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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1051470791717

Date of advice: 22 January 2019

Ruling

Subject: Residency for tax purposes

Question

Are you a resident of Australia for taxation purposes from the time you left Australia?

Answer

No

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

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Period ending 30 June 2017

Period ending 30 June 2018

Period ending 30 June 2019

Period ending 30 June 2020

Period ending 30 June 2021

The scheme commences on:

1 November 2016

Relevant facts and circumstances

You were born in Australia.

You are a citizen of Australia.

You lived in mining camp accommodation in Australia prior to your departure.

You temporarily lived with your brother and parents from time to time.

You travelled overseas for up to three months at a time during winter.

You left Australia with the intention of living overseas with no intention of moving back to Australia.

You obtained a 3 month visa for Country X because that was what was available to you as a national of Australia.

You continued to renew your visa every 90 days until you were eligible to apply for a 2 year term visa.

You have been granted a two year work visa.

You intend to extend your visa after that date.

You currently wish to remain in country X for the foreseeable future.

Your son remains with his mother in Australia and is Y years old.

Your relationship with his mother ceased and she has remarried.

You have returned to Australia only to visit your son.

You stayed with family and friends when you returned to Australia on holiday.

You do not have a permanent place of abode available to you in Australia.

You own two investment properties in Australia. Both are leased through a professional property agent.

You have lived in three residences while in country X attached to the mining camps where you are employed.

Your employer selected where you were to live and had to move you on two occasions for security reasons.

Your employer assists with the cost of your residence including utility bills.

You are now living long term in a residence.

You have assets in Australia (Bank Account, Investment properties, Motorcycle.)

You have assets in country X (Vehicle, Bank Accounts, household effects)

You have had full time employment in country X since your arrival.

Your contract of employment is ongoing with no end date specified.

You were not accompanied to country X by any family members.

You are an active member of the Golf Club.

You have no social or sporting connections in Australia.

You have never been a Commonwealth Government Eligible Employee.

You have cancelled your private health insurance policy in Australia.

You have maintained your Medicare card as your son is named on the card and it is used for his benefit in Australia.

You do not know where you are registered for voting (State or Electorate) and you rarely voted when you were in Australia.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1).

Income tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) Section 995-1