All Aussie Related Stuff (excluding the old age pension)

[Bagwain]

8 minutes ago, Nemises said:

I notice some States are no longer allowing you to renew your car rego until you’ve cleared traffic infringements/toll fees/parking fines etc.

Sure hope those unpaid fees/fines will never be made to be paid at airports before leaving!

Also if you don't pay fines for not voting your licence is cancelled and you don't know!!

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, Nemises said:

I notice some States are no longer allowing you to renew your car rego/driver’s licence until you’ve cleared traffic infringements/toll fees/parking fines etc.

Sure hope those unpaid fees/fines will never be made to be paid at airports before leaving!

 

Doubt it ever will as child support is a priority as it reduces the government picking up the tab, hence the reason they go hard as they have enough on their plate with welfare to cough up on, so why add to child support, not their problem if they can get the $'s out of the paying parent, and will apply whatever pressure they can, even putting a stop on your tax return cheque if your ever so lucky to get a return.

[ripstanley]

6 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

I believe the guys are talking if done in Australia

All passports applied for in Thailand are actually issued in Canberra.

[Bagwain]

2 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

Doubt it ever will as child support is a priority as it reduces the government picking up the tab, hence the reason they go hard as they have enough on their plate with welfare to cough up on, so why add to child support, not their problem if they can get the $'s out of the paying parent, and will apply whatever pressure they can, even putting a stop on your tax return cheque if your ever so lucky to get a return.

The guy that paid the big $$$ had already settled serious dollars many yrs before with divorce etc. In the Millions. Children grown up. Wife was pressure by Gov. dept. to lodge a claim. Foo*kin stinks!!!  

[moojar]

On 8/4/2018 at 9:14 PM, Nemises said:

onya moojar - thanks for checking mate.

75baht buys 25 satchels here in LoS (even cheaper when buying bulk packs of 500 satchels). So at this price I’ll be taking back the max. allowable 10kg to Aus rather than paying more on eBay or from Asian shops in Aus!

No worries Nemises, happy to help - I was in the tea & coffee aisle anyhow.  ?  

 

75 Baht - about half the price of Sydney / Oz then.  Cheap, but Thailand is getting more expensive eh?  I buy 400g jars of Maccona instant for $16 when it's on special - massive jar.

 

Just a FYI for anyone still wanting to buy 3-in-1, I visited Asian stores in my area yesterday - we have three that I know of within 300m of each other.  The Korean store carries one brand, 'G7'.  Couldn't find any coffee at all in the next store, not even instant.  But it's your typical disorganised rat's nest of a store, I could have just missed it.  And the third store has five or six varieties of 3-in-1.  That one was 'Tong Li' Supermarket, they have 14 stores across Sydney according to Google maps.  

 

Oh, and for anyone that does visit Sydney, Lucky Thai in Thainatown has closed down - was there couple weeks ago, all empty and no signs on the windows to say they have moved or anything - but I wouldn't be surprised if they have simply moved to larger premises, business always seemed pretty good.  There are two or three newer places within a block, that and all the Asian shops in the suburbs may have done them in.  Shame, I have spent many hours over the years on the footpath outside Lucky Thai wondering how frigging long it can take to buy a few things.  The AFP over the road may have opened a file on me by now, I spent that much time gazing at their offices.  ? 

[Will27]

2 hours ago, moojar said:

No worries Nemises, happy to help - I was in the tea & coffee aisle anyhow.  ?  

 

75 Baht - about half the price of Sydney / Oz then.  Cheap, but Thailand is getting more expensive eh?  I buy 400g jars of Maccona instant for $16 when it's on special - massive jar.

 

Just a FYI for anyone still wanting to buy 3-in-1, I visited Asian stores in my area yesterday - we have three that I know of within 300m of each other.  The Korean store carries one brand, 'G7'.  Couldn't find any coffee at all in the next store, not even instant.  But it's your typical disorganised rat's nest of a store, I could have just missed it.  And the third store has five or six varieties of 3-in-1.  That one was 'Tong Li' Supermarket, they have 14 stores across Sydney according to Google maps.  

