Will staying for a year on a visa in Thailand affect my tax residency status in Australia?

Australian Tax Residency Thailand Visa Double Taxation Agreement Tax Obligations in Australia Thai Tax Residency Immigration and Taxation Expat Tax Issues

Sep 16, 2024

2 months ago

David *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

If I get a visa in Thailand and stay for a year, do I lose my tax residency in Australia?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Staying in Thailand on a visa for a year does not automatically result in losing your tax residency in Australia. Generally, Australian tax residency is maintained unless you inform the tax office of a permanent departure and settle your tax obligations. Additionally, spending over 180 days in Thailand may establish Thai tax residency, which can complicate tax responsibilities. It is advisable to consult the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and refer to any existing double taxation agreements between Australia and Thailand.

Paul *********

There is a thai tax advice FB group , better there, the general answer is no.

The ATO has a set of criteria to define your tax status. Check the ATO site.

2 months ago

Robert **********

You don't lose your tax residency status unless you tell the taxation dept you are leaving permanently and settle all your taxation obligations. I left Oz for 15 years but had to catch up with several years tax returns when I went back.

2 months ago

Henrik *****

Ask again next year, when the new laws has kicked in.

In Thailand you will never know, how laws will be enforced, until it actually happens.

2 months ago

Gregory ********

Not sure on Australia—but as long as you have not formally emigrated—you are taxed on your worldwide income—sure there is a double taxation agreement between Oz and Thailand—but normally you dont lose tax residency—unless you formally emigrate—need to check tax law in Oz

2 months ago

Tor ******

Check the double taxation agreement. Probably yes.

2 months ago

Tim *********

@Pat *****

After 180 days in Thailand he becomes a Thai tax resident. Required to submit tax return in April. Thai government will then liaise with Australian government.

cc

@David ********

2 months ago

David *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tim ********

is there any link back to the employer who manages the income tax or it's just between Thai and aus gov

2 months ago

Tim *********

@David ********

I don't know, sorry David. I imagine it's between the countries and their governmental tax departments. I don't think nation states would seek information exchange agreements with anyone other than another nation state

2 months ago

Reply to

Tim *********

Patrick ***********

@Tim ********

has this tax rule started yet ? 180 days in Thailand and you become a tax resident.

2 months ago

Tim *********

@Patrick **********

yes. As of January 2024. The first tax return of assessable income will be due in April 2025. To understand the impact on you, read your country's DTA with Thailand. Many countries agreed their pensions would be exempt from Thai income tax, although other income, capital gains etc would be assessable. But the UK agreement exempts only pensions paid by 'government'

2 months ago

Reply to

Tim *********

Pat ******

How they know that you left Australia for a year… tax office i mean ..

Deb ********

it's all connected

Gary ********

your passport will give it away. As you leave through departures your details are recorded that you left the country and by a year later, nothing to indicate you've returned.

2 months ago

Reply to

Gary ********

Tore *********

Maybe ask Australia?

2 months ago

Reply to

Tore *********

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