Disclaimer This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1012417488529
This edited version of your ruling will be published in the public register of private binding rulings after 28 days from the issue date of the ruling. The attached private rulings fact sheet has more information.
Please check this edited version to be sure that there are no details remaining that you think may allow you to be identified. If you have any concerns about this ruling you wish to discuss, you will find our contact details in the fact sheet.
Ruling
Subject: Residency
Question and answer
Are you a resident of Australia for income tax purposes?
No.
This ruling applies for the following periods
Year ended 30 June 2013
Year ended 30 June 2014
Year ended 30 June 2015
Year ended 30 June 2016
The scheme commences on
1 July 2012
Relevant facts and circumstances
You have taken up an employment contract in a foreign country.
The employment contract is for an initial period of seven years with the possibility of an extension.
You intend to live and work in the foreign country for the foreseeable future.
You intend to find a partner and start a family in the foreign country.
You are leasing an apartment in the foreign country and intend to purchase a residence in the future.
You have obtained a drivers licence in the foreign country.
You do not have any intention of returning to Australia in the foreseeable future.
You do not have a spouse or children in Australia.
You are no longer on the Australian electoral role.
Your Australian assets consist of an investment property and a superannuation account.
You have never been employed by the Australian Commonwealth government.
Reasons for decision
Generally where you are a resident of Australia for taxation purposes, your assessable income includes income gained from all sources, whether in or out of Australia. However, where you are a foreign resident, your assessable income includes only income derived from an Australian source.
The terms 'resident' and 'resident of Australia', in regard to an individual, are defined within the tax provisions and provides four tests to ascertain the residency status.
Relevant to your situation are the first two tests which are examined in Taxation Ruling IT 2650 Income Tax: Residency - permanent place of abode outside Australia, a copy of which is available from www.ato.gov.au.
Given regard to your circumstances as a whole and a consideration of the relevant residency tests, it is accepted that you are not a resident of Australia for tax purposes.
You are a foreign resident from the time you left Australia to commence employment in the foreign country.
Copyright notice
© Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia
You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute material on this website as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).