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alexis3216(Newbie)Newbie
15 May 2026

Hi all, looking for some guidance on my tax situation as it's a bit unusual.


My situation:

  • I'm currently in Australia (arrived in late March)on a Working Holiday Visa

(subclass 417)

  • I have a part-time employment contract with a Hong Kong company, working remotely 20 hours/week
  • My salary is paid in HKD into a Hong Kong bank account by the HK employer, and I will still do taxes in Hong Kong
  • I physically perform all the work from Australia
  • The contract is governed by Hong Kong law, and surely the employer only acknowledges obligations under HK law
  • The contract explicitly states I'm solely responsible for any overseas tax obligations

My questions:

  1. Since I'm a WHV holder (likely a foreign resident for tax purposes), does my HK-sourced employment income need to be declared to the ATO?
  2. Does it matter that I'm physically in Australia when doing the work, even though the employer and contract are entirely HK-based?
  3. Is there a difference between being classified as a "foreign resident" vs "temporary resident" for tax purposes, and which would apply to me?
  4. Where can I seek free professional tax legal advice in Melbourne?

Any guidance appreciated — happy to provide more details if needed. Thanks!

33 views
1 replies
33 views
1 replies

All replies

JayATO(Community Support)Community Support
18 May 2026

Hi @alexis3216,


Yes, in many cases, you will need to declare your Hong Kong employment income to us. A key factor is where the work is physically performed – not where your employer is based, your contract is governed, or where you’re paid. Because you’re working in Australia, this may make your income Australian‑sourced.


Your tax treatment depends on your residency status. Working holiday visa holders are often treated as foreign residents, but this depends on individual circumstances.


Foreign residents are taxed on Australian‑sourced income, including employment income earned while working in Australia.

Australian residents are taxed on their worldwide income.


A temporary resident is a type of Australian resident who may receive concessions on some foreign income, but these don’t apply to employment income earned while working in Australia.


You can use our residency tools to help work out your status.


If tax is also paid in Hong Kong, you may be eligible for a foreign income tax offset. The Australia–Hong Kong tax agreement may affect how the income is taxed, but it doesn’t necessarily remove the need to include it in your Australian tax return.

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Do I need to declare overseas employment income when working remotely in Australia on a WHV? | ATO Community