 

Oh, and for anyone that does visit Sydney, Lucky Thai in Thainatown has closed down - was there couple weeks ago, all empty and no signs on the windows to say they have moved or anything - but I wouldn't be surprised if they have simply moved to larger premises, business always seemed pretty good.  There are two or three newer places within a block, that and all the Asian shops in the suburbs may have done them in.  Shame, I have spent many hours over the years on the footpath outside Lucky Thai wondering how frigging long it can take to buy a few things.  The AFP over the road may have opened a file on me by now, I spent that much time gazing at their offices.  ? 

The G7 brand is what I use.

 

The double strength packs are 180 Baht for 24 satchels.

[faranglopburi]

For you Aussies who live in LOS long term, ie retirement visa or marriage visa, what do you use for an address back in Australia?

 

I'm thinking about heading over with my Thai wife and doing the marriage visa but we don't own a house here in Aus. I'm thinking I'd just have to rent a self-storage shed and dump all the furniture & car in that, but what would I use as an address for drivers licence etc?

[Bagwain]

13 minutes ago, faranglopburi said:

For you Aussies who live in LOS long term, ie retirement visa or marriage visa, what do you use for an address back in Australia?

 

I'm thinking about heading over with my Thai wife and doing the marriage visa but we don't own a house here in Aus. I'm thinking I'd just have to rent a self-storage shed and dump all the furniture & car in that, but what would I use as an address for drivers licence etc?

I used my sisters address for a couple of yrs. Now I just don't bother. Non res!!

[faranglopburi]

11 minutes ago, Bagwain said:

I used my sisters address for a couple of yrs. Now I just don't bother. Non res!!

Ok. What did you end up doing with furniture etc? What about any bills etc? Did you have a PO Box and redirect the mail to Thailand?

[sceadugenga]

I just use a friends, what little mail I still get goes there.

There was one last week, an alert that my heavy transport drivers license would be downgraded due to my age if I did not attend a medical.

No chance, I've driven my last truck.

 

[Nemises]

What about any bills etc? Did you have a PO Box and redirect the mail to Thailand?

I don’t think Aus Post will re-direct overseas. It’s best to have your mail sent to an Aus relative or friend (or maybe your accountant)...someone who can contact you when important bills/docs/renewals/cards etc arrive.  

 

[Nemises]

A service such as this is available for non-residents:

 

https://www.travellers.com.au/plan-your-trip/mail-holding-service/

[Old Croc]

I am still resident for tax purposes.  I use a friends address, he lets me know about, and can forward anything important, but virtually everything is on line these days.

[Old Croc]

Australia's population hits 25 million.

 

https://www.watoday.com.au/business/the-economy/australia-s-population-clock-hits-25-million-20180806-p4zvv7.html

 

[Lacessit]

I am interested in a statement made by one of the TV members claiming if you are overseas for more than 183 days, you are declared a non-resident by the Australian government, with tax consequences.

I am planning to extend my stay to about 200 days next time, to adjust my schedule of regular returns every six months to align with cheaper airfares.

What is the process for restoring one's Australian resident status?

[Will27]

9 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I am interested in a statement made by one of the TV members claiming if you are overseas for more than 183 days, you are declared a non-resident by the Australian government, with tax consequences.

I am planning to extend my stay to about 200 days next time, to adjust my schedule of regular returns every six months to align with cheaper airfares.

What is the process for restoring one's Australian resident status?

Either you misinterpreted that statement or it is incorrect.

 

Our tax system is based on self assessment, so it's up to you to declare your residency.

From what you've said about being away for 200 days, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Old Croc]

On ‎8‎/‎5‎/‎2018 at 10:39 AM, Nemises said:

I notice some States are no longer allowing you to renew your car rego/driver’s licence until you’ve cleared traffic infringements/toll fees/parking fines etc.

