Singapore Expats

hey -
just wondering whether as an Aussie you must pay teh ATO tax on Singapore earnings?

I am on a work permit, been here over a year and employed full-time, I have paid tax on my salary to Singapore.

Any other Australians know what the go is?

Thanks!

Matt,

If its anything like the UK system, then as long as you are not in Australia for a certain number of days a year (UK is 183/365) then you do not have to pay tax on your salary earnt in Singapore. The other stipulation is as long as you dont spend an average of 90 days a year (over a 4y period) then again you are fine..

Id be surprised if there wasnt anything in Australian tax law that doesnt resemble this in some way.

Sorry i cant provide a more thorough answer, but at least its a help

Matt like all things it depends on your circumstances and certain fundamental rules. Even then there are a number of things you can do to help yourself. I have posted a few times already on this issue so you might want to do a search or pm specifically on your circumstances. As much as Jake is trying to help you its more compliacted then it sounds like he understands.

As an example the 183 day rule he has stated in he email is 1 or 3 key tests. The rules have recently been changed to impact mainly workers who work overseas but are really domiciled in Australia (such as oil rig, aid and military workers).

thanks for the replies -
just the info seemed a bit vague on the ATO with many definitions and then sub-definitions before I could really work out "who" I am for tax purposes! I'll do some more looking into this and try to get into contact with a friend/accountant from back home!

thanks!

My understanding is that under Aussie law, you're paying tax twice. Both in Singapore AND Australia.

The EXCEPTION is if you declare yourself no longer an Australian resident, then you only get taxed by Singapore. (nothing stopping you then later 'changing your mind' and moving back to Australia to take up residency again)

But like anything, get professional advice from your accountant.

edit: if by chance you DO declare yourself as a non-resident of Australia, and still derive income from Australia, eg you have property you are renting out to tenants, or you earn income from bank interest, shares etc... you are no longer entitled to the tax free thresh-hold back home, and you're taxed differently as well..... so do weigh up which option is best for you paying 2x lots of tax on your 'job', or higher tax on your supplementary income.

check out the ATO website..im pretty sure that there is a system which prevents double taxation.

heres a good starting point:
http://www.ato.gov.au/corporate/pathway ... 01_002_012