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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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 written advice

Authorisation Number: 1012969801478

Date of advice: 16 February 2016

Ruling

Subject: Foreign income

Question and answer

Is the payment you receive from Country Y assessable in Australia?

No.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ending 30 June 2016

Year ending 30 June 2017

Year ending 30 June 2018

Year ending 30 June 2019

Year ending 30 June 2020

The scheme commenced on:

1 July 2015

Relevant facts and circumstances

This ruling is based on the facts stated in the description of the scheme that is set out below. If your circumstances are materially different from these facts, this ruling has no effect and you cannot rely on it. The fact sheet has more information about relying on your private ruling.

You are a resident of Australia for taxation purposes.

You are a citizen of Country Y.

You receive a payment from the Country Y Government.

Relevant legislative provisions:

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 6-5(2)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 52-10(1A)

International Tax Agreements Act 1953 Section 4

International Tax Agreements Act 1953 Schedule 1 Article 19

Reasons for decision

Subsection 6-5(2) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) provides that the assessable income of a resident taxpayer includes ordinary income derived directly or indirectly from all sources, whether in or out of Australia, during the income year.

Pension income is ordinary income assessable under subsection 6-5(2) of the ITAA 1997.

In determining your liability to pay tax in Australia it is necessary to consider not only the domestic income tax laws but also any applicable double tax agreements.

Section 4 of the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 (Agreements Act) incorporates that Act with the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) and the ITAA 1997 so that all three Acts are read as one. The Agreements Act overrides both the ITAA 1936 and ITAA 1997 where there are inconsistent provisions (except in some limited situations).

Section 5 of the Agreements Act states that, subject to the provisions of the Agreements Act, any provision in an Agreement listed in section 5 has the force of law. The United States of America Agreement (US agreement) is listed in section 5 of the Agreements Act.

The agreement between Australia and Country Y operates to avoid the double taxation of income received by residents of Australia and Country Y.

Your payment is not assessable in Australia under Article XX of the DTA between Australia and Country Y.

Consequently you are not required to declare the payment in your Australian tax return.

Please note:

Similar Australian government payments paid to spouses, who are over the pension age and whose partner has died, under the Veterans Affairs Entitlements Act 1986 are assessable income and not exempt from tax in Australia.


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