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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication. It should not be regarded as indicative of the ATO's current views. The law may have changed since original publication, and views in the edited version may also be affected by subsequent precedents and new approaches to the application of the law.

You cannot rely on this record in your tax affairs. It is not binding and provides you with no protection (including from any underpaid tax, penalty or interest). In addition, this record is not an authority for the purposes of establishing a reasonably arguable position for you to apply to your own circumstances. For more information on the status of edited versions of private advice and reasons we publish them, see PS LA 2008/4.

Edited version of your private ruling

Authorisation Number: 1012354726317

Ruling

Subject: Residency

Question and answer

Are you a resident of Australia for taxation purposes?

No.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commenced on:

1 July 2011

Relevant facts and circumstances

You have been living overseas for several decades.

You do not meet any of the four residency tests.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1).

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 6-5.

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 995-1(1).

Reasons for decision

To understand your tax situation, you must first work out whether you are an Australian resident for tax purposes. Australian residents are generally taxed on their worldwide income and non-residents are generally taxed only on their Australian-sourced income.

The definition of 'resident' within tax law provides four tests to ascertain whether a taxpayer is a resident of Australia for income tax purposes. These tests are:

You do not meet any of the above tests and are not a resident of Australia for tax purposes.

The factsheet Residency - what you need to know provides details of the above residency tests and may be obtained from our website www.ato.gov.au.


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