How we calculate

Last reviewed November 2026

Rate Reveal is independent. We don't sell finance, leases or loans, and we don't take commissions from anyone who does. Every number comes from what you enter plus the rules below. If you spot something wrong, tell us and we'll fix it.

Tax

2026-27 resident income tax rates plus the 2% Medicare levy. We don't apply the low-income Medicare reduction, the Medicare levy surcharge or tax offsets.

Novated lease checker

• Amount financed is the drive-away price divided by 1.1 (GST removed), plus set-up fees.
• The interest rate is solved from the monthly finance payment, the term and the residual, with payments at the end of each month.
• If you leave the residual blank, we use the ATO minimum for the term.
• Electric cars under the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles ($91,661 in 2026-27) are treated as FBT-exempt, so all costs come from pre-tax pay. Other cars use the employee contribution method, with 20% of the car's price paid from after-tax pay each year.
• Totals include paying out the residual plus GST to keep the car. The car loan comparison borrows the full drive-away price at the rate you enter, over the same term.

Home loan checker

• Monthly principal and interest repayments, with the rate held steady.
• Comparison rates use the standard $150,000 loan over 25 years, including the fees you enter.
• The 5-year comparison adds up repayments and fees paid plus the balance still owing after 5 years.

Dealer car finance checker

• Amount financed is the drive-away price, minus deposit, plus extras and the establishment fee.
• The rate is solved from the repayment, its frequency, the term and any balloon. The "including fees" figure also counts the monthly account fee.
• The bank loan comparison finances the price minus deposit plus extras, with no fees.

Investment property

• Queensland transfer duty at the general rate for investors, using the Queensland Revenue Office schedule.
• 30-year loan. Interest-only or principal and interest. Letting fee of one week's rent per year.
• The tax effect uses your marginal rate on the rental profit or loss after interest and depreciation.

QLD rent increase checker

• The new rent can't start until 12 months after the rent last increased, and needs 2 months' notice (4 weeks for rooming accommodation).
• Fixed-term agreements must allow the increase.

1. Queensland Revenue Office: Transfer duty rates
2. ATO: Minimum residual values for car leases
3. PwC: Phased changes to the FBT electric car exemption
4. Canstar: How comparison rates are calculated
5. Residential Tenancies Authority: Rent increase frequency changes

General information only, not financial, tax, credit or legal advice.