Sure hope those unpaid fees/fines will never be made to be paid at airports before leaving!

 

Simple answer pay your fines, or learn to fit in to the system (slow down). I copped plenty over the years, swore like beggary every time, but always paid up.

 

In my last year of work I had a forced office move from Perth to Fremantle which resulted in a long commute every day.  I was given $200 to compensate, but lost that amount in two days when I was twice clocked a couple of Ks over the limit on the highway.

 

 

[sceadugenga]

You would lose a lot more than that now with two fines, the penalties are horrendous.

Some people even suggest they are income generators for the state...

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I am interested in a statement made by one of the TV members claiming if you are overseas for more than 183 days, you are declared a non-resident by the Australian government, with tax consequences.

I am planning to extend my stay to about 200 days next time, to adjust my schedule of regular returns every six months to align with cheaper airfares.

What is the process for restoring one's Australian resident status?

The 183 day rule applies if you up and go, i.e. change your address to say Thailand for good, the tax man will want to charge you under a different tax scale for non resident/foreign residents, same meaning.

 

If you are going and coming, i.e. 200 days in LOS and the balance in Australia as a one off, I wouldn't really bother about it, but one thing to note if you do decide to up and live here in the LOS permanently for more than 183 days in a financial year, as it applies to a "financial year", the 183 days that is, the thing to watch out for are the tax implications, i.e. they hit you hard, like 32.5c in every $ earned in Australia, and it will be full capital gains tax on property from 1 July 2019 for non residents/foreign resident, note those that declare that they are Australian residents are ok, although the onus will be on them to prove their residency, if ever audited.

 

So if you have property, it is something to think long and hard over, that is if you are going to be moving overseas, as it won't be worth holding onto.

 

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/Work-out-your-tax-residency/Residency-tests/

 

https://www.hlb.com.au/cgt-main-residence-exemption-to-disappear-for-non-residents/

[moojar]

2 hours ago, Will27 said:

Either you misinterpreted that statement or it is incorrect.

 

Our tax system is based on self assessment, so it's up to you to declare your residency.

From what you've said about being away for 200 days, I wouldn't worry about it.

I have no personal experience, but I'd be very surprised if the individual gets to decide whether they want to be 'resident' or 'non resident'.  Can you imagine the ATO allowing you to choose according to what is most advantageous to yourself?  

I have read up on it on the ATO website in the past, just assumed I'd be 'non resident' if out of the country for more than half the year.  With politics nowadays they keep talking about "the pub test", as in would something the politician is spinning be seen as BS or not when discussed amongst mates.  And claiming to be Oz resident whilst living in Thailand?  Doesn't pass my pub test. 

 

But in the case of spending 200 days out of Oz / 165 days in Oz year after year, as long as a home / car / insurance policies etc. are maintained in Oz you'd be resident IMO - you have a permanent home in the country, you just travel a lot.  But 'IMO' means 'in my opinion', and internet forum opinions are not worth the paper they are written on.  ?

 

I hope I am wrong, will help me decide a few things before I move over.   I'll give the ATO a call someday.

 

Quote

You will generally remain an Australian resident for tax purposes if:

• you're overseas temporarily and you don't set up a permanent home in another country
• you work overseas.

 

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/international-tax-for-individuals/work-out-your-tax-residency/

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/In-detail/Residency/Residency---the-resides-test/

 

 

[4MyEgo]

6 minutes ago, moojar said:

I have no personal experience, but I'd be very surprised if the individual gets to decide whether they want to be 'resident' or 'non resident'.  Can you imagine the ATO allowing you to choose according to what is most advantageous to yourself?  

I have read up on it on the ATO website in the past, just assumed I'd be 'non resident' if out of the country for more than half the year.  With politics nowadays they keep talking about "the pub test", as in would something the politician is spinning be seen as BS or not when discussed amongst mates.  And claiming to be Oz resident whilst living in Thailand?  Doesn't pass my pub test. 

