Disclaimer This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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 written advice
Authorisation Number: 1051442261020
Date of advice: 19 October 2018
Ruling
Subject: Residency
Question
Are you a resident of Australia for income tax purposes?
Answer
No. Having considered your circumstances as a whole and the residency tests, it is accepted that you are not a resident of Australia for income tax purposes. Further information on residency can be found by searching 'QC 33232' on ato.gov.au
This ruling applies for the following period:
Year ended 30 June 20XX
The scheme commences on:
1 July 20XX
Relevant facts and circumstances
You were an Australia resident for taxation purposes living in Australia.
You have no family residing in Australia.
You left Australia permanently to be closer to family in 20XX.
You have been living overseas in rented accommodation since 20XX.
You sold your rental property in Australia.
You receive an Australian superannuation pension.
Relevant legislative provisions
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 995-1
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 subsection 6(1)
Reasons for decision
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 (and permanent place of abode) test,
● the 183 day test, and
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 will not satisfy any of the tests of residency.
Accordingly you are not a resident of Australia for income tax purposes under section 995-1(1) of the ITAA 1997 and subsection 6(1) of the ITAA 1936.