your super fund. This rarely changes the outcome, but it formally records your concern.

• Lodge a complaint with AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority). AFCA will forward your case to the super fund. This helps demonstrate that many WHV holders are affected.

• Dispute the ATO decision in writing. Although the ATO must apply the law as written, raising the issue ensures your case is documented.

• Contact your local Member of Parliament. Explain the situation and request support. Some MPs have escalated this matter to senators responsible for immigration and financial services. Legislative change is the only long‑term solution, and collective feedback may influence future amendments.

However, in most cases, completing the first two steps is enough to resolve the issue.

Why Your Balance May Look Different

The balance shown in your myGov/ATO account may be different from the balance shown in your superfund account. This is because ATO information may not update as often, while your super fund website usually shows a more current balance.

WHV to Temporary Resident Visa – Superannuation Taxed at Only 35%

Before leaving Australia, there is a way to correct superannuation accounts that were mixed between your WHV period and your Temporary Resident visa period. To fix this, you generally need 2–3 months before your departure so the fund can update and separate the balances correctly.

If you are in this situation, speak with your accountant or tax agent as soon as possible. They can guide you through the correction process to ensure your superannuation is taxed at the correct 35% rate, rather than the WHV rate of 65% on the whole balance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Your personal circumstances may differ, and the correct treatment can vary from case to case. Please speak with your registered tax agent or accountant for advice tailored to your situation.