Weekly, fortnightly or monthly pay: does it change your tax?
Updated 13 November 2026.
Your tax for the year is the same however often you're paid. The amount withheld can differ slightly, because each pay is rounded separately.
Example: $80,000 a year
| Paid | Tax withheld per pay | Withheld over a year |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly (52 pays) | $311.00 | $16,172.00 |
| Fortnightly (26 pays) | $622.00 | $16,172.00 |
| Monthly (12 pays) | $1,348.00 | $16,176.00 |
Any small difference is evened out when you lodge your tax return.
Years with 53 or 27 pays
Every so often the calendar gives a year 53 weekly paydays or 27 fortnightly ones. The tax tables assume 52 or 26, so the extra pay can leave you a little short. You can ask your employer to withhold a bit more each pay:
- Weekly: an extra $3 on $875–$2,574, $7 on $2,575–$3,649, or $12 on $3,650 and over.
- Fortnightly: an extra $12 on $1,700–$5,199, $27 on $5,200–$7,249, or $48 on $7,250 and over.
Compare pay frequencies for any amount on the pay calculator.