Am I an Australian Resident for Tax?
Your tax residency decides what income you need to declare in Australia and which tax rates apply. It is not the same as your visa or citizenship. Moving to Australia, leaving, or living between two countries? We help you get it right.
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Why your residency matters
Residents
Generally taxed on worldwide income. Can use the tax-free threshold and resident tax rates.
Non-residents
Generally taxed only on Australian income, with no tax-free threshold and different tax rates.
Temporary residents
Generally don’t declare most foreign income, but rules apply. We will check for you.
How is tax residency worked out?
There are several tests. In simple terms, they look at things like:
- Whether you live in Australia and how settled your life is here
- Where your home, family, work and assets are
- How long you have been in Australia during the year
- Whether you have a permanent home overseas
Your visa or citizenship alone does not decide your tax residency. Every situation is different, so it is worth checking.
Moving to Australia
- You may be a resident for only part of the year
- Your tax-free threshold may be reduced for that year
- Income earned overseas before you arrived is usually treated differently
Leaving Australia
- You may stop being a tax resident
- Leaving can trigger capital gains tax on certain assets
- You may still need to lodge for Australian income, such as rent
Resident of two countries?
If you could be a tax resident of Australia and another country, a double tax agreement may decide where you are treated as resident.
⚠️ General information only – not personal advice. This page is a simple overview to help you understand the basics. It is not tax, legal or financial advice and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Foreign income, tax residency and tax treaty rules are complex, depend on your situation and the country involved, and can change. Please don’t act on this information without getting advice for your situation. UV TAX advises on Australian tax only – for tax obligations in another country, you may also need advice from a qualified adviser in that country.
How it works
Free consultation
Call 0466 268 405 or (03) 9007 7892 and tell us about your overseas income.
Free fixed quote
We give you a clear, fixed-fee quote before any work starts.
We do the work
Send your documents online. We check your residency, income and any foreign tax paid.
Done & lodged
We lodge your return and explain the result in plain English.
Overseas income? Get it right the first time
Speak with UV TAX today. Free consultation and a free, no-obligation fixed quote – no office visit needed.
0466 268 405Frequently asked questions
Does my visa decide if I am a tax resident?
No. Tax residency is worked out using tax tests, not your visa or citizenship. Someone on a temporary visa can still be a tax resident.
I moved to Australia this year. Do I declare my overseas income?
Usually only income earned after you became a resident, but it depends on your situation. Call us to check.
I am leaving Australia. Do I still need to lodge a tax return?
You may need to, especially for the part of the year you were a resident or if you still earn Australian income such as rent.
Can I be a tax resident of two countries?
Yes, it can happen. A double tax agreement may help decide where you are treated as resident.
Related services
General information only, current as at November 2026. Tax laws and tax treaties change and every situation is different. Contact us for advice about your own circumstances.