FIFO / REMOTE AREA TAX TOOL

Zone Tax Offset Calculator

Check your eligibility and calculate your exact 2025–26 ATO Zone Tax Offset in 30 seconds.

⚠️ The #1 mistake FIFO workers make

The Zone Tax Offset is based on where you usually live — not where you fly in and out to work. If your home is in Mackay, Brisbane, Cairns city, or another non-zoned centre, working at a remote mine site does not make you eligible, even if you spend 26 weeks a year there. Only your usual place of residence counts.

1. Where do you usually live?

Select your zone classification

Not in a zone

Zone B

Zone A

Special Area

Not sure which zone you're in? Check the official ATO zone list or see the quick reference table below.

Did you live there for 183+ days this income year?

Yes, 183+ days

No / not sure

Do you have dependants (for the dependant loading)?

No dependants

Yes, dependants

Quick Reference: Common Zones

A selection of well-known locations for orientation only — the ATO list has hundreds of entries and defines zones by locality, not just town name. Always confirm on the official ATO zone list before lodging.

Location	Typical Zone
Mount Isa, QLD	Zone A
Alice Springs, NT	Zone A
Darwin, NT	Zone A
Katherine, NT	Zone A
Broome, WA	Zone A
Karratha / Port Hedland, WA	Zone A
Weipa, QLD	Often Special Area
Cairns, QLD	Zone B
Townsville, QLD	Zone B
Kalgoorlie, WA	Zone B
Longreach / Charters Towers, QLD	Zone B
Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, QLD	Not zoned
Moranbah, Emerald (Bowen Basin towns)	Usually not zoned

How it's calculated

Base amounts (2025–26)

Zone A: $338 · Zone B: $57 · Special Area: $1,173

Dependant loading

Zone A & Special Area: +50% of relevant dependant offsets. Zone B: +20%.

Can FIFO workers ever claim it?

Yes — but only if their actual usual residence (where their family/home base is) is itself inside a zone. E.g. someone who lives full-time in Karratha and flies to a Pilbara site is fine. Someone who lives in Mackay and flies to a Bowen Basin or NT site generally is not.

What if I moved zones partway through the year?

You can still claim a partial offset if you meet 183 days across zones in the same year, apportioned — see ATO guidance for the exact method.

This tool provides general information only, not tax advice. Zone boundaries and offset amounts are set by the ATO and can change — always verify against ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent before lodging.