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Vicb170287(Initiate)Initiate
26 Jan 2024

Hello everyone,


We have now appointed an immigration consultant to assist us in what we hope a smooth ride to obtaining a visa. It looks as though we will be applying for a visa 189 due to our skills.


My question is:


As we receive dividends from a UK company (along with a PAYE salary), if we were approved a visa would it be beneficial to remove ourselves as directors and just become shareholders? The information I am finding is a little confusing to someone with little knowledge on tax.

I have spoken with our accountant and he has mentioned that this could be a possible way to avoid paying too much tax, however, he has informed us it would be best speak with a tax assistant for us to understand the rules and regs in Australia.

We can get employment if we do get accepted, however, I am concerned around the dividends and tax...


Hope this makes sense and I look forward to hearing is someone is able to point me in the right direction :)


Thank you, Vic

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217 views
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Bruce4Tax(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
27 Jan 2024

As we receive dividends from a UK company (along with a PAYE salary), if we were approved a visa would it be beneficial to remove ourselves as directors and just become shareholders?


If you receive dividends, then you must be a shareholder already - dividends can only be paid to shareholders.


Ceasing to be a director would only change AUS tax payable if it also changed your taxable income in AUS. All else being equal, you get taxed according to the income you receive, not what positions you might hold.


however, he has informed us it would be best speak with a tax assistant for us to understand the rules and regs in Australia.


Correct - go to see a local tax agent when you arrive here.


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Most helpful reply

Bruce4Tax(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
27 Jan 2024

As we receive dividends from a UK company (along with a PAYE salary), if we were approved a visa would it be beneficial to remove ourselves as directors and just become shareholders?


If you receive dividends, then you must be a shareholder already - dividends can only be paid to shareholders.


Ceasing to be a director would only change AUS tax payable if it also changed your taxable income in AUS. All else being equal, you get taxed according to the income you receive, not what positions you might hold.


however, he has informed us it would be best speak with a tax assistant for us to understand the rules and regs in Australia.


Correct - go to see a local tax agent when you arrive here.


Vicb170287(Initiate)Initiate
29 Jan 2024

Hello,


Thank you so much for your response, it is much appreciated.


Sorry for the confusions, yes we are shareholders along with Directors of the companies. We are currently at the start of our visa application so I guess the further we get along and the closer we get to an approved/disapproved application we can then look into local tax offices to where we are hoping to emigrate :)

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