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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1051488992815

Date of advice: 21 March 2019

Ruling

Subject: Residency status

Question

Am I a resident for tax purposes?

Answer

Yes

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.

Section 995-1 of the Income tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) defines an Australian resident for tax 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.

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 satisfy the Domicile test for residency.

Accordingly you are 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 period:

Year ending 30 June 2020

The scheme commences on:

The scheme has commenced

Relevant facts and circumstances

    ● Client is currently in Country X on a visitor’s visa and has been since they left Australia on xx xxxx 20xx.

    ● Client has suffered from a health issue that has stopped their return to Australia.

    ● Client is attending a nursing home for constant medical care.

    ● Client has no physical assets in Country X.

    ● Client’s home and car are in Australia.

    ● Client never intended to stay in Country X.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1)

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