 

But in the case of spending 200 days out of Oz / 165 days in Oz year after year, as long as a home / car / insurance policies etc. are maintained in Oz you'd be resident IMO - you have a permanent home in the country, you just travel a lot.  But 'IMO' means 'in my opinion', and internet forum opinions are not worth the paper they are written on.  ?

 

I hope I am wrong, will help me decide a few things before I move over.   I'll give the ATO a call someday.

 

 

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/international-tax-for-individuals/work-out-your-tax-residency/

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/In-detail/Residency/Residency---the-resides-test/

 

 

Your pretty spot on, but you do get to chose your residency on your tax return form, i.e. tick resident, or non resident, but if audited you have to prove your residency.

 

That said, things are constantly changing, I refer to the change for people's principal place of residents if they work overseas from 1 July 2019, from my interpretation anyone working overseas after that date, (if the legislation is passed) will be subject to full capital gains tax on their principal place of residence, therefore rendering them a non resident/foreign resident, even if they are claiming that they are an Australian resident.

 

Feel free to correct me anyone please, or elaborate what your thoughts might be on the implications.

 

https://www.hlb.com.au/cgt-main-residence-exemption-to-disappear-for-non-residents/

[4MyEgo]

18 hours ago, faranglopburi said:

For you Aussies who live in LOS long term, ie retirement visa or marriage visa, what do you use for an address back in Australia?

 

I'm thinking about heading over with my Thai wife and doing the marriage visa but we don't own a house here in Aus. I'm thinking I'd just have to rent a self-storage shed and dump all the furniture & car in that, but what would I use as an address for drivers licence etc?

I use a mates address, but all my mail goes to my PO Box which gets emptied and held by a friend of mine and I collect it when ever I am back, usually every 18 months.

 

If its something urgent she can take a photo and send it through LINE app to me or scan and email, the trick is to keep a date on when things are due to be renewed, like Medicare card, drivers licence etc etc so that you can time it to get them replaced.

[ELVIS123456]

4 hours ago, Old Croc said:

Australia's population hits 25 million.

 

https://www.watoday.com.au/business/the-economy/australia-s-population-clock-hits-25-million-20180806-p4zvv7.html

 

I am not a 'phrophet of doom' but Australia is heading for an economic disaster.  Not only is 25 milion unsustainable in a country with a very limited 'liveable' land area, but the bigger problem is that Sydney and Melbourne account for 40% of the population - the vast majority of which is from immigration which goes directly to those two cities every year.  There is no other country on earth where such a large percentage of the total population is crammed into just 2 cities. When I left Sydney over 20 years ago it was 'full' and getting fuller.  When I visited last year, it was unbelieveable - there are far too many people in such a small area.  There are many problems with this population and rapid growth, but the biggest problem for such a large population growth is water.  It doesnt rain in Australia enough to support many more people.  This is not going to end well.  

 

[Nemises]

I’m tipping that the 25th million “Australian” was born in Sydney, to parents who do not speak English as their first language.

[Old Croc]

6 minutes ago, ELVIS123456 said:

I am not a 'phrophet of doom' but Australia is heading for an economic disaster.  Not only is 25 milion unsustainable in a country with a very limited 'liveable' land area, but the bigger problem is that Sydney and Melbourne account for 40% of the population - the vast majority of which is from immigration which goes directly to those two cities every year.  There is no other country on earth where such a large percentage of the total population is crammed into just 2 cities. When I left Sydney over 20 years ago it was 'full' and getting fuller.  When I visited last year, it was unbelieveable - there are far too many people in such a small area.  There are many problems with this population and rapid growth, but the biggest problem for such a large population growth is water.  It doesnt rain in Australia enough to support many more people.  This is not going to end well.  

 

I'm of the opinion Australia can support a population of up to 40 million.

