Hello,
I want to invest in US real estate. I have a full time job in Australia.
Will I get taxed twice if I make a profit? Do I have to complete a US tax return? Is there a tax treaty between the US and Australia? Will I need to complete a
W-8BEN form when completing a transaction before making investments.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
kind regards
Greg
Hi @Newy1,
If you purchase a capital asset overseas you'll need to check with the taxing authority over there in relation to your reporting obligations. As an Australian resident for tax purposes you'll need to declare your worldwide income. This includes foreign rental income and deductions from overseas. Once you sell or dispose of the property you'd need to report the capital gain or loss here. If you also pay tax overseas, you may be able to apply a foreign income tax offset.
You can check the tax treaty in relation to tax on your overseas income from here.
Hi @Newy1,
If you purchase a capital asset overseas you'll need to check with the taxing authority over there in relation to your reporting obligations. As an Australian resident for tax purposes you'll need to declare your worldwide income. This includes foreign rental income and deductions from overseas. Once you sell or dispose of the property you'd need to report the capital gain or loss here. If you also pay tax overseas, you may be able to apply a foreign income tax offset.
You can check the tax treaty in relation to tax on your overseas income from here.
21 May 2026 · 4 min read time
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min read time
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