Skip to content
TaxDebtResolution
Free · ATO

ATO Payment Plan Estimator

Pick how often you'll pay and how much. The estimator runs the plan day by day with the ATO's published GIC rate, so you see how long it takes and what it really costs.

In short: Can I set up an ATO payment plan online?

If you owe $200,000 or less you can usually set one up through ATO online services or the self-help phone line. Phone the ATO if you owe more than $200,000 or need longer than 2 years.

Last reviewed against 3 official sources.

Try an example:

Your debt and plan

Instalments needed

21 × $600.00

About 10 months · paid off around 2027-08-22

GIC during the plan
$592.20
Total paid
$12,592.20
Set up online?
Usually yes

GIC rates after December 2026 aren't published yet; the latest rate (11.51%) is used.

You must also lodge on time and pay new debts in full, or the plan can default. Refunds are used to reduce the debt but don't replace instalments.

Your ATO balance over time

$50.00 more each fortnight means 1 fewer payments and about $45.77 less interest.

What if you paid a bit more?

20 payments instead of 21.

Total cost of the plan

The general interest charge adds $592.20.

The link holds your numbers in the address. Nothing is sent to us.

How the estimate works

  1. Any upfront payment comes off first.
  2. Each day, GIC is added at that quarter's published rate and compounds.
  3. At each instalment date your payment comes off the balance.
  4. It repeats until the debt is cleared.

Worked example

You owe A$12,000 and pay A$600 a fortnight from 1 November 2026. It takes 21 instalments: about 10 months, and you pay roughly A$592 of GIC. Because it's under A$200,000 and under 2 years, you can usually set it up online.

Limits

  • GIC rates after December 2026 aren't published yet; the latest rate is assumed.
  • The ATO sets the minimum it will accept based on your circumstances.

Reading the charts

Each chart redraws as you change the inputs and uses the same calculation as the result above. Choose "Show data" for the exact figures as a table, or download them as a CSV. "Copy link" saves your numbers in the page address so you can come back to the result or share it; nothing is sent to us.

Official sources

Figures last reviewed .

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up an ATO payment plan online?

If you owe $200,000 or less you can usually set one up through ATO online services or the self-help phone line. Phone the ATO if you owe more than $200,000 or need longer than 2 years.

How often can I pay?

Weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You agree a set amount until the balance is cleared.

Does interest stop on a payment plan?

No. Debts on a payment plan keep accruing the general interest charge, which compounds daily. Paying over the shortest possible time saves the most.

What is the GIC rate now?

11.51% a year for October to December 2026, up from 11.43% for July to September. The ATO updates it quarterly.

What can make my plan default?

Missing instalments, not lodging on time or not paying new debts in full. If it defaults the whole overdue balance becomes payable immediately.

Can the ATO keep my refund?

Yes. Refunds and credits are used to reduce your debt, but they don't replace your instalments.

More Australia tools

ATO Hardship ScreenerScreen whether you might qualify for release from a tax debt because of serious hardship.ATO GIC & SIC InterestCalculate the general interest charge and shortfall interest charge on an ATO debt.Director Penalty RiskCheck a company director's personal exposure to unpaid PAYG, GST and super debts.
Disclaimer: This tool gives a general estimate based on what you enter and the published rules. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and the tax authority makes the final decision. Speak to a qualified professional before acting. See our disclaimer.