1013048722675 | Legal database

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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1013048722675

Date of advice: 8 July 2016

Ruling

Subject: Pension income

Question and answer

Is your pension 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

You are a non-resident of Australia for taxation purposes.

You are a resident of Country Y for taxation purposes.

You receive a fortnightly pension payment.

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 17

Reasons for decision

Section 6-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) provides that 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.

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 Country Y Agreement is listed in section 5 of the Agreements Act.

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

Article XX of the DTA between Australia and Country Y considers pensions and annuities. It says that pensions (including government pensions) and annuities paid to a resident of a Contracting State shall be taxable only in that State.

As you are a resident of Country Y your pension is not assessable in Australia and no tax should be withheld from these payments.

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