Hi, Does anyone know how i can make myself an Australian non-resident for taxation purposes? I am Australian and have been outside of Aus for 8 years. Do you know if this is done via my next tax return or do i have to notify somebody? If anyone has any experience in this area it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

You simply ring the ATO and declare yourself non-resident.

I think after 8yrs you are 99% likely to qualify as non-resident. In fact you can be non-resident with as little as 2 yrs overseas.

Use the ATO's webpage to help determine your status:
http://calculators.ato.gov.au/scripts/axos/axos.asp?CON...esidency_leaving.XR4

You should also tell your Aussie banks and Aussie share brokers you are non-resident. If you do this, they will deduct 10% non-res withholding tax from your bank interest and a similar 15% (or so) withholding tax from your Aussie divis. This means you no longer need to lodge Aussie tax returns for your Oz bank interest or Oz divis. However if you have more complicated tax affairs you may still need to lodge aussie tax returns.

I am not a qualified tax advisor but I spent 10 years as a non-res in the UK.

Best thing to do is try the above ATO link and read their related info pages.

cbeers
Ivan

Thanks Ivan for your advice it was just what i was looking for. Do you know if the U.K has a similar status for U.K residents as my spouse is leaving the U.K also.
Thanks again. Anthony

Does your wife receive a UK tax return every year ? If she does then there is a section on the return where you can state that you no longer receive income in the UK. The Inland Revenue then send you a letter to tell you that they wont send you another tax return in future.

If your wife doesnt have to fill in a return (like most of the people in the UK) then I dont believe she has to do anything - I haven't !

Hi Colin, Thanks for the info. It all seems pretty straight forward i am surprised i thought it would be more difficult than that.
Thanks again.
Anthony