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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

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Edited version of private advice

Authorisation Number: 1051565746357

Date of advice: 15 August 2019

Ruling

Subject: Residency

Question

Are you a resident of Australia for income tax purposes?

Answer

Yes. Section 995-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) defines an Australian resident for taxation purposes as a person who is a resident of Australia for the purposes of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936).

The terms 'resident' and 'resident of Australia', in regard to an individual, are defined in subsection 6(1) of the ITAA 1936. The definition provides four tests to ascertain whether a taxpayer is a resident of Australia for income tax purposes. The tests are:

·         the resides test,

·         the domicile test,

·         the 183 day test, and

·         the superannuation test.

The first two tests are examined in detail in Taxation Ruling IT 2650 - Income tax: residency - permanent place of abode outside Australia. The latter two tests are relatively self-explanatory as they require the individual to either be physical present in Australia for a period greater than 183 days or be eligible to contribute to the PSS or CSS superannuation schemes.

If any one of these tests is met, an individual will be a resident of Australia for taxation purposes.

Based on the facts you have provided, we can conclude that you are a resident of Australia for income tax purposes.

This ruling applies for the following period:

Year ended 30 June 20XX

The scheme commences on:

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are a citizen of Country Y.

You arrived in Australia on X XXXX 20XX.

You entered Australia on a 407 training visa.

You signed a X year contract with a hospital.

You signed a X month lease on a rental property in Australia.

You intended on being in Australia and working for at least 2 years.

Prior to coming to Australia you lived and worked in Country Z for Y years.

You do not have any assets anywhere in the world.

You left Australia in mid-June due to personal reasons.

You are not eligible to contribute to the PSS or the CSS Commonwealth superannuation funds.

Relevant legislative provisions

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

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1)

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