New Zealander moving to Australia but working and being paid in New Zealand

(Newbie)Newbie

15 Jan 2024

I’m a Kiwi moving to Australia for an as yet unknown period of between 12 months to possibly 36 months. Move is for family reasons.

I intend to continue to work remotely from Australia for my NZ employer and will continue to be paid by them in NZ, transferring money to my Australian bank to cover rent and expenses as required.

Im struggling to understand what my tax residency will be, even though Ive spoken to ATO help desk.

My wife is over 65 and draws an NZ pension but does not work for any income, if that makes any difference as well.

Should I continue to have my pay taxed and paid in NZ ? If so, do i do a second tax return for ATO and declare what Ive been paid in NZ. ?

What about Medi care, I assume I would need to pay that regardless while living in Australia for my wife and I both ?

Would I need to also contribute to an Australian pension fund ? I would continue to pay into my existing KiwiSaver pension fund in NZ.

Any assistance anyone can offer on any of the above would be appreciated.

Thanks

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Taxduck

(Taxicorn)Taxicorn

15 Jan 2024

Your likely residency status would be a temporary resident.

See link on temporary residents https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/coming-to-australia-or-going-overseas/your-tax-residency/foreign-and-temporary-residents

Any work while you do here for your NZ company should be declared on an Australian tax return. If the income is taxed in NZ then the tax can be claimed as a tax offset to help eliminate double taxation. Any investment income earned in NZ is not declared.

If you are not eligible for Medicare benefits then you can apply for a Medicare levy exemption. See link. https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/medicare-and-private-health-insurance/medicare-levy/medicare-levy-exemption

You may be able to enroll in Medicare. See link. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/enrolling-medicare-if-youre-new-zealand-citizen?context=60092

You don't need to contribute to an Australian super fund.