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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1051456865529

Date of advice: 22 November 2018

Ruling

Subject: Australian residency for taxation purposes

Question

Are you an Australian resident for taxation purposes?

Answer

No. Given regard to your circumstances as a whole and a consideration of the ordinary concepts and residency tests and other factors outlined in Taxation Ruling IT 2650, it is accepted that 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.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Financial year ended 30 June 2018

Financial year ending 30 June 2019

The scheme commences on:

1 July 2017

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are an Australian citizen.

You left Australia to live and work in Country A on a work visa with residency permit. You have committed to an initial two year contract in your current position with a possibility of extension.

Your spouse and children joined you in Country A and live with you there in rented accommodation.

Neither you nor your spouse currently hold a position with the Commonwealth Government of Australia or are currently eligible to contribute to a government superannuation fund.

Your children attend school in Country A and you have joined school organisation there in addition to other sporting clubs and groups.

You own a home in Australia which you have rented out indefinitely. You have taken your furniture with you to Country A.

You sold your cars and cancelled your Australian insurances, memberships and subscriptions. You have advised the electoral commission to remove you from the roll.

You and your family intend to return to Australia to visit family annually for holidays but do not intend to return to live in Australia permanently within the next five years.

Relevant legislative provisions

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

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1)