Methodology

Transparent calculations, dated assumptions.

ParentMath turns the details you enter into educational scenario estimates. Calculation logic is separated from the interface and covered by boundary tests.

Childcare Subsidy

Booked fees are days in care multiplied by the daily fee. Estimated CCS applies the relevant standard or higher rate to the lower of the actual hourly fee and the government hourly cap, within the selected subsidised-hour limit. This calculator accepts estimated combined family adjusted taxable income directly.

Work and tax

The return-to-work comparison estimates annual employment income from full-time salary and selected workdays. It applies Australian resident income-tax brackets and a simplified 2% Medicare levy, then subtracts childcare gaps.

Employment income after tax and childcare

This figure combines both parents' estimated employment income after resident income tax and Medicare levy, then subtracts the final childcare gap. Housing, food, bills, transport, debt and every other household expense remain outside the result.

What is excluded

Results exclude deductions, tax offsets, HELP repayments, Medicare levy reductions or exemptions, Medicare Levy Surcharge, salary packaging, Family Tax Benefit and other personal circumstances.

Release discipline

Assumptions are centralised in assumptions.mjs. Boundary tests must pass before settings are released. Effective settings: 2026–27, engine version 2026.07.31.

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