Australia Child Support Estimator

Based on the Services Australia 8-Step Formula

Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI)

Self-Support Amount deducted automatically: $29,484

Care & Children

How to Use the Australia Child Support Calculator

  1. Calculate ATI: Enter the Adjusted Taxable Income for both parents. This is usually your gross income plus any fringe benefits or super contributions, minus the Self-Support Amount (automatically deducted here).
  2. Add Children: Input the number of children you share with the other parent, separated by age groups (Under 13 and 13-17). Older children have a slightly higher assessed cost.
  3. Set Care Percentage: Use the slider to estimate how many nights per year the children sleep at your house. This determines your "Cost Percentage."
  4. Review the Estimate: The calculator applies the Services Australia 8-step formula to estimate who pays whom, based on the gap between your Income Share and your Care Share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as Adjusted Taxable Income (ATI)?
ATI is not just your take-home pay. It includes your taxable income plus reportable fringe benefits, target foreign income, total net investment losses, and reportable superannuation contributions.
How does care percentage affect child support?
Services Australia uses specific thresholds. For example, having care for less than 14% of nights (approx 52 nights) results in a 0% Cost Percentage. Reaching 35% care (Regular Care) or 48-52% care (Shared Care) significantly changes the assessment formula.
Is this calculator legally binding?
No. This tool provides an estimate based on the standard 8-step formula. The actual amount payable is determined by the Child Support Registrar (Services Australia) after a formal assessment application is lodged.
What is the Self-Support Amount?
The Self-Support Amount represents the money a parent needs to support themselves before child support is calculated. For 2024/2025, this is approximately $29,484. It is deducted from your ATI to determine your Child Support Income.