Private ruling: Residency
Date of advice: 12 February 2020
Published: March 2020
Ruling period: Year ending 30 June 20XX | Year ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are you a resident of Australia for income tax purposes? | A1: No. Having considered your circumstances as a whole and the residency tests, it is accepted that you are not a resident of Australia for income tax purposes. Further information on residency can be found by searching 'QC 33232' on ato.gov.au

Relevant facts and circumstances: You and your spouse are Australian citizens with no other citizenships who left Australia in late 20XX so that you could take up employment in Country A. Your adult children remain in the family home in Australia which is rented on arms-length commercial, basis. Your intention upon departure was to reside permanently overseas. You hold a "XYZ" visa which allows you to remain working in Country A for twelve months. The visa is sponsored by your employer. You intend to apply for another visa when this one expires so that you may live in Country A indefinitely. You are a permanent employee of your company which allows you to work indefinitely overseas. You have rented an apartment in your name and have a twelve month lease. You also established a local bank account. You also retain an Australian bank account. Before leaving Australia you advised the Australian Electoral Office and Medicare of your departure and advised your bank that you would be overseas. However, you have retained your Australian private health fund as this provides economical cover for your adult children. You took your remaining household effects and personal possessions when you departed Australia. You had already donated most household effects to other family. You are studying the local language and have not retained membership of any Australian clubs or professional or sporting associations. You have returned to Australia for brief visits, to see family. Most such visits are for a month or less. You have been in Australia for less than 183 days last financial year. You have never been employed by the Australian Commonwealth government and do not belong to any Commonwealth superannuation scheme such as CSS or PSS.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 995-1(1) | Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Subsection 6(1)