You can check your HECS-HELP balance at any time through myGov, linked to the ATO’s online services. Your balance shows your current outstanding debt, annual indexation applied, and repayments credited.
How to Check Your HECS Balance via myGov
- Go to my.gov.au and sign in
- Select the Australian Taxation Office link
- Navigate to: Tax → Manage → Loan accounts
- Your HECS-HELP (and any other HELP debt) balance is displayed
If you have not yet linked your myGov account to the ATO, you will need to do this first using your Tax File Number and other identity details.
What You Can See in Your Loan Account
| Information | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Current balance | Your total outstanding HECS-HELP debt |
| Opening balance | Debt at the start of the financial year |
| Indexation applied | Amount added on 1 June |
| Compulsory repayments | Amount credited from your tax return |
| Voluntary repayments | Any additional payments you have made |
| New debt added | Fees deferred during the year |
When Is the Balance Updated?
Your HECS balance is updated at several points:
- 1 June each year — indexation is applied to the opening balance
- When new university fees are reported — your university reports deferred fees to the ATO at census date each semester
- When your tax return is processed — compulsory repayments from the year are credited (usually July–October for returns lodged promptly)
- When voluntary repayments are made — credited within a few business days of payment
ATO App
You can also check your HECS balance via the ATO app on your smartphone. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. The app shows your loan balance alongside other ATO account information.
Why Your Balance May Have Increased
If your HECS balance is higher than you expected, the most common reasons are:
- Indexation — CPI indexation on 1 June can add thousands to your balance. In FY2024, indexation was 7.1%, adding approximately $3,550 to a $50,000 debt
- New fees deferred — if you are still studying, each semester adds new fees
- Repayments not yet credited — if your tax return has not been processed, the compulsory repayment may not yet appear
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my HECS balance? Log in to myGov at my.gov.au, link to the ATO, and navigate to Tax → Manage → Loan accounts. Your balance is displayed there.
Why has my HECS balance not decreased after I lodged my tax return? There may be a processing delay. Tax returns lodged during the peak July–August period can take several weeks to process. Check again after your return is finalised.
Can I check my HECS balance without myGov? You can call the ATO on 13 28 61 to ask about your HECS balance, but you will need to verify your identity. myGov is the most convenient option.
This article provides general information about HECS-HELP for FY2025–26. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a registered tax agent. Find one through the Tax Practitioners Board register.