You're right about the non sustainable trend of growth in the big cities, but there is space, water and potential for agriculture, industry and population growth in the north of the country. There is more of all the above than many other higher populated countries have. Of course land will have to be excised from the lazy, greedy clutches of the indigenous locals.?

The copious water resources in some areas need to be diverted to open up other vast tracks of land for more efficient use. Something other than the current system of hoping for rainfall at the right time and place, and that the rivers will flow.  Scientists need to replace the majority of conservative family farmers living in the past and trying to survive on centuries old farming methods.

Of course it will require far thinking dedicated government representatives prepared to plan and fund infrastructure a long way in to the future and not just  waste taxpayers money on short term populous candy designed to keep themselves at the trough every 3 years.  (nearly impossible)

 

Australia has the potential to be great again (!), despite geographical limitations, bad planning and even worse politicians. 

[Lacessit]

4 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

The 183 day rule applies if you up and go, i.e. change your address to say Thailand for good, the tax man will want to charge you under a different tax scale for non resident/foreign residents, same meaning.

 

If you are going and coming, i.e. 200 days in LOS and the balance in Australia as a one off, I wouldn't really bother about it, but one thing to note if you do decide to up and live here in the LOS permanently for more than 183 days in a financial year, as it applies to a "financial year", the 183 days that is, the thing to watch out for are the tax implications, i.e. they hit you hard, like 32.5c in every $ earned in Australia, and it will be full capital gains tax on property from 1 July 2019 for non residents/foreign resident, note those that declare that they are Australian residents are ok, although the onus will be on them to prove their residency, if ever audited.

 

So if you have property, it is something to think long and hard over, that is if you are going to be moving overseas, as it won't be worth holding onto.

 

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/International-tax-for-individuals/Work-out-your-tax-residency/Residency-tests/

 

https://www.hlb.com.au/cgt-main-residence-exemption-to-disappear-for-non-residents/

I do have a permanent address in Australia. I only rent in Thailand. I also maintain things such as private health insurance in Australia.

Having said that, I go back to Australia once every six months. For 2 - 3 weeks at a time. So I'm definitely outside Australia for more than 183 days of a year on that basis.

I guess if the ATO wants to crack down on me, I'll simply move my investments overseas, then tell them to go  ***k themselves. Capital gains tax won't apply.

[ELVIS123456]

2 hours ago, Old Croc said:

I'm of the opinion Australia can support a population of up to 40 million.

You're right about the non sustainable trend of growth in the big cities, but there is space, water and potential for agriculture, industry and population growth in the north of the country. There is more of all the above than many other higher populated countries have. Of course land will have to be excised from the lazy, greedy clutches of the indigenous locals.?

The copious water resources in some areas need to be diverted to open up other vast tracks of land for more efficient use. Something other than the current system of hoping for rainfall at the right time and place, and that the rivers will flow.  Scientists need to replace the majority of conservative family farmers living in the past and trying to survive on centuries old farming methods.

Of course it will require far thinking dedicated government representatives prepared to plan and fund infrastructure a long way in to the future and not just  waste taxpayers money on short term populous candy designed to keep themselves at the trough every 3 years.  (nearly impossible)

 

Australia has the potential to be great again (!), despite geographical limitations, bad planning and even worse politicians. 

Maybe, maybe not (40 million). But I agree that there has not been enough planning, and that sustainable growth in Sydney and Melb at its current rate is a pipe dream.

 

Many years ago Whitlam tried to abolish the States and create 'territories' that were a combination of Local and State Govts - he even went so far as to begin planning on Albury-Wodonga as a centre of such a structure in Australia.  Needless to say the powers that be got rid of him and his Govt's ideas - which IMO was the first and last decent Labor Govt in Australia - unfortunately they imploded and ran out of money as most socialists do.   Still, the concept is what is needed now - abolish the States and replace them with Regional Governments. This is what USA did many years ago and what Australia should have done.  Regional Governments would genuinely look after the people and businesses in that Region - ACT is the best example. They do all Local Govt activities and many of the State stuff (Health, etc) - the rest is done by the Federal Govt.  This would lead to people and businesses leaving Sydney and Melbourne, and that is why the Uber rich and Elite in those two cities stopped this idea dead in its tracks (and the death of the Govt that proposed it).  

