Can anyone guide me here!

i will going to Oz early next year and will be in receipt of a 22yr pension.

On the Oz Taxation office website quote
"Some foreign pensions or annuities will be exempt income in Australia and will not need to be included on your tax return

pensions or annuities that are exempt income in Australia include:

certain service-related UK pensions"

When I phoned them and asked them which certain service - related Uk pensions are exempt, the answer was that is a very technical question and I do not have the list so I do not know.

does anyone know ??

I queried this with the ATO some time ago, the official answer I received was that basically this only applies to war/medical pensions. Standard MOD pensions are taxable in Australia. ( However, New rules about to be introduced for 410 Retirement Visa holders)

I do not see why I should be taxed on my MoD pension by the Oz Gov when it is Taxed in the UK all be it at a lesser rate!

If I played dump and just did not tell the ATO, how would they find out? especailly if the pension stays in the UK?

You do not have to pay tax twice. Once in Australia and registered wtih the ATO, you can get them to sign a form which certifies that you will be paying Australian tax on your pension. Once Inland Revenue have this, they will cease to tax you on your money.

cheers hussar,
I'm aware of the "double tax" agreement.

BUT is there anyway the ATO would find out that i am in receipt of a pension, epsecailly if i do not tell them and "play dumb"?

It's always a risk hiding income from the Tax office! The UK Tax office would know you are in receipt of a pension and could tell them! It's not a chance I would take personally, but it is up to you.