 

Democracy is the best bad form of Government because it is totally driven my media interests and short-term populism, so such an issue will not get anywhere fast in Aust.  Benevolent dictatorship always has been and always will be the best form of Govt, but unfortunatelky benevolent dictators tend to be killed off and/or taken over by non-benevolent ones.

 

 

 

   

[Lacessit]

2 hours ago, Old Croc said:

I'm of the opinion Australia can support a population of up to 40 million.

You're right about the non sustainable trend of growth in the big cities, but there is space, water and potential for agriculture, industry and population growth in the north of the country. There is more of all the above than many other higher populated countries have. Of course land will have to be excised from the lazy, greedy clutches of the indigenous locals.?

The copious water resources in some areas need to be diverted to open up other vast tracks of land for more efficient use. Something other than the current system of hoping for rainfall at the right time and place, and that the rivers will flow.  Scientists need to replace the majority of conservative family farmers living in the past and trying to survive on centuries old farming methods.

Of course it will require far thinking dedicated government representatives prepared to plan and fund infrastructure a long way in to the future and not just  waste taxpayers money on short term populous candy designed to keep themselves at the trough every 3 years.  (nearly impossible)

 

Australia has the potential to be great again (!), despite geographical limitations, bad planning and even worse politicians. 

One of the worst politicians at the present time is Tony Abbott. His serial obstruction of any coherent energy policy has done immense damage, and continues to do so.

Anyone with more than a few brain cells can see the combination of renewable solar energy ( Australia gets more sun than any other country ) and desalination would provide enough water to support huge tracts of agriculture. And flush the salts from what was once productive farming country.

If the politicians don't get off their backsides, the Chinese will probably do it for them. IMHO we can't rely on the US to protect us.

 

[Bagwain]

Speaking to an accountant by phone today & he informed me that the ATO got a windfall from the budget and put on a heap of staff. The agents are getting a hammering of these plebs for small amounts owed to the ATO. Make what you will of this, but doesn't sound good!!

[4MyEgo]

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I do have a permanent address in Australia. I only rent in Thailand. I also maintain things such as private health insurance in Australia.

Having said that, I go back to Australia once every six months. For 2 - 3 weeks at a time. So I'm definitely outside Australia for more than 183 days of a year on that basis.

I guess if the ATO wants to crack down on me, I'll simply move my investments overseas, then tell them to go  ***k themselves. Capital gains tax won't apply.

The permanent address if your principal place of residence, i.e. your home will be subject to full capital gains tax unfortunately.

 

As for private health insurance, you might want to look into that as they won't cover you if your residence is outside of Australia, having said that, you might want to look into international health insurance which also covers you worldwide, or get one without all the extras that you won't use and hopefully bring the annual fee down, personally I have one for emergency and elective surgery only, it covers me here in the LOS and 4 neighbouring countries and gives worldwide cover for 90 days (emergency only).

 

I had no option but to sell up and invest my money in the stock market as its tax free for non residents, (excluding unfranked credits). The way I see it, the housing market in Australia isn't going to go anywhere in the upward direction for at least 10 years so investing the money and not paying tax provides me with a comfortable lifestyle here, as opposed to hanging onto it to pay 32.5c in the $, plus all the other associated costs.

 

Some careful planning and research and you will be wiser than giving those a$$holes any tax and all of the capital appreciation on your property.

 

Just remember if your under 67 you will have to return to get the age pension when you turn 67, but will have to remain there for at least 2 years to have it made portable to return to Thailand, you might